We are looking for a highly motivated and creative developmental biologist to join our lab. The Postdoctoral position is funded by an ANR-JCJC grant and is open with a flexible starting date until Jan 2022.
Research topic: This project aims at uncovering the mechanisms defining functional heterogeneity of craniofacial muscles, with particular focus on extraocular and esophagus striated muscles, two cranial mesoderm-derived muscle groups.
Craniofacial muscles and their resident muscle stem cells (MuSCs), have unique properties that distinguish them from other muscle groups. Notably, Extraocular muscles are spared in Duchenne muscular dystrophy, the most frequent neuromuscular disorder of childhood that causes progressive muscle wasting. Remarkably, some cranial MuSC populations outperform the limb counterparts in terms of expansion capacity, regenerative potential and contribution to myonuclear turnover of the respective fibers. The global objective of this project is to identify signaling pathways and transcription factor regulons responsible for these heterogeneities by means of single cell- and single-nuclei RNA-seq/ATAC-seq analysis, genetic approaches, confocal microscopy and quantitative image analysis using the mouse as a model system.
Location: Our Lab is located at the Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Department at Pasteur Institute, which offers state-of-the-art core facilities and platforms in a highly dynamic and interdisciplinary environment in downtown Paris.
Expected profile: The candidate should have a PhD in Life Sciences and interest in studying muscle development and regeneration. Prior expertise in cell culture, molecular biology and mouse genetics are required; transcriptomic and image analysis skills are a plus. The candidate will exploit already available snRNA-seq and snATAC-seq datasets and perform in vitro and in vivo validation experiments on existing or newly generated CRISPR/Cas9 mouse models (Collaboration with the Mouse Genetics Engineering Platform). The candidate should feel comfortable working in English, show autonomy and ability to drive a project, be able to critically discuss experimental results with colleagues and collaborators, work rigorously and enjoy working within a Team.
Application: Please send a cover letter describing your relevant work experience and explaining why you are interested by this position and how you think you fit the project, a CV and the names of two or three referees to comai@pasteur.fr. Funding is expected to be available for 2 years in the first instance, with possibility of extension. Salary will be commensurate to previous experience and in line with Pasteur Institute guidelines.
Application deadline: 1st December 2021
The post-doc will work under the supervision of Dr. Glenda Comai.