Missions

The human nasal mucosa is the first site of contact for airborne viral infections. Although various in vitro models exist for studying respiratory viral infections, the composition of these in vitro models does not reflect the complexity required to physiologically reproduce tissue architecture and immune responses. To overcome these limitations, we are developing immunocompetent 3D models of the human nasal mucosa, enabling the study of innate immune responses in the context of influenza virus infection.

Activities

Isolation, culture, and characterization of primary cells from human nasal mucosa biological samples.
Construction of 3D models of nasal mucosa.
Amplification of viral strains (influenza) and infection of 3D models in a BSL2 laboratory.
Analysis of gene expression by quantitative RT-PCR.
Immunolabeling on frozen and paraffin sections
Preparing manuscripts for publication in international journals.

Skills

Prior knowledge and experience in molecular biology, primary human cell culture, immunology, tissue engineering.
Knowledge of molecular biology techniques (PCR, qPCR)
English language proficiency at level B1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages; B1 corresponds to the level of autonomy
Ability to write manuscripts
Ability to read and analyze relevant literature in the field.
Autonomy, ability to critically analyze one's own work and that of colleagues, making constructive suggestions.
Ability to supervise interns and students
Ability to supervise interns and students

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

Work Context

The successful candidate will join the CNRS UPR3572/I2CT laboratory at the Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology (IBMC) located on the central campus of the University of Strasbourg, France.
•A major player in fundamental research worldwide, the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to combine different scientific disciplines to shed light on and understand the challenges of the contemporary world, in collaboration with public and socio-economic actors.
• The CNRS UPR3572/I2CT “Immunology, Immunopathology, and Therapeutic Chemistry” laboratory focuses on the molecular and cellular foundations of the immune response and its dysfunctions with the aim of defining new therapeutic avenues for targeted immuno-intervention in the treatment of autoimmune, tumor, and viral diseases. It has state-of-the-art equipment in cytometry, microscopy, and transcriptomics.
• The “Interactions of the Immune System with its Microenvironment” group studies the functional relevance of interactions between innate and adaptive immune cells and their immediate environment (mesenchymal cells, endothelial cells, epithelial cells, and neurons) in health and disease. This project will be led by Dr. Vincent Flacher (CNRS Research Director). The work is based on a collaboration with the otorhinolaryngology department at Hautepierre University Hospital (Prof. C Debry, IHU Strasbourg) and Dr. R Smyth's team (CNRS UPR9002/ARN, Strasbourg).

Constraints and risks

Usual constraints associated with biology laboratory work on human samples.
Work in a BSL2 confined laboratory for experiments on the influenza virus.

Additional Information

Working hours: 38.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, daytime hours.
The Institute is located in the heart of the University of Strasbourg's central campus, accessible by bus and tram. The CNRS contributes to the cost of private health insurance and public transportation. An administrative restaurant is available on campus. Meals are covered by the CNRS.