Post-doctoral position « Development of neutralizing antibodies as therapeutic agent against Nipah virus»

The Vaccine Research Institute (VRI), established in 2011 through a project co-led by ANRS and the University of Paris-Est Créteil, aims to accelerate the development of a vaccine against HIV and emerging infectious diseases. The Mondor Institute of Biomedical Research (IMRB) is a key biomedical research center in Eastern France with national and international reach, involving nearly 600 personnel in 14 research teams. The IMRB conducts high-level translational research directly linked with healthcare services and numerous patient cohorts.

Research Project Summary:

The Nipah virus (NiV) causes severe respiratory distress and often fatal encephalitis in humans. Despite many vaccine candidates, they are still in the preclinical stage, and only two antiviral strategies have been validated in vivo. Neutralizing antibodies (NeutAbs) are a promising therapeutic strategy, but their development is limited. The VRI has developed a candidate vaccine (CD40.NiV) targeting NiV antigens to CD40 receptors on antigen-presenting cells. This candidate has shown the ability to neutralize major NiV strains and protect monkeys against NiV infection. The project aims to isolate and produce humanized NeutAbs from specific human B cells using humanized immune system (HIS) mice immunized with CD40.NiV.

Missions:

The postdoctoral researcher will:

- Oversee vaccine production and suggest design improvements.

- Define and perform immunizations of HIS mice with CD40.NiV and evaluate post-vaccination cellular and humoral responses.

- Isolate and clone human B cells producing NeutAbs from HIS mice and analyze B cell receptors in collaboration.

- Test the efficacy of produced NeutAbs in vitro and in vivo.

- Propose and lead challenge approaches in mice models in collaboration with partners.

Skills Required:

- Authorization to handle animals.

- Strong theoretical and practical knowledge in cell culture and immunological assays (cytometry, Luminex, ELISA, ELISpot).

- Proficiency in office and biological tools (Prism, FlowJo).

- Rigor, organization, autonomy, communication, and teamwork skills.

- Ability to track tasks and manage laboratory products.

- Good level of English is desired.

Additional Information:

- Work in a confined laboratory (L1/L2) and animal facility.

- Possible missions with partners (CHUV, Lausanne).

- Work closely with the team managing in vivo experiments and immunological/transcriptomic tests.

- Required diploma: PhD in immunology, cellular, and molecular biology.

- Desired professional training and experience: Internships in academic research laboratories (immuno-virology).

- Define and perform immunizations of HIS mice with CD40.NiV and evaluate post-vaccination cellular and humoral responses.

- Isolate and clone human B cells producing NeutAbs from HIS mice and analyze B cell receptors in collaboration.