Missions

A twelve-month renewable engineer position is available starting in February 2026 in Giacomo Cavalli's laboratory, focusing on the study of epigenetic mechanism deregulation in cancer using Drosophila and human cells as a model.

Activités

Our lab has been investigating epigenetic regulation in both Drosophila and mammalian genomes for over two decades. We have demonstrated that dysregulation of Polycomb proteins, a group of evolutionarily conserved epigenetic factors that play a pivotal role in development, can lead to changes in cell fate, developmental transformations, and is frequently associated with cancer.
In collaboration with another IGH team leader, Jérôme Moreaux, a specialist in Human Multiple Myeloma, we aim to conduct experiments to explore how transient perturbation of PRC1 and PRC2, the two main Polycomb complexes, can initiate tumors of epigenetic origin. This will involve analyzing early chromatin modifications, 3D genome architecture changes, and gene expression alterations that mediate these effects.
The selected candidate will be involved in two main tasks: 60% dedicated to experimental work and 40% to lab management duties, under the supervision of the team's lab manager.
Lab management duties consist in:
- Ordering laboratory reagents and handling supplier issues in coordination with the financial management team, including follow-up and resolution of any issues with suppliers.
- Coordinating the logistical organization of business travel for team members.
- Ensuring the efficient day-to-day operation of the laboratory, including activity planning, routine equipment maintenance, and the implementation of effective organizational procedures.

Compétences

We expect a high-level CV, strong motivation, and a solid work ethic. Knowledge and expertise in Drosophila genetics, particularly in systems for modulating gene expression via RNA interference (RNAi) or tissue- and stage-specific overexpression, are required. Experience in immunostaining, genomics and epigenomics, ChIP-seq, and RNA-seq is desirable, as is training in confocal microscopy. Proficiency in computational analysis of genomic data is important for this project.

A minimum B2 level in English is required.

Contexte de travail

The work will be carried out in Giacomo Cavalli's team at the Institute of Human Genetics (IGH). IGH is a leading institute for life sciences research, located in the city of Montpellier, in the south of France. It offers state-of-the-art equipment and facilities in a world-class international environment. IGH is located on the Arnaud de Villeneuve campus, which is part of the “Pro-Bike Employee” program and, beyond its top science, it boasts diversity, equity and inclusion as well as quality of life at work committees.

Contraintes et risques

No specific risks. This job requires strong commitment to basic science, team spirit, creativity and a rigorous approach to research.