PhD position in Genetics Epigenetics Immunology M/F

Job Description

Thesis Subject

The proposed PhD project is at the interphase between Epigenetics, Genetics, genome regulation, X chromosome inactivation, immunology (immune response, sex bias in immunology, autoimmunity).
Sex differences in immune responses contribute to stronger antiviral protection in females but also increase their susceptibility to certain autoimmune diseases. Beyond hormones, X chromosome dosage plays a key role. While inactivation of one of the X chromosomes (called XCI for “X chromosome inactivation”) equalize the expression of most of X-linked genes in female cells, this process is in fact incomplete, allowing 15–25% of X-linked genes to remain active. In particular, the immune gene Tlr7, which detects viral RNA but can promote severe autoimmunity when overexpressed, escapes XCI in several female immune cells. The mechanisms controlling X-chromosome inactivation or escape remain unclear, particularly whether immune cells broadly develop a more permissive chromatin state on their inactive X.
The objective of this PhD project is to describe the stability of chromatin and transcriptomic landscape of the inactive X chromosome and to identify mechanisms controlling X chromosome inactivation and escape in immune cells. The project will combine the use of different mouse models, primary cell culture, single-cell and high-throughput analyses (including immunostaining, in situ hybridizations, flow cytometry, CUT&Tag, RNA-seq, Hi-C…), in order to i) define the transcriptomic and epigenetic landscape of the Xi, ii) determine the stability of Xi chromatin state and iii) identify chromatin regulators of XCI-escape in alveolar macrophages.

Qualifications:
A student who has completed a Master's 2 degree in Biology, Genetics, Epigenetics, or Molecular Biology. Knowledge of immunology would be a plus.

Key Skills:
• Independence, attention to detail, dedication, motivation, curiosity
• Analytical and synthesis skills
• Adaptability, creativity, communication skills
• Scientific English (written and spoken)

Your Work Environment

The PhD project will be co-supervised by Dr Katia Ancelin and Dr Julie Chaumeil, in the team “Epigenetics and nuclear functions in human diseases” (led by Dr Benoit Miotto and Dr Julie Chaumeil), with the help of the other members of the team and in close collaboration with two labs in Toulouse and Bordeaux. The team is part of the “Cellular Plasticity and Reproduction” Department of the Institut Cochin, one of the biggest biomedical French Research Center located in the center of Paris that provides a multidisciplinary scientific environment and very efficient core-facilities. The PhD project is affiliated to the Genetics department (GENYX) of the “BioSPC” Doctoral School (ED562) from Université Paris Cité.

Constraints and risks

Experimental approaches require extensive primary cell culture and mouse work, that may require sometimes off-hours schedule (week-ends, early or late shifts). The PhD candidate will be expected to follow training in animal experimentation.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

2300 € gross monthly

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

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.

CNRS

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