PhD IN IMMUNOLOGY (CIFRE) (M/F)

Laboratory

The project will be developed within the Cancer Immunotherapy Center at the Immunology Department (INSERM Unit U932), headed by Ana-Maria Lennon. Unit U932 comprises 10 independent research teams in fundamental and applied immunology, working in a highly collaborative and international environment.

The candidate will work under the supervision of Dr Hélène Salmon, who heads the “Stroma and Immunity” team within U932, as part of a CIFRE thesis with Sanofi. The team's main objective is to decipher the dialogue between stromal cells, particularly fibroblasts, and immune cells in cancer. Based on recent work identifying fibroblast subpopulations (CAF - cancer associated fibroblasts) associated with T-cell exclusion in lung cancer (Grout et al, Cancer Discovery 2022), the team aims to decipher the mechanisms underlying the control of T-cell distribution by CAF. Ultimately, the projects aim to develop new strategies to specifically target the stromal compartment in tumor lesions and improve clinical responses to conventional therapies.

Missions

Dr. Hélène Salmon's team is looking for a candidate for a Thesis in Immunology studying the targeting of cancer-associated fibroblasts to promote T cell infiltration and anti-tumor cytotoxicity in lung cancer. The position is part of a CIFRE Thesis grant. The candidate will be dedicated to:

- Exploring human tumor lesions by combining multiplex imaging and spatial transcriptomics to identify CAF-specific genes involved in T-cell exclusion.

- Test the effects of these CAF targets on T cell dynamics and tumor lysis using CRISPR and a human tumor spheroid/CAF system developed in the lab.

- Evaluate in preclinical models the therapeutic potential of therapies targeting fibroblasts and checkpoint blockade.

- M2 in immunology, molecular and cellular biology, or biotechnology

- Culture of primary cells and tumor cell lines

- Flow cytometry

- French (professional) required

- Animal experimentation

- Knowledge of human immunology, oncology and immunotherapy

- Scientific rigor and excellent analytical and synthesis skills

- Team spirit and dynamic personality with a passion for innovation and problem-solving

Experience in image analysis (ImageJ, Halo, etc.), transcriptomic analysis (RNA sequencing), or molecular biology (cloning) would be appreciated.

All our opportunities are open to people with disabilities

Contract information

Type of contract: PhD CIFRE contract of 3 years

Starting date:  as soon as possible

Duration: 3 years

Working time: full time

Remuneration: according to the current grids

Benefits: collective catering

Location of the position: Paris, 26 rue d’Ulm

Reference: NA                                     

Contact

Please send your CV, letter of motivation, email contact for 2 references

Publication date: 29th August 2024

Deadline for application: until candidate is found

Institut Curie is an inclusive, equal opportunity employer

and is dedicated to the highest standards of research integrity.

https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/sites/default/files/brochures/eur_21620_en-fr.pdf