We are seeking postdoctoral candidates to join our research on the development of the hematopoietic system and tissue resident leukocytes (macrophages) in the zebrafish. We take advantage of the very small size and optical clarity of this mini-vertebrate model to address questions in developmental hematopoiesis and leukocyte behaviour in vivo that are difficult to approach in mammals – with a strong focus on in vivo imaging and cell tracing. Our team has pionneered several aspects of this field, notably the discovery of the primitive myeloid lineage (macrophages, and also neutrophils), the emergence and journey of definitive hematopoietic stem cells, the mechanism of their emergence from the aortic endothelium, the nature of the first niche in which they home to expand and differentiate, and the deployment and behaviour of macrophages and neutrophils in the developing tissues. In that context, we are presently looking for postdoctoral fellows to take up one of the following subjects (which may also be combined): i) The implementation of optogenetic tools for cell tracing and control of cellular functions at the individual cell level in developing zebrafish; ii) The establishment, maintenance and functions of tissue resident macrophage populations, among which – but not only – the microglia of the central nervous system.
Potential candidates should contact Philippe Herbomel : herbomel@pasteur.fr