M/F Postdcotoral Researcher in Infection Mechanobiology

Job Description

Missions

Experimental Mechanobiology of Bacterial Infection

This project aims to understand how meningococci adhering to the human endothelium exert mechanical forces and alter the mechanical properties of host tissues, as well as the consequences of these interactions for vascular barrier integrity.

Activity

The postdoctoral researcher will investigate these questions using 2D in vitro models of the endothelium and will also develop 3D vessel-on-a-chip models. These experimental systems will enable the measurement of forces exerted by cells on the extracellular matrix using Traction Force Microscopy (TFM), and correlate them with the localization of bacterial colonies and the cytoskeletal reorganizations induced in host cells. They will also provide the opportunity to incorporate other key mechanical parameters, such as hemodynamic flow and extracellular matrix stiffness. The postdoctoral researcher will develop experimental approaches combining cell culture, microfabrication, microfluidics, high-resolution microscopy, live-cell imaging, and quantitative image analysis to characterize the mechanical interactions between bacteria and the endothelium under physiologically relevant conditions.

Your Profil

Skills

- PhD in Cell Biology, Biophysics, Microfabrication, or a related field (e.g., Microbiology)
- Hands-on experience in cell culture
- Strong programming skills for data analysis
- Demonstrated ability to lead experimental research projects and publish scientific articles
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English

Your Work Environment

The successful candidate will join the Institute Jacques Monod (UMR 7592) in the Quantitative Biology of Bacterial Infection research group, located on the Buffon campus of Université Paris Cité. The project is funded by an ERC Starting Grant and is embedded in an interdisciplinary research environment at the interface of cell biology, biophysics, bioengineering, and materials science. The candidate will work closely with both biologists and physicists throughout the project.

Constraints and risks

The position involves experimental work in cell biology, microbiology, and bioengineering laboratories. Activities may include handling cell cultures, cell biology reagents, common chemical products, as well as polymers or resins used in microfabrication, and the use of microscopy systems, potentially involving intense light sources or lasers.

The associated risks are those typically encountered in such laboratory environments and are managed through mandatory safety training, established laboratory safety procedures, the use of personal protective equipment, and supervision by experienced team members.

A specific requirement applies to the handling of meningococci, for which vaccination against serogroup C (used within the team) is required. Otherwise, standard laboratory hygiene, safety, and traceability regulations apply.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

From 3131€ gross per month

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

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