Position: Postdoctoral
Number of Openings: 1
Organization: Aix-Marseille Université
Job location: Marseille, France Institute of Neuropathophysiology,
CNRS/Aix-Marseille Université
Job eligibility: Hold a PhD in science, biotechnology or
pharmacological sciences and have research experience in one or more of these
areas.
Job specifications:
Highly motivated and qualified individual with a strong interest in
neuroscience (preferably in neurodegenerative diseases) and technical skills in
biotechnology (siRNA, peptide/VHH library screening, phage display), biochemistry
(immunoblot, immunoprecipitation, enzymatic assays) and cell biology (cell
culture, cell imaging).
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
Leadership, organizational and social skills to work in groups and
independently.
Job description:
A 3-year full-time postdoctoral position is open at the Institute of
Neuropathophysiology (INP) (https://inp.univ-amu.fr), CNRS/Aix-Marseille
University, as part of a consortium that also includes the Centre d'Etudes et
de Recherche sur le Médicament de Normandie (CERMN; Caen). The consortium is
funded by the FRM / Alzheimer Foundation and the project is expected to start
on January-February 2021.
The pioneering work from Dr. Rivera and Dr. Khrestchatisky’s teams shows
that MT5-MMP is at the crossroads of amyloid precursor protein (APP)
metabolism, neuroinflammation and synaptic dysfunction in the early stages of
Alzheimer’s disease. This metalloproteinase could therefore represent a novel
therapeutic target. Accordingly, the project will focus on the screening in
cell culture models of siRNA, peptidomimetics and high affinity peptide or VHH
libraries to identify molecules that will antagonize the deleterious
interactions of MT5-MMP with other key proteins in Alzheimer’s pathogenesis.
The selected molecules will be chemically optimized and vectorized to reach the
brain in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease. The project involves working
with heterologous cells, iPS-derived neural cells and genetically modified
mice, as well as conjugation of peptide vectors to biomolecules and phenotypic
analysis of cells and brains using biochemical, molecular and cell biology, and
histopathological approaches.
The INP is a centre of training and research that combines basic and
translational research to study the organization, function and interaction of
neural cells, as well as the molecular and cellular basis of major brain
diseases. The INP is part of the Centre of Excellence in Neurodegeneration
(CoEN) and offers an internationally competitive research environment with
state-of-the-art facilities that are shared with the biotechnology company
Vect-Horus. The postdoc will be co-supervised by Dr. Santiago Rivera and Dr.
Michel Khrestchatisky and will also work in close interaction with the
scientific and technical staff of Vect-Horus. The project will be developed at
the Faculty of Medicine, located in the centre of Marseille, a few kilometres
from the magnificent seafront, the Calanques National Park and the charm of
inland Provence, all ideally suited to outdoor and cultural activities.
Expected date of start: Jan-Feb. 2021
Salary: Annual salary is between 24 and 30 k€ depending on experience. The
postdoc will benefit from full coverage of the French health and social
systems.
Last date: 23 December 2020
Links for application and further details:
Applications should include:
a CV,
a cover letter indicating major interests and
research experience,
the list of publications and,
3 reference letters or contact information from
former supervisors.
Contact to Apply: Applications should be sent at:
santiago.rivera@univ-amu.fr (to Dr. Santiago Rivera) michel.khrestchatisky@univ-amu.fr
(to Dr. Michel Khrestchatisky)