OFFER: The team UrGenT (Uro-Genital Tract physiology & physiopathology) at IRSET-INSERM U1085 (Rennes, Brittany) is welcoming applications from enthusiastic and independent post-doctoral candidates to start an impactful research project on the mechanisms underlying the establishment of viral reservoirs in the testis, focusing on emerging arboviruses and local innate immune responses. The project will build on state-of-the-art methodologies including single-cell RNAseq combined with unique human tissue culture. You will have access to newly generated genomic data and collaborate with world-class researchers in France and abroad. The position is available from December 2022 for 3 years. Deadline for application is 30 September 2022.

ENVIRONMENT: The INSERM host team headed by Nathalie Dejucq-Rainsford is part of IRSET-INSERM U1085 (www.irset.org), a multi-disciplinary research center comprising > 300 research staff (molecular and cellular biologists, immunologists, virologists, toxicologists, epidemiologists, clinicians…) dedicated to the study of biological processes and environmental factors that affect human health. The laboratory provides state-of-the-art facilities for virology, cellular and molecular biology, genomic and bioinformatics approaches (e.g. 3D organ culture and microscopy, single-cell RNAseq, levels 3 and 2 laboratories, RNAscope, cell sorters), as well as access to patient cohorts to study the impact of biological and chemical agents on the human urogenital tract. Thanks to its unique expertise, the team is a renowned leader in the fields of viral infections and genomics of the human genital tract. It is supported by a number of international and national funders and was recently labelled by the FRM (Fondation pour la recherche médicale). Rennes is the capital city of Brittany, located 1h30 from Paris by train, and was rated among the best French cities for quality of life. The institute will support the career development of candidates who will demonstrate their ability to successfully lead research.

PROFILE REQUIRED: The applicants must hold a PhD and have a proven record of accomplishment in the fields of innate immunity and/or virology. Expertise in cell/tissue culture, virology, molecular and cell biology techniques is required. Candidates must be ready to handle viruses and human samples in level 3 security laboratory and work outside office hours when required. The candidate should be highly driven, have excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, along with interpersonal skills, independent thinking and problem-solving skills. The candidate will assume a leading role in the project, which involves a team with multidisciplinary members as well as collaborations with several world-class researchers at Institut Pasteur in Paris and in Germany, Switzerland and Japan. The ideal candidate will be an autonomous researcher (yet able to work as part of a team) with a successful previous post-doctoral experience, willing to launch his/her career as a researcher in France.

HOW TO APPLY: Applicants should e-mail a cover letter and a detailed CV including publication list and contact details for at least two referees to [email protected].

RECENT PUBLICATIONS RELATED TO THE POSITION:

  • Mahé et al, Lancet Infectious Diseases 2020: Long-term Zika virus infection of non-sperm cells in the semen of infected men.
  • Le Tortorec et al, Physiological Reviews 2020: From Ancient to Emerging Infections: The Odyssey of Viruses in the Male Genital Tract.
  • Matusali et al, Journal of Clinical Investigations 2018: Zika virus infects human testicular tissue and germ cells.
Download details