The Imagine-Institut Pasteur Unit of Heart Morphogenesis recruits a post-doctoral scientist with a strong interest in morphogenesis mechanisms
Keywords : heart development, 3D morphogenetic mechanisms, quantitative image analysis, congenital heart defects, mouse genetics, interdisciplinary collaborations
Congenital heart defects are the most common birth defects and a major public health issue. Individually they may correspond to rare disorders, requiring expert diagnosis. Yet, 80% of congenital heart defects are unexplained. Animal models are essential to trace back origins in the embryo and identify the cellular context of a disease gene.
Previous work in the lab has identified Greb1l mouse mutants as the first model of a rare congenital heart defect, criss-cross heart, and characterized embryological mechanisms. Since Greb1l is a poorly characterised gene, a challenge is to understand its function in cardiac cells. The project will exploit interdisciplinary expertise at the forefront of developmental biology, computational science, pediatric cardiology and human genetics. Using unique mouse models, an exceptional patient cohort, and cutting-edge technologies in omics and quantitative 3D imaging, the project will provide novel insights into fundamental mechanisms of morphogenesis, while deciphering pathological processes in the heart, potentially relevant to a broader spectrum of diseases in patients.
Location : Our lab is located at the Institut Imagine, within the hospital Necker-Enfant Malades, and member of the Dept of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology of the Institut Pasteur, which together offers a vibrant multidisciplinary and international research environment with state-of-the art technological platforms, downtown Paris.
Expected profile : After a PhD in Life Sciences, you have a strong interest in developmental biology. Your previous research experience is solid in molecular biology or genetics. You value animal models. You work with rigour and creativity and enjoy team work.
The postdoctoral position is funded for 3 years by the Agence Nationale de la Recherche and is open with a flexible starting date until January 2022.
To apply, please send a coverletter, CV and contact information of 3 references to sigolene.meilhac@pasteur.fr