INSERM Post-doc position on the role of the eIF3 complex in cancer

Labeled by Inserm and the University of Bordeaux, the BRIC combines all the current strengths in cancer research, i.e. the former units U1218, U1035, U1053, U1029 and EA 7435. The new unit is composed of 11 teams and more than 250 staff. The unit is part of the Biological and Medical Sciences Department (SBM) of the University of Bordeaux. Born from the cancer community’s desire to restructure, the unit is a collective project with two main research themes: cancers with poor prognosis and rare cancers. Thus, liver cancer, triple-negative breast cancer, kidney cancer, leukemia, sarcoma, glioblastoma and onco-dermatology are the focus of the laboratory’s research. Oncogeriatrics and pediatric cancers are also important themes in the unit. In parallel, innovative fundamental and technological approaches are being developed to unravel the molecular mechanisms that drive these cancers.

The position will be located in the Team 3 that focuses its research on performing both fundamental and translational research on liver cancers. The three main research axes of the team are: 1) the identification of new mediators of liver carcinogenesis with a particular focus on RhoGTPases and actors of the translational control, 2) dissecting out the molecular bases of cell-cell communications in liver micro-environment that promote cancer progression (immune surveillance modulation, interface-dependent cell interactions remodeling cell-cell communications and invasion), 3) Translational research on liver tumors.

The post-doctoral fellow will be part of the Team 3 of the BRIC and will work on deciphering the role of the eIF3 complex in hepatocellular carcinoma development. The successful candidate will work on a cutting-edge project that aims to elucidate the mechanisms by which eIF3 subunits contribute to liver cancer initiation and progression. He/she will be in charge of the methodological development of systems modeling multiple eIF3 subunits dysregulations to assess their malignant transformation potential in vitro and in vivo.

Activities:

• Bibliographic research on translational control in cancers and eIF3 complex
• Taking charge of the experimental set-up for assessing the malignant transformation potential of the eIF3 complex in vitro and in vivo (incucyte live-microscopy assays, flow cytometry-based assays, Immunofluorescence, hydrodynamic injection system etc..)

• Use of biochemical techniques for protein complex isolation and translational targets identification using RiboSeq and PAR-CLIP approaches

• Writing of research notes and publications
• Participation to conferences and workshops

The candidates sought must hold the followed qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Cancer Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field.
• Strong background in molecular and cellular biology techniques, including gradient-based protein complex isolation, flow cytometry, RiboSeq and/or PAR-CLIP assay
• Experience with in vivo mouse models and the French accreditation for rodents experimentation will be a major asset
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.