Institut 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.
Laboratory
The “Signaling and Cancer Progression” team, led by Celio Pouponnot, investigates signaling pathways and their impact on transcription factors in cancer, using biochemical and functional experimental approaches both in vitro and in vivo.
Our research focuses on pediatric brain tumors, particularly medulloblastoma (Garancher et al., Cancer Cell, 2018; Morabito et al., EMBO Molecular Medicine, 2019; Mirabal-Ortega et al., Nature Communications, accepted). Our team has developed and uses genetically engineered mouse models and patient-derived xenografts to study pediatric brain cancers, particularly medulloblastoma (MB).
Our current research aims to elucidate the mechanisms underlying treatment resistance, particularly resistance to radiotherapy, and to identify actionable molecular vulnerabilities in pediatric brain cancers.
https://curie.fr/equipe/pouponnot
The project
Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant brain tumor in children. Among the four molecularly defined groups, Group 3 (G3) is associated with a poor prognosis. Despite recent advances, our understanding of G3 remains limited, notably due to the lack of models that allow the study of tumor initiation and interactions with the immune system.
The project aims to generate and characterize immunocompetent mouse models of G3 MB, including genetically engineered mouse models and models based on the in vitro transformation of cerebellar progenitors, followed by orthotopic transplantation into the cerebellum. These models will enable the study of the different steps of tumor transformation and alterations in developmental programs. Multimodal analyses, including lineage tracing, bulk and single-cell transcriptomic analyses (scRNA-seq), will be performed to validate and characterize these models.
These models will enable us to investigate how oncogenes initiate tumorigenesis, disrupt normal development, and shape the immune microenvironment, as well as to test new therapeutic strategies.
Constraints: work outside regular working hours/days (in vivo experiments)
Training and Skills required
- Training: PhD with strong experience in mouse model (GEMM (Genetically Engineered Mouse Models: CRE-ERT2 lines…) and primary cell culture.
- Scientific skills: Mouse colony management, mouse genetic, in vivo mouse experiment, primary cell culture, molecular biology (subcloning, RNA/DNA preparation, WB…)
- Professionnal experience: PhD
- Language skills: ability to write and communicate in English
Desirable Knowledge, skills and abilities:
- cell culture with primary neural progenitors (dissection, purification and culture of primary neural progenitors)
- Tumor immunity (immune infiltrate characterization by FACS)
- Competence in basic NGS data analyses and statistical methods is a strong merit but not required.
Abiliites
- Scientific rigor
- Excellent analytical and synthetic capabilities
- Well organised, ability to work independently
- a high team spirit
- Dynamic personality with passion for innovation and problem-solving
- A will to work in a multidisciplinary environment
- Ability to communicate
All our opportunities are open to people with disabilities
Contract information
Type of contract: Fixed-term contract.
Starting date: from 1/12/2026 to 1/02/2027
Duration: 3 years
Working time: full time
Remuneration: from 36219.16€ to 39808.96€/year according to the current grids of the Institut Curie and to the experience of the candidate
Benefits: Collective catering, reimbursement of transportation fees up to 70%, supplementary health insurance
Location of the position: Orsay Site of Institut CURIE
Contact
Please send your CV, letter of motivation and 2 references
Publication date: 18/09/2026
Deadline for application: 20/10/2026
Faithful to the legacy of its founder, the Institut Curie is deeply committed to promoting equal opportunities, diversity, and inclusion. Convinced that diversity of backgrounds and experiences contributes to collective performance, we strive to provide everyone with a respectful and equitable working environment and encourage all candidates to apply for our job opportunities.
https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/sites/default/files/brochures/eur_21620_en-fr.pdf