Postdoctoral Fellow in Cell fate, plasticity and reprogramming

Cranial neural crest cells (CNCC) present a unique differentiation potential that challenges the three germ layers theory. They not only give rise to ectoderm derivatives such as neurons and glial cells, but also to cell types typically associated with the mesoderm such as bones and cartilages of the face. I recently showed CNCC naturally re-express pluripotency programs and demonstrated this reactivation is essential for the expansion CNCC cellular plasticity.

Our goal is to discover and understand the molecular mechanisms regulating the reemergence of pluripotency programs during CNCC development. To this end we combine single-cell multi-omics screens, together with in vitro and in vivo assays to functionally test how identified candidates control CNCC plasticity in mammals.

Position:

The position is supported by ERC funding, available for up to 3 years. Start date is flexible from June 2023.

Requirements:

• A PhD in life sciences, developmental biology, cell biology or genomics
• Good knowledge of mouse genetics, embryology, and neural crest development
• Experience in microdissection, flow cytometry and molecular biology
• Curious, motivated, and inventive researchers are encouraged to apply
• Experience in sequencing methods or data analysis is also welcomed

Environment:

Located in central Paris, the Cochin Institute (https://institutcochin.fr/en) is one of the biggest French multidisciplinary biomedical research centers. It presents all the complementary technical support and state-of-the-art genomics, bioinformatics, cytometry, histology, and imaging core facilities. It gathers all the forces, conceptual expertise, and excellence essential for the completion of the project.

To apply:

Please send a cover letter, a CV and two letters of recommendation to antoine.zalc@inserm.fr