General information
Offer title : Postdoctoral Position (M/F): Mechanisms of R-loop Regulation in Cancer. (H/F)
Reference : UMR9019-VALNAI-001
Number of position : 1
Workplace : VILLEJUIF
Date of publication : 24 September 2024
Type of Contract : FTC Scientist
Contract Period : 18 months
Expected date of employment : 2 December 2024
Proportion of work : Full time
Remuneration : €3081 to €4476 gross per month depending on experience (0 to 10 years)
Desired level of education : Niveau 8 - (Doctorat)
Experience required : Indifferent
Section(s) CN : Organisation, expression and evolution of genomes Bioinformatics and systems biology
Missions
Postdoctoral Position to Study the Contribution of R-loop Structures to Cancer Vulnerability and Therapeutic Response, within the Genome Integrity and Cancers Unit (UMR 9019, [https://www.gustaveroussy.fr/fr/umr-9019]) at the Gustave Roussy Institute, located in the south of Paris.
Laboratory Interests: R-loops, three-stranded nucleic acid structures composed of an RNA-DNA hybrid and a displaced single-stranded DNA, play key roles in genome dynamics. They are formed co-transcriptionally over 5 to 10% of the mammalian genome, and are involved in various biological processes such as immunoglobulin class switching, mitochondrial DNA replication, gene expression regulation, transcription termination, and telomere stability. However, unscheduled R-loop formation is a major source of endogenous replication stress and genomic instability, causing transcription-replication conflicts (TRC) and DNA damage. Dysregulation of R-loop homeostasis is a major hallmark of cancer cells, making R-loops relevant targets for cancer treatment. The postdoc's mission is to study how R-loops contribute to genome instability and influence the therapeutic response in certain types of cancer.
Activities
Our group has highlighted a vulnerability related to R-loop formation, specific to cancer cells with defects in the FANC/BRCA molecular pathway, a DNA repair pathway inactivated in certain tumors of the upper aerodigestive tract and gynecological cancers. The project aims to determine the dynamics and mechanisms of R-loop formation in these cancers, as well as to develop therapeutic approaches targeting these structures.
Skills
The candidate must hold a PhD and have strong skills in cellular and molecular biology, as well as in genome-wide approaches. Experience in animal experimentation would be an asset. We invite highly motivated and dynamic individuals, capable of working independently while having a good team spirit, to apply. Professional experience in the field of DNA replication or repair would be ideal.
Work Context
The “Genome Integrity and Cancer” research unit brings together leading scientists in the fields of DNA replication, repair, and mechanisms of genetic and epigenetic stability. It benefits from a dynamic and multidisciplinary environment in collaboration with the translational and clinical research teams at Gustave Roussy. The Gustave Roussy Institute, Europe's leading cancer center, offers access to state-of-the-art facilities, including cellular and molecular imaging, genomics, bioinformatics, and animal experimentation. The funding is offered for a period of 18 months. The candidate must have a strong publication record to also be able to apply for independent funding.
Interested in the position? Please send your application in a single PDF file to the address indicated in the offer. The application should include a cover letter describing your main contributions and research interests, your CV, and contact details for 2 or 3 references. The expected start date is December 2024, and applications will be reviewed until a candidate is selected.
Constraints and risks
None
Additional Information
The candidate must be proficient in English; a good knowledge of French is desirable.