General information
Offer title : Two ERC-funded Postdoctoral positions on epigenetic inheritance, cell differentiation and cancer M/F (H/F)
Reference : UMR9002-LAUFRI-002
Number of position : 2
Workplace : MONTPELLIER
Date of publication : 24 March 2025
Type of Contract : Researcher in FTC
Contract Period : 12 months
Expected date of employment : 1 June 2025
Proportion of work : Full Time
Remuneration : From 3021 euros before taxes per month, adjustable according to experience
Desired level of education : Doctorate
Experience required : Indifferent
Section(s) CN : 21 - Organisation, expression and evolution of genomes Bioinformatics and systems biology
Missions
Two postdoctoral positions are available for 12 months (renewable), from June 2025 to investigate studies the role of epigenetic inheritance and 3D genome organization in cell differentiation and cancer in the lab of Giacomo Cavalli. Funding is provided by the ERC Advanced Grant WaddingtonMemory.
Activities
Our lab has demonstrated that epigenetic modifications can lead to inheritance independent on the DNA sequence. This can be observed in mammalian cells and during Drosophila development. In the model system Drosophila melanogaster, transient perturbation of epigenetic components can induce cancer independently of genetic mutations. Our goal is now to define the molecular mechanisms leading to epigenetic inheritance in mammalian systems and in Drosophila. To achieve this objective, we use a variety of complementary approaches and techniques in molecular and cellular biology, genomics and bioinformatics. The project exploits fly and mammalian cell culture systems including gastruloids and organoids that will be analyzed during normal development or culture conditions and upon challenges upon genetic and epigenetic manipulations. It involves multiomic analyses, including RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, Cut & Run, Hi-C and micro-C ranging from raw data to basic analyses and extending into single-cell multiomics. The project will aim at discovering novel cases of epigenetic inheritance of cellular states and deciphering the molecular mechanisms regulating them.
One post doc will focus on the Drosophila system and one postdoc will focus on mammalian systems
Skills
Candidates must be highly motivated and hardworking. The post requires:
- Experience in Drosophila developmental biology and/or advanced cell culture of ES cells and differentiation systems, organoids or gastruloids.
- Expertise in molecular biology, cloning, CRISPR technologies.
- Genomics and epigenomics expertise, ChIP-seq, RNAseq, ATAC-seq, Hi-C, microC.
- Expertise in advanced imaging approaches.
- Expertise in biochemistry.
- Knowledge of cis-regulatory modules, enhancers, promoters, polycomb binding sites.
- Expertise in computational biology and genomics
Work Context
The work will be performed in the laboratory of Giacomo Cavalli at the Institute of Human Genetics (IGH). IGH is a flagship institute for life science research and is located in the vibrant city of Montpellier, in the southern French riviera. It offers state of the art equipments and facilities in a top-notch international environment.
Constraints and risks
No specific risks. This job requires strong commitment to basic science, team spirit, creativity and a rigorous approach to research.
Additional Information
Please apply by sending your CV, a statement of research interests, and arrange for two/three reference letters to be sent independently by the reviewers to Giacomo Cavalli email.
> For more information and contact details of Giacomo Cavalli, see website:
https://www.igh.cnrs.fr/en/research/departments/genome-dynamics/21-chromatin-and-cell-biology