Missions

The main mission of the research engineer will be to develop in ovo and murine embryonic stem cell (mESC) genetic models in order to study the effects of PAX3-related fusion transcription factors in muscle and neural progenitors. The successful candidate will also carry out the initial phenotypic analyses following modulation of the expression of these fusion factors in ovo and in organoids derived from pluripotent stem cells.

Activités

Activity 1: Construction of expression plasmids
-Design and generation of expression plasmids for PAX3-related fusion transcription factors.
-Construction of plasmids enabling homologous recombination.
Activity 2: Generation and management of transgenic cell lines
-Participation in the generation of transgenic murine embryonic stem cell (mESC) lines.
-Establishment, management and monitoring of cell banking procedures (freezing, thawing, maintenance of cell lines).
Activity 3: Cell differentiation and organoid production
-Development, adaptation and optimisation of protocols for the differentiation of mESC into spinal organoids.
-Morphological and phenotypic monitoring of cultures.
Activity 4: Neural tube electroporation in chicken embryos
-Performance of in ovo electroporation of the neural tube in chicken embryos.
Activity 5: Molecular and phenotypic characterisation
-Genotyping analyses (PCR, Sanger sequencing and/or NGS).
-Histological analyses.
-Immunohistochemistry and confocal imaging.
-Contribution to the analysis and interpretation of experimental data.
Activity 6: Scientific and technical support
-Support for and contribution to collaborative work within the project.
-Writing, updating and dissemination of experimental protocols.
-Participation in maintaining a laboratory environment compliant with safety, quality and traceability requirements.

Compétences

Knowledge / Expertise
- Practical knowledge of culture protocols for murine embryonic stem cells (mESC).
-Knowledge of basic techniques for the characterisation of mESC and their neural derivatives (imaging, molecular biology, genetics).
-Knowledge in developmental biology, cell biology, cell culture and cancer biology.
-General knowledge in life sciences and molecular biology.
-Ability to understand scientific English, both written and spoken (B2 level).
Technical Skills
-Performance of routine procedures for the culture, maintenance and differentiation of pluripotent stem cells.
-Application of established protocols for the production and monitoring of genetically modified cells.
-Participation in the storage, traceability and management of cell lines (freezing, thawing, batch tracking).
-Implementation of molecular biology and imaging techniques for cellular and phenotypic analyses.
-Maintenance of laboratory notebooks, reagent lists and stocks (antibodies, consumables).
-Participation in team meetings and technical exchanges with staff at the Institut Jacques Monod.
Personal Skills
-Ability to work effectively as part of a research team.
-Rigour, good organisational skills and strict adherence to experimental protocols.
-Compliance with hygiene, safety and good laboratory practice guidelines.
-Ability to follow instructions, experimental schedules and defined priorities.

Contexte de travail

Working hours and workload: Full-time position (35 hours per week), based on the unit's collective working hours. Working hours may be adjusted according to experimental requirements.
On-call duties: Regular weekend on-call duties to ensure experimental monitoring and the safety of facilities.
Specific constraints:
– Work in a Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) laboratory, without direct access to natural light, requiring particular attention to safety and working conditions.
– Tasks involving the handling of cells stored or processed in liquid nitrogen are carried out in pairs.
– Strict compliance with internal biosafety procedures and experimental traceability requirements.
Travel: Very occasional travel may be required for scientific meetings, training sessions or collaborations with other CNRS teams or academic and/or industrial partners.
Personal protective equipment (PPE): Mandatory use of laboratory coat, gloves, safety glasses, and specific protective equipment adapted to the handling of liquid nitrogen.
Work locations: The main activity is carried out in the unit's BSL-2 laboratory, with possible occasional access to other technical platforms or partner laboratories.
Required authorisations and training:
– Authorisation to work in a Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) laboratory.
– Mandatory training in the handling of liquid nitrogen and prevention of cryogenic risks.
– Internal safety authorisations and medical clearance (fitness for PPE use and work in confined environments).

Contraintes et risques

The position is primarily based in a Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) laboratory, requiring strict compliance with biosafety, traceability and safety regulations for both personnel and facilities. Experimental activities may require regular presence in the laboratory, including scheduled weekend on-call duties to ensure experimental follow-up and equipment safety. The work is carried out in a confined environment without direct access to natural light, requiring particular vigilance with regard to safety rules and workplace comfort. Handling of cells and cryogenic materials (liquid nitrogen) must be performed in pairs and with the use of appropriate personal protective equipment. The position requires strict adherence to internal biosafety procedures, experimental protocols and safety instructions, as well as participation in mandatory training courses (BSL-2 containment, cryogenic risks). Professional travel is very limited and occasional, mainly related to training sessions, scientific meetings or collaborations, with no requirement for regular mobility.

Informations complémentaires

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