Postdoctoral In vitro Reconstitution of Cellular Protrusions (M/F)

Laboratory

The "Physics of Cells and Cancer" (PCC) laboratory (UMR CNRS 168) brings together physicists and biologists aiming at discovering the role of physical laws in the architecture and functions of cellular systems. https://institut-curie.org/unit/umr168. More generally, the Institut Curie is located in the heart of the Latin Quarter in Paris, an area with a rich academic tradition. It offers a highly interdisciplinary and international working environment, with state-of-the-art imaging and cell and molecular biology platforms, as well as access to the IPGG's microfabrication and microfluidics platform.

The project will be developed in the "Membranes and Cellular Functions" team of the PCC lab. Our team uses concepts from soft matter physics to understand the role of membranes and associated proteins in cellular functions such as trafficking, endocytosis, infection, transmembrane ion transport and protein diffusion. We develop multidisciplinary approaches, largely based on synthetic biology, biomimetic systems and quantitative physical measurements. We also investigate, in live cells and in vitro systems, the mechanisms leading to the formation of cell protrusions and their mechanics. https://institut-curie.org/team/bassereau

The project

The objective is to reconstitute, with bottom-up approaches, cellular protrusions at a membrane surface, induced by the underlying local topography. The project will involve developing in vitro systems based on model membranes, purified proteins and cytoskeleton proteins, and microfabricated substrates. The experiments will be based on confocal microscopy combined with micromanipulation and force measurements with optical tweezers. More generally, this project is part of the European consortium "Pushing Cell" funded with an ERC Synergy grant that brings together 2 teams of physicists (theoreticians and experimentalists in Paris) and 2 teams of cell biologists (at ISTA, Austria and at University of Utrecht, Netherlands); it aims at determining the biological and physical processes enabling cells to move in a biological matrix in the absence of adhesion but using the topography of the medium.

Candidate Profile

Training and Skills required

-          Training: Biophysics or biochemistry

-          Scientific skills: Experience with in vitro reconstitution, in particular with cytoskeleton filaments. Experience with microscopy and micromanipulation.

-          Professionnal experience desirable: PhD or more

-          Language skills: Good communication skills in English is mandatory.

Abilities

We are looking for highly motivated candidates, able to work independently, interested in interdisciplinary research and with a solid aptitude for working in a team.

All our opportunities are open to people with disabilities

Contract information

Type of contract: Fixed-term contract.

Starting date:  as soon as possible

Duration: 2 years, extension possible

Working time: full time

Remuneration: according to the current grids

Benefits: Collective catering, reimbursement of transportation fees up to 70%, supplementary health insurance

Location of the position: Paris Center

Reference: not to be completed

 Please send your CV, letter of motivation and 2 references