Postdoctoral Position in Immuno-Oncology (M/F)

Postdoctoral Position in Immuno-Oncology (M/F) 06/30/2024 Paris Institut Curie Research CentreInstitut Curie is a major player in the research and fight against cancer. It consists of a Hospital group and a Research Center of more than 1000 employees with a strong international representativeness.The objective of the Research Center is to develop basic research and to use the knowledge produced to improve the diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutics of cancers as part of the continuum between basic research and innovation serving the patient. Institut Curie, PSL university and Inserm has created the “Women Cancer Institute” certified as part of the 3rd wave of the Hospital-University Institute” (IHU) within the France 2030 plan. LaboratoryThe Stress & Cancer team (https://curie.fr/equipe/mechta-grigoriou ) headed by Dr. Mechta-Grigoriou is an internationally recognized laboratory investigating the impact of tumor heterogeneity in immunosuppression, metastatic spread and resistance to treatment. In particular, the lab has identified different cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) populations in several cancer types, such as breast (BC), ovarian and lung cancer and revealed that some specific CAF populations are involved in immunosuppression and resistance to immunotherapies. The lab recently generated an integrative high-resolution map of BC by combining analysis of single-cell data, spatial transcriptomics and functional assays and uncovered spatial organization, plasticity and interactions of CAF populations with neighboring cells, including cancer and immune cells.ContextThe projectLittle is known on the causes of CAF differential accumulation in BC and their roles in BC progression. Our recent data showed that the content in specific FAP+ CAF clusters at diagnosis in ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) predicts the relapse in invasive BC (IBC) and is a new prognostic factor, independent of the BC grade and subtype (Croizer, Nature Communications, 2024). Given the multiple pro-tumoral and immunosuppressive roles of CAF in BC, we can hypothesize that breast pre-neoplastic fibroblasts act on the first steps of BC establishment. In this project, we aim to determine the roles of the stromal and immune compartments in BC progression from pre-neoplastic lesions to invasive breast cancer. To do so, we will deeply characterize in space and time the microenvironment of these lesions with a particular attention to the interdependency of immune and fibroblast populations in promoting BC progression.The project will be stratified in 3 main axes:* Provide a deep characterization of the cellular heterogeneity of the pre-neoplastic microenvironment* Determine the spatial organization of breast pre-neoplastic lesions* Describe the reciprocal interactions between the epithelial, stromal and immune compartments of pre-neoplastic lesions driving the malignant transformation into BCThis project will require the use of cutting-edge technologies, available at Institut Curie and well-handled in Fatima Mechta-Grigoriou’s lab including multicolour flow cytometry, deep sequencing, spatial transcriptomic, multiplex-IHC, 3D co-culture system.We are looking for a motivated and productive post-doctoral fellow.Ideal candidate will have:Training and Skills required- A PhD in immunology or oncology- Strong expertise in multicolor flow cytometry- Primary cell isolation and culture will be an additive value.- Bioinformatic skills will be an additive value.Competence- Ability to be a team player, organized and curious, and able to drive the dynamics of the project.- Great communication and writing skills.- Professional English and French level requiredContract informationType of contract: Fixed-term contract.Starting date: As soon as possibleWorking time: full timeRemuneration: according to the current gridsBenefits: Collective catering, reimbursement of transportation fees up to 70%, supplementary health insuranceLocation of the position: Institut Curie, 26 rue d’Ulm, 75005 ParisContactPlease send your CV, cover letter and reference lettersInstitut Curie is an inclusive, equal opportunity employerand is dedicated to the highest standards of research integrity #J-18808-Ljbffr