Postdoctoral Researcher (M/F) in Virology and Cell Biology
New
- Researcher in FTC
- 36 months
- Doctorate
This offer is available in English version
This offer is open to people with a document recognizing their status as a disabled worker.
Offer at a glance
The Unit
Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN
Contract Type
Researcher in FTC
Working hHours
Full Time
Workplace
67084 STRASBOURG
Contract Duration
36 months
Date of Hire
01/01/2027
Remuneration
Approximately €4,000 gross per month (depending on experience and the applicable salary scale).
Apply Application Deadline : 22 August 2026 23:59
Job Description
Missions
Spatial analysis of influenza A virus genome assembly and reassortment using in situ RNA sequencing
This project aims to understand how specific viral RNA–RNA interactions and genome packaging signals influence the emergence of reassortant influenza viruses with pandemic potential.
The successful candidate will develop and implement advanced spatial transcriptomics approaches to investigate the mechanisms underlying influenza A virus (IAV) genome assembly and reassortment during infection. The project combines padlock probe technology, rolling circle amplification (RCA), in situ sequencing, fluorescence microscopy, image analysis, and computational modelling to quantify viral genome assembly intermediates and validate predicted RNA–RNA interactions (see: https://academic.oup.com/nar/article/53/11/gkaf461/8158541).
The results will provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms governing influenza virus genome packaging and generate experimental data to improve machine-learning models predicting reassortment between avian and mammalian influenza viruses.
Activity
- Develop and optimise the multiplex padlock probe-based direct RNA detection method (mudRapp-seq) for influenza virus genome analysis.
- Design, validate, and optimise padlock probes for the specific detection of viral RNA segments from different influenza strains.
- Perform influenza virus infection experiments under both single-infection and co-infection conditions.
- Conduct in situ sequencing, fluorescence microscopy, and image acquisition.
- Quantify viral genome assembly intermediates and characterise viral ribonucleoprotein (vRNP) complexes during infection.
- Analyse the spatial co-localisation of viral genome segments throughout the replication cycle.
- Validate predicted RNA–RNA interactions using reverse genetics-derived mutants and spatial imaging approaches.
- Develop, in collaboration with bioinformaticians, image analysis pipelines to reconstruct viral genome assembly pathways.
- Model viral assembly dynamics using quantitative approaches, including Markov chain-based models.
- Present research findings at consortium meetings and international conferences, and publish results in peer-reviewed journals.
- Contribute to the supervision of students and participate in the collaborative activities of the Flu-PREDICT consortium.
Your Profil
Skills
Essential
- PhD in molecular biology, virology, RNA biology, cell biology, or a closely related discipline.
- Experience with molecular biology techniques.
- Experience in fluorescence microscopy and/or imaging methods.
- Strong background in RNA biology and virology.
- Ability to analyse quantitative biological data.
- Excellent organisational skills and strong scientific rigour.
- Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to collaborative research projects.
- Excellent written and spoken English.
Desirable
- Experience with reverse genetics of influenza viruses or other RNA viruses.
- Experience in spatial transcriptomics.
- Knowledge of statistical modelling or quantitative analysis of biological imaging data.
Programming skills in Python or R.
Your Work Environment
he successful candidate will join the Architecture and Reactivity of RNA Laboratory (UPR9002) at the Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology (IBMC, CNRS) in Strasbourg under the supervision of Redmond Smyth.
The project is part of the national Flu-PREDICT consortium, funded through the PEPR MIE programme, and is carried out in close collaboration with research teams at the Institut Pasteur, ESPCI Paris–PSL, and other consortium partners.
The project contributes to the development and experimental validation of predictive models of influenza virus reassortment by integrating virology, imaging, microfluidics, and computational approaches.
Applicants should hold a PhD in molecular biology, virology, RNA biology, cell biology, or a closely related field. Experience in fluorescence microscopy, molecular biology, RNA detection methods, or image analysis is highly desirable. Expertise in influenza virus biology, spatial transcriptomics, bioinformatics, or quantitative image analysis would be considered an asset.
The successful candidate should be capable of working independently while thriving in a highly collaborative and multidisciplinary research environment. Excellent English communication skills are essential.
The postdoctoral researcher will have access to state-of-the-art molecular biology platforms and the IBMC BSL-3 containment facilities and will work in a research environment internationally recognised for its expertise in RNA biology and quantitative imaging. Close collaborations will be established with consortium partners specialising in virology, microfluidics, and bioinformatics.
The position offers the opportunity to contribute to the scientific activities of the Flu-PREDICT consortium and to the development of innovative methodologies for pandemic preparedness.
The laboratory is located on the University of Strasbourg campus, with convenient access to public transport and university facilities.
Constraints and risks
- Work involving influenza viruses in accordance with institutional biosafety regulations.
- Experimental work will be carried out in certified containment laboratories following approved biosafety procedures.
- Strict compliance with CNRS and IBMC safety regulations and good laboratory practices is required.
- The position involves multidisciplinary research requiring close coordination with Flu-PREDICT consortium partners, as well as occasional travel to consortium meetings and scientific conferences.
- The project requires handling infectious material, operating advanced fluorescence microscopy equipment, and analysing large-scale imaging datasets.
Compensation and benefits
Compensation
Approximately €4,000 gross per month (depending on experience and the applicable salary scale).
Annual leave and RTT
44 jours
Remote Working practice and compensation
Pratique et indemnisation du TT
Transport
Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€
About the offer
| Offer reference | UPR9002-REDSMY-009 |
|---|---|
| CN Section(s) / Research Area | Molecular and structural biology, biochemistry |
| Relevant experience | 1 to 4 years |
About the CNRS
The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.
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