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Cambridge Centre for Physical Biology

 

Research Fellow position

Ladoux-Mège Team

http://ladoux-mege-lab.cnrs.fr

Institut Jacques Monod, CNRS & Université de Paris Team Cell Adhesion and Mechanics
Location of position Paris 75013
Full Time

Duties and Responsibilities

This position is at the interface between cell biology and biophysics. It will include collaboration with theoretical physicists. The aim of the project is to understand interplay between mechanical forces, cell extrusion and cell behaviours during the self-organization of intestinal organoids. Intestinal organoids have been proven to capture essential features of the intestinal epithelium such as crypt folding, cellular compartmentalization and collective dynamics. We will focus on the role of extruding cells in the regulation of the homeostatic behavior of intestinal organoids. These behaviours are likely coordinated by mechanosensitive processes, although the impact of mechanics remains to be elucidated.

We will investigate specific mechano-transduction processes that link mechanical stresses and cell behaviours including intestinal differentiation and the cell fate of extruding cells.
Integrating mechanics, engineering and cell signaling approaches across scales from sub-cellular, cellular and multicellular levels, we aim at understanding the physical principles and molecular mechanisms that control cell extrusion processes. For this, we will use a combination of experiments including imaging, micromechanics and microfabrication to investigate the role of mechanics in controlling the self-organization of intestinal organoids.

We will particularlty focus on the role of the acto-myosin cytoskeleton in cell extrusion mechanisms focusing on the extruded cell and its immediate neighbors (stable organoids that express actin or myosin markers) in correlation with caspase activity. We will analyze cells under tensile or compressive stresses together with shape descriptors and stress measurements.

The candidate will be responsible for carrying out experimental research on the project using techniques including organoid culture, live cell microscopy, micropatterning, mechanical measurements (already implemented in the lab), image and data analysis.

This position is funded for 2 years in the first instance through a ERC advanced program and preferred start date is 01 september 2022.

Key Requirements
The successful candidate will have a PhD in a relevant area of cell biology (or at least have submitted the thesis) with outstanding track record of research and publications. Extensive experience in cell biology and optical microscopy is essential with a particular interest in interdisciplinary science, quantitative biology and biophysics.

Additional experience with organoids, stem cells is desirable. You must have demonstrated ability for creative, original independent research. You must be adept at multi-tasking and organising your work to meet deadlines. You must have a proven track record of working in multi-disciplinary teams.

Contacts : benoit.ladoux@ijm.fr rene-marc.mege@ijm.fr