Biological study engineer (M/F): Development of functional genetics tools and maintenance of transgenic lines in the sea anemone Nematostella vectensis

Job Description

Missions

A 1-year research engineer position in functional genomics in developmental biology / stress-response / regeneration / longevity is available in the Röttinger team (https://ircan.org/en/research/eric-rottinger) at the Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging, Nice (IRCAN), Université Côte d'Azur, France.

The Röttinger team draws on the intriguing biological characteristics of cnidarians (ex corals, sea anemones) such as their remarkable resistance to stress (e.g., high irradiance and food deprivation), extreme regenerative abilities and extended longevity. The team's primary research model is the sea anemone Nematostella vectensis, an emerging model for investigating these biological features (Röttinger, 2021).

The recruited candidate will contribute to the team's projects (in particular the ANR Telotherm project) through the development of functional genetics tools in the sea anemone Nematostella vectensis and the maintenance of transgenic lines. Specifically, the recruited engineer will be responsible for the transgenic and knockout animals hosted on the ANTIAGE platform (https://www.ibisa.net/plateformes/antiage-727.html) and for their characterization (genotyping, phenotyping, etc.), in order to generate data for ongoing research projects, finalize the implementation of the collected information into a dedicated database for these transgenic lines, and continue developing new genetic tools for the team's projects.


The development of genetic tools will involve state-of-the-art genome-editing approaches (CRISPR/Cas9) to generate knock-in (KI) and knock-out (KO) lines (constitutive and conditional KOs), as well as more classical approaches using meganuclease-mediated techniques for reporter lines. The genetic approaches described, notably meganuclease-mediated transgenesis and CRISPR/Cas9-based KI and KO strategies, are established and are undergoing continuous development within the scientific community working on N. vectensis.

The recruited engineer will also receive training in the animal husbandry specific to the animals of the facility and will actively participate in the activities of the ANTIAGE platform, which hosts all the genetic tools developed, or under development. The engineer will also actively take part in all team meetings (in English), meetings with collaborators as needed, as well as in the institute's internal seminars.

Activity

• Design and carry out experimental approaches; select, develop, and implement a range of techniques, particularly transgenesis and genetic-engineering methods, while adapting experimental conditions as required.
• Perform core developmental-biology experiments following established protocols (in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry etc.)
• Generate plasmid constructs (cloning, PCR) and design primers for genotyping and sgRNA production.
• Prepare spawning animals and perform microinjections.
• Extract DNA and conduct genotyping.
• Analyse and interpret results using appropriate tools; ensure the storage, transfer, traceability, and quality control of experimental data and results.
• Write protocols and experimental reports, including laboratory-notebook records.
• Present results and contribute to their dissemination and scientific valorisation.
• Maintain scientific and technological awareness to support the development of new methodologies.
• Contribute to the maintenance and management of animal cultures.

Your Profil

Skills

We are seeking a highly motivated, enthusiastic, rigorous, and creative candidate with the following qualifications, skills, and expertise:

Required qualifications:
- Fluent communication in English (oral and written).
- Ability to teach and transfer technical knowledge and skills.
- High scientific and ethical rigor, i.e., ability to work with precision, methodological discipline, and exacting standards in data analysis and handling.
- Excellent organizational skills, i.e. ability to effectively plan, prioritize, and coordinate diverse activities and deadlines.
- Strong team spirit, i.e., ability to collaborate efficiently, share information, and contribute to collective success.

Desirable qualifications:
- Master's degree in science (obtained before the start date), preferably in molecular biosciences (molecular, cellular, and developmental biology, genetics, or genomics).
- Experience in functional genomics and associated approaches (e.g., CRISPR/Cas9, transcriptomics).
- Scientific training in developmental / evolutionary biology.
- General knowledge of biology and advanced expertise in cellular biology and imaging (fluorescence and confocal microscopy, light-sheet microscopy, etc.).
- Knowledge of health and safety regulations, including relevant symbols and pictograms.
- Computer skills and bioinformatics.
- Molecular and cellular biology skills (PCR, electrophoresis, genomic DNA extraction, RNA extraction, tissue labeling, etc.).
- Writing of scientific and technical reports/documents.
- Proficiency with activity-specific software (ImageJ, Imaris, etc.).
- Experience in animal care and experimentation, particularly with marine invertebrates.

Your Work Environment

The successful candidate will join the Stress Response, Regeneration and Longevity team led by Dr. Eric Röttinger at the Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging, Nice (IRCAN), which is part of the Nice Faculty of Medicine. IRCAN is affiliated with the CNRS, Inserm, and Université Côte d'Azur (UniCA).

The Röttinger team draws inspiration from the intriguing biological features of cnidarians (corals, sea anemones, etc.), such as their high stress resistance (e.g., to irradiance, food deprivation), their extreme regenerative capacities, and their extended longevity. Using complementary expertise, state-of-the-art approaches, and cutting-edge technological platforms, the main research objectives of our interdisciplinary team are to: A) Characterize the tissue, cellular, and molecular mechanisms underlying whole-body regeneration in cnidarians. B) Understand the cellular, molecular, and genetic bases of adaptation to environmental variation and stress responses in cnidarians. C) Determine how cnidarians prevent aging and aging-associated diseases. More information: www.ircan.org/en/research/eric-rottinger

About the Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging, Nice (IRCAN). Aging is generally viewed as a process resulting from the combined influence of constitutional (so-called “genetic”) factors, lifestyle-related factors, and external events. Understanding these multiple interconnections requires synergy across many areas of molecular, cellular, and biomedical biology, particularly those dedicated to studying aging and age-related diseases such as cancer. To this end, IRCAN was established by Université Côte d'Azur (UniCA), the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm), and the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS).

IRCAN is located at the Nice Faculty of Medicine, in immediate proximity to the University Hospital (CHU). Research at IRCAN spans the major fields of biology, from fundamental research to medical applications. Aging is generally viewed as a process resulting from the combined influence of constitutional (so-called “genetic”) factors, lifestyle-related factors, and external events. Understanding these multiple interconnections requires synergy across many areas of biology or experimental molecular, cellular, or biomedical biology, particularly those dedicated to studying aging and age-related diseases such as cancer. To this end, research at IRCAN mobilizes the major domains of biology, from fundamental research to medical applications, with the objectives of improving our understanding of the common basis of aging and cancer and of developing innovative strategies for maintaining health. More information: www.ircan.org/en/about-the-ircan/presentation.

Constraints and risks

The constraints are inherent to projects involving work with living organisms—particularly cnidarians such as sea anemones—including their husbandry and care requirements, as well as sampling schedules. Biological and chemical hazards are those typically encountered in a life-science research laboratory.

All new staff members will receive IRCAN, and Pasteur Campus-specific health and safety training delivered by IRCAN prevention officers. IRCAN and team health and safety procedures must be followed at all times.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

Between 2521 € and 3248 € gross salary per month (depending on professional experience)

Annual leave and RTT

44 jours

Remote Working practice and compensation

Pratique et indemnisation du TT

Transport

Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€

About the offer

About the CNRS

The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.

CNRS

The research professions