Description of the thesis topic

The adrenal cortex is a vital endocrine organ that controls a wide range of biological parameters including metabolism, blood pressure and immune response. As adrenal diseases can be life-threatening, understanding their molecular underpinnings and developing novel therapeutic approaches are important goals. In particular, generation of adrenocortical cells and organoids from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hIPSC) would allow modelling human normal and pathological processes in vitro.
Aim of this project is to decipher the mechanisms of embryonic and adult adrenocortical progenitors recruitment and differentiation, exploit this knowledge to establish an hIPSC-derived adrenocortical organoid system, and evaluate its use to model human adrenocortical cancer.
The PhD student will use multidisciplinary approaches, such as omics data analysis (RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, ChIP-seq, bulk and single-cell), hIPSC culture, in vitro assays, as well as genome editing.
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a master's degree in biology or bioinformatics and an excellent academic record. Good communication and interpersonal skills are essential. Dual expertise in biology and bioinformatics is an advantage.

Work Context

The Institut de Biologie Valrose (iBV) is a centre of excellence funded by the CNRS, Inserm and the Université Côte d'Azur (Nice). The iBV's mission is to elucidate the fundamental principles governing the development of organisms and to identify the molecular basis of diseases, including cancer. You will have access to state-of-the-art technological platforms, including microscopy, cytometry, histology and bioinformatics infrastructures, as well as animal facilities for various model organisms.
The Schedl team is interested in the signalling pathways that ensure the proper development of organs and maintenance of tissues, as well as their links with cancer.

Constraints and risks

Risks associated with laboratory work (biological agents, chemicals). The employee will receive risk prevention training.