Post-Doc

Position: Join the dynamic research team ExTra “Excision Repair at the crossroad with Transcription”, led by Dr. Giglia-Mari, at the INMG-PGNM in Lyon, France. 

We are excited to offer a three-year Junior Post-Doctoral position, funded by the "Fondation pour la Recherche Medicale". This project stems from a recent insightful discovery made by our team, highlighting the crucial involvement of the SMN protein in nucleolar dynamics during DNA damage response and repair processes.

(Nature Communications, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37968267/). 

Dr Giglia-Mari’s team employs state-of-the-art imaging techniques integrated with cellular and molecular biology methodologies to elucidate the restoration of cellular functions following DNA repair. Their research is particularly concentrated on investigating the dynamic behavior of the nucleolus during and after DNA repair processes. Recently, the team made a significant discovery: in cells lacking SMN, the nucleolus remains in a "stressed-conformation," and during DNA repair, SMN relocates from Cajal bodies to nucleoli. In the forthcoming project, our team endeavors to uncover novel partners of SMN that may collaborate in ensuring proper cellular homeostasis.

Scientific environment: INMG-PGNM is a young dynamic institute in Lyon that brings together teams studying the pathophysiology of neurons and skeletal muscles. Our collective mission is to illuminate biological mechanisms spanning molecular, cellular, tissue, and organismal levels, with a keen focus on elucidating their perturbations in human pathologies. Through this comprehensive understanding, we aim to pave the way for innovative therapeutic strategies.

To investigate the molecular mechanisms of nucleolar homeostasis following DNA repair, the candidate will examine the roles of various key proteins (such as SMN, Coilin, FUS, etc.) and identify new candidate proteins using complementary technical approaches. The candidate will generate knockdown cell lines using lentiviral shRNAs and create knockouts via CRISPR/Cas9 for these candidate proteins, validating the results in iPSC-derived motoneurons.

The candidate will conduct experiments and maintain a detailed online logbook to record their findings (LabGuru). Regular oral presentations within the institute will be scheduled, and participation in seminars and poster presentations at both national and international levels will be encouraged.

The ideal candidate must be prepared to engage in competitive and high-impact fundamental research, demonstrating strong motivation, commitment, and proactiveness. Applicants must hold a PhD in molecular and cellular biology, with at least one submitted or published article as a first author. Crucially, the candidate should possess excellent interpersonal skills and be eager to collaborate within a team environment.

Proficiency in clear oral and written communication in English is essential.

The project will involve various techniques, including cell culture, immunofluorescence, western blotting, PLA, microscopy, and immunoprecipitations. Experience with these techniques is appreciated but not strictly required, as the lab team will train candidates to follow established protocols.

Experience with advanced microscopy techniques such as FRAP, FLIM, and super-resolution imaging (STORM, STED) would be a plus. Familiarity with BioID assays and a biochemical background will also be advantageous. Additionally, experience in iPS culture and differentiation into motoneurons or cardiomyocytes will be beneficial.

Candidates with expertise in any of these areas will be favored.