Description du sujet de thèse

The general goal of the scientific project is to characterize the cellular factors involved in the cell-cell fusion mechanism involved in the transfer and dissemination of HIV-1 from infected CD4 T lymphocytes to myeloid macrophage target cells, leading to the formation of virus-producing multinucleated giant cells. This thesis will be carried out in close collaboration with Dr Christel Vérollet's team (IPBS, CNRS UMR 5089, Université de Toulouse). This thesis should provide important insights into the role of infected macrophages in viral transmission and dissemination, as well as in the establishment of persistent viral tissue reservoirs in HIV-1-infected patients.

Contexte de travail

The PhD student will be affiliated to the BioSPC Doctoral School, Department of infectiology/microbiology from the University Paris Cité. The project will be developed under the supervision of Dr. Serge Benichou within the NABI Unit (CNRS UMR8175, Inserm U1334, Université Paris Cité) headed by Dr. Florence Gazeau. This thesis will be carried out in close collaboration with Dr Christel Vérollet's team (IPBS, CNRS UMR 5089, Université de Toulouse). Serge Benichou's research group already has all the required infrastructures (including a laboratory dedicated to the manipulation of class 3 infectious agents, BSL3, such as HIV-1) and biological reagents. The funding of the experiments will be saved by the fundings obtained by Serge Benichou on this project.

Contraintes et risques

The experimental works related to the development of the project will be performed mainly in Dr. Serge Benichou's group, but travelling to the Dr. Christel Verollet's laboratory in Toulouse will be required for development of the functional characterization of HIV-1-infected macrophages. The 2 laboratories have the infrastructure (namely L3 laboratories for HIV-1 manipulation) and equipment needed to the realization of this project.

Informations complémentaires

The candidate must hold a Master's degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology. The position requires good knowledges in virology, and in particular on HIV-1 and its handling in BSL3 Laboratory. Good oral and written communication skills (French and English required) to present at conferences and write articles for scientific journals. We are looking for a young researcher who is highly motivated for the development of this project, curious, with a degree of autonomy and a strong motivation to develop virology skills in the field of the mechanisms regarding the intercellular dissemination of HIV-1 to macrophages. Candidates should also be able to work in a team on multidisciplinary projects.
Applications should include: 1) a detailed CV with letters from 2 referees who have followed the candidate's academic career; 2) a one-page motivating cover letter.
The deadline for application is June 30th 2025.