Postdoctoral positions in stem cell biology/biophysics/computational biology at Institut Pasteur (Paris)

The laboratories of Zebrafish Neurogenetics (Laure Bally-Cuif) and Imaging and Modeling (Christophe Zimmer) at Institut Pasteur in Paris, are seeking outstanding and highly motivated Postdoctoral fellows for a joint project on the control of adult neural stem cell quiescence in the vertebrate brain. Adult stem cell often “rest” in quiescence, a dynamic state composed of multiple sub-states that stem cells can transit through. Using the neural stem cell niche of the zebrafish adult brain, the project aims to combine single cell RNA sequencing, single-molecule gene expression analyses and quantitative image analysis of individual NSCs in situ to build a probabilistic model of sub-state transitions that can determine the topology and dynamics of quiescence trajectory(ies). The model will be validated by live cell tracking in vivo and by analyzing the (epi)genetic regulations controlling quiescence progression through its trajectory(ies), including the putative role of chromatin reorganization.

Analyses will involve single cell -omics, genetic approaches, intravital imaging and cell tracing in the adult animal (LBC lab), and quantitative single-cell image analysis, computational modeling and super-resolution microscopy (CZ lab). Beyond neural stem cells, this project will extend the fundamental concept of sub-states to non-dividing cells and will generate novel tools to predict cell state transitions in single cells and to map single-molecule gene expression and chromatin topology in whole-mount tissues.

Candidates must hold a Ph.D. in biology, biophysics, computational biology or a related field, and have a strong interest and preferably experience in single-cell -omics analyses, advanced microscopy, image analysis, or computational modelling. Proficiency in English is required.

The positions (3 years each) are part of a joint research project (“Qdynamics”) funded by the Agence Nationale de la Recherche, for a start on January 1st, 2022.

The Bally-Cuif and Zimmer teams are affiliated with the “Developmental and Stem Cell Biology” and “Computational Biology” Departments of Institut Pasteur, which offers a vibrant and interdisciplinary scientific environment in downtown Paris.

To apply, please submit a CV, motivation letter and at least two reference letters jointly to laure.bally-cuif@pasteur.fr and christophe.zimmer@pasteur.fr.