Missions

The postdoctoral position will take place in the “Eukaryotic mRNA Expression” team at IBENS.
Our team studies the molecular mechanisms governing the assembly and function of mRNP particles, in particular the role of several RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) such as the exon junction complex (EJC). These factors play a central role in determining the fate and functions of mRNAs. We are especially interested in understanding how the EJC and associated RBPs, bound to nascent mRNAs, regulate post-transcriptional processes including m6A methylation, subcellular localization, translation, and transcript quality control in various eukaryotic cell systems. In collaboration with Schraga Schwartz's team (Weizmann Institute of Science), we showed that the EJC is involved in mRNA methylation profiling (doi: 10.1016/j.molcel.2022.12.026).
The selected candidate will study fundamental aspects of mRNA biogenesis, with a focus on the mechanisms coupling nuclear mRNA packaging and compaction with epitranscriptome regulation.
The laboratory uses a broad range of complementary approaches, from biochemistry to single-molecule biophysics, molecular and cell biology, and transcriptomic analyses. The group benefits from strong collaborative networks, including with structural biologists, offering a stimulating and interdisciplinary environment.

Activities

The main activities of the recruited candidate will include:
• Performing molecular biology experiments (cloning, genome editing, etc.)
• Performing cell biology experiments (cell culture, transfection, genome editing, etc.)
• Preparing libraries for high-throughput sequencing (RNA-seq, Nanopore sequencing, etc.) and using bioinformatics tools
• Analyzing the produced data (quantification, statistics, etc.)
• Communicating with collaborators

Skills

Candidates must have solid experience in molecular and cell biology. Expertise in RNA and protein biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, as well as transcriptome analysis, would be appreciated. The recruited person must be able to manage projects independently, present results in various formats, and actively participate in team life.

Work Context

The Institut de Biologie de l'ENS (IBENS) is a fundamental research center conducting original studies to decipher the core mechanisms of biological processes. As a joint ENS-CNRS-INSERM unit, IBENS hosts more than 300 people across 30 independent teams, fostering highly collaborative and multidisciplinary research that combines experimental and theoretical approaches. Research covers a wide range of fields: Functional genomics, Developmental biology, Neuroscience, Ecology and evolutionary biology.
Several technological platforms (imaging, genomics, proteomics, bioinformatics) are available to researchers. IBENS research benefits from interactions with other disciplines present at ENS (physics, chemistry, cognitive sciences, mathematics). IBENS is also strongly involved in training students and young researchers at all levels.
The host team, led by Hervé Le Hir, includes 9 members and is part of IBENS's “Functional Genomics” section, which comprises 8 teams.

Constraints and risks

None