Junior post-doctoral position to develop a host-directed therapy against respiratory viral infections (starting early 2022)

In the frame of a French national research agency (ANR) funding (30 months), a junior postdoctoral position (F/M/D) is available to characterize new antiviral immune mechanisms and develop molecules against SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses-induced respiratory infections.

Context: Respiratory viral infections remain one of the top global causes of death and the emergence of new virus strains (influenza A virus (IAV), SARS-CoV-2,…) continues to be a major concern. Efficient drugs against coronaviruses are very limited and the efficacy of drugs targeting IAV is largely disputed. Hence, the development of innovative antiviral drugs is required to better treat IAV- as well as SARS-CoV-2 respiratory infections.

The junior postdoc fellow will contribute to a research program that will help to ultimately develop an innovative host-directed antiviral therapy that will be administered via the pulmonary route. Our original approach is based on our recent evidence that endogenous metabolites are pivotal effectors of the host antiviral immune response (EMBO J., in revision).

Requirements: Highly motivated candidates (F/M) with a proven track record of scientific accomplishments are encouraged to apply. Applicants should hold a PhD or MD/PhD degree in Immunology or Virology. Expertise in cell culture and mouse vivo models is necessary.  Previous hands-on experience on virology and immunological techniques such as virus quantification by plaque forming assay, confocal imaging, flow cytometry, ELISA is expected. Experience in medicinal chemistry will be a plus. Good communication skills are essential in English or in French.

The successful candidates will join an interdisciplinary and collaborative team working with three other partners (from CNRS-Université Paris-Saclay and Anses-Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort)  The postdoctoral fellow will be involved in regular scientific interactions/meetings with these collaborating labs.

Applications will be considered until the position is filled but start dates between Jan 2, 2022-April 30, 2022 are expected. The position is available for a period of 30 months.

Please send your application (including a letter of motivation, curriculum vitae, names + contact information of two referees) as a single PDF file to Dr. M. Si-Tahar ([email protected]).

 Location: INSERM unit 1100, Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, team1: “respiratory infection & immunity”, Faculty of medicine, Tours, France.The host lab benefits from state-of-the-art technological facilities for cell culture, flow cytometry, cell and molecular biology, microscopy and animal studies. The host lab is a dynamic research team including researchers, clinicians, technicians and students.