Missions

The postdoc will be working on the European APPEAL project involving 13 partners from 6 countries, including CNRS - IRIM (Caroline Goujon's team). APPEAL (Antivirus Pandemic Preparedness EuropeAn pLatform) aims to improve preparedness for future pandemics by developing new broad-spectrum antiviral drugs. In this context, the postdoc will perform CRISPR screens in pool and HD-CA format in model lines and primary cells against class 2 and class 3 respiratory viruses, as well as validation of these genes in primary respiratory epithelia cultured at the Air-Liquid Interface (ALI).

Activités

- Cell culture
- Cloning of CRISPR libraries
- Pooled and HD-CA CRISPR screens targeting 2000 human genes selected for their ability to regulate replication of class 2 and 3 viruses, in model cell lines and primary cells
- Validation of hits on a panel of viruses using conventional virology techniques - Production and manipulation of influenza A and SARS-CoV-2 viruses in BSL2 and BSL3 containment areas
- Generation of genetically modified primary respiratory epithelia from human samples
- Molecular cloning, immunoblots, etc.
- Functionnal characterization of genes of interest
- Record all results obtained in an electronic laboratory notebook, analyse them and present them in the form of scientific presentations.
- Regular exchanges with APPEAL partners, in particular virologists and the HD-CA development team, but also with all partners, taking part in monthly consortium meetings by videoconference as well as (bis-)annual face-to-face meetings, drafting activity reports.

Compétences

- Advanced knowledge of virology, particularly influenza and/or SARS-CoV-2 viruses, experience in handling pathogenic viruses in BSL2-3
- Strong expertise in molecular biology and molecular virology
- Expertise in the production of influenza A or SARS2 viruses by reverse genetics and knowledge of titration methods (plate assays) or extensive experience in molecular virology, demonstrating the ability to learn quickly
- Scientific rigor and integrity.

Contexte de travail

The postdoc will join the “interferon and antiviral restriction” team headed by Caroline Goujon at the Institut de Recherche en Infectiologie de Montpellier (IRIM, UMR9004). The institute is dedicated to better understanding infectious diseases. The “interferon and antiviral restriction” team studies the natural defense mechanisms of mammalian cells against human pathogenic viruses, particularly respiratory viruses, and in particular the defenses induced by the interferon system. The team is also developing fundamental and applied research projects to identify new antiviral inhibitors, notably as part of the European APPEAL network.

Le poste se situe dans un secteur relevant de la protection du potentiel scientifique et technique (PPST), et nécessite donc, conformément à la réglementation, que votre arrivée soit autorisée par l'autorité compétente du MESR.

Contraintes et risques

Work in BSL2 and BSL3 containment laboratories