M/F Postdoct position in physics/biochemistry et lipid biology

Job Description

Missions

The recruited candidate will investigate how lipid composition controls the physical and functional properties of cellular membranes, with a particular focus on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER).
The project will specifically aim to understand how neutral lipids and sterols influence membrane organization, biophysical properties, and dynamics, and how these changes affect cellular signaling pathways.
The project will combine reconstituted membrane systems with cell-based experiments to establish mechanistic links between lipid composition, membrane physical properties, and cellular responses.

Activity

The recruited candidate will:
• Design and perform experiments using reconstituted membrane systems with precisely controlled lipid compositions.
• Investigate how neutral lipids and sterols affect membrane properties, including lateral organization, phase separation, deformation, curvature, tension, and membrane dynamics.
• Perform cell biology experiments to investigate these mechanisms in the context of the endoplasmic reticulum.
• Manipulate cellular lipid composition and metabolism using pharmacological and/or genetic approaches.
• Use fluorescence microscopy and quantitative imaging approaches to characterize membrane organization and the localization and dynamics of proteins of interest.
• Relate observations obtained in reconstituted systems to cellular responses, particularly signaling pathways associated with the endoplasmic reticulum.
• Perform quantitative analysis of experimental data and contribute to their interpretation.
• Participate in scientific discussions, presentation of results, and preparation of publications arising from the project.

Your Profil

Skills

The position is intended for a candidate with a background at the interface between physics, biophysics, and cell biology.
Expected skills include:
• Strong background in biophysics, physics applied to biological systems, cell biology, or a related discipline.
• Strong interest in quantitative and mechanistic approaches to biological questions.
• Experience in cell biology and/or reconstituted membrane systems.
• Knowledge of membrane biophysics and/or lipid biology would be an advantage.
• Experience in fluorescence microscopy and quantitative image analysis.
• Ability to develop and optimize new experimental approaches.
• Ability to work across disciplines and integrate in vitro and cellular experiments.
• Scientific rigor, critical thinking, autonomy, and ability to work collaboratively.
• Good command of written and spoken scientific English.
Expertise in all of these areas is not required. Particular consideration will be given to candidates interested in combining a physical approach to membrane organization with mechanistic questions in cell biology.

Your Work Environment

The project will be carried out within an interdisciplinary research team working at the interface of membrane biophysics, cell biology, and lipid biology.
The team develops reconstituted membrane systems that reproduce selected properties of the endoplasmic reticulum under controlled conditions and allow direct comparison with observations made in living cells.
This environment makes it possible to address biological questions across different scales, from the fundamental physical properties of membranes with controlled lipid compositions to the functional consequences of these properties in cells.
The project will benefit from a multidisciplinary scientific environment and access to state-of-the-art facilities for microscopy, cell biology, and membrane biophysics.

Constraints and risks

The position involves:
• Regular handling of cell cultures and biological and chemical reagents.
• Use of microscopy and standard laboratory equipment.
• Handling of lipids and organic solvents in accordance with laboratory health and safety procedures.
• Experiments that may occasionally require working schedules adapted to cell culture and experimental time constraints.
All activities will be conducted in accordance with the health, safety, and risk-prevention procedures in force within the research unit.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

between 3131€ et 4807€ brut salary based on 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