Job ID: 113129

Postdoctoral Researcher in the Molecular Neuroscience of Protein Complexes

Position: Post-doctoral Position

Deadline: 10 July 2023

Employment Start Date: 1 September 2023

Contract Length: 18 months

City: Lille

Country: France

Institution: Inserm

Department: Lille Neuroscience and Cognition (UMR-S 1172)

Description:

The Lille Neuroscience & Cognition Research Center (LilNCog, UMR-S1172) in Lille, France, is affiliated to Inserm, Lille University and the Lille University Hospital and located on the Lille University Hospital campus. Within LilNCog, the ‘Brain Biology and Chemistry’ team implements a broad range of approaches to develop therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases. Our work ranges from the molecular analysis of cell signaling pathways around disease proteins to medicinal chemistry and rational drug design to testing of biological activity in cellular and in vivo models of disease as well as identifying, validating and developing PD biomarkers and disease-modifying therapeutic targets.

Project

In the postdoctoral project, we aim for the systematic and in depth characterization of protein complexes formed by LRRK2, a major molecular player and therapeutic target of Parkinson’s disease. Candidate partners of LRRK2 will be characterized in depth to determine structural and dynamic determinants of their interaction with LRRK2, via complementary biochemical, molecular and biophysical techniques. Using molecular and cell physiological phenotypic markers of the LRRK2 pathway, combined with conditions modulating LRRK2 complexes as determined by mutational and rational design approaches, effects of specific LRRK2 complexes on LRRK2 signaling will be tested. The overall goal will be to determine how key LRRK2 complexes are linked to LRRK2 signaling in health and disease. The research will be conducted in the Brain Biology and Chemistry labs in Lille and will involve close interactions with other scientists from academia in Europe and throughout the world.

Profile

You have a doctoral degree in the domain of life sciences (biotechnology, biology, biochemistry, bio-engineering, (bio)medical sciences). You received basic or advanced training in molecular neuroscience, cellular signaling pathway analysis and/or protein-protein interactions and have a keen interest in technological and quantitative approaches.

Experience with qualitative and quantitative protein-protein interaction techniques both in vitro and in cellulo including co-immunopreciptation and proximity based assays, enzymatic assays, biomolecular modeling, membrane trafficking analysis, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, confocal microscopy, live cell imaging, cytometry is an asset. An understanding of biophysical techniques and rational drug design are nice to have.

You are a strong team player, a quick learner and motivated to become part of an international collaboration embedded in a multidisciplinary research group. You are willing and able to perform research in Lille, France, and you have a strong interest in developing an academic research career in the long term.

You communicate well in English, working knowledge or better of French and other languages is an asset.

Offer

We offer:

A position as a full-time (100%) postdoctoral fellow/researcher on a 1-year contract basis, extensible, available from funding support on this project from the Michael J. Fox Foundation. Successful applicants will also be stimulated to apply for tenured academic positions should the extension period prolong beyond a 3-year project period.

A dynamic research environment with access to multiple technological platforms set in a vast neuroscience community in Lille.

Salary scales are according to Inserm regulations within the available budget of the research project and depending on the candidate’s useful former professional experience.

Starting date: as soon as possible.

To apply

Please send you c.v. with motivation letter as well as the coordinates of 2 scientists who can attest of the quality of your work to Dr. Jean-Marc Taymans (jean-marc.taymans@inserm.fr).