Postdoctoral Researcher position to identify triggers and transitions from normal melanocytes to nevi to melanoma

The Marseille Medical Genetics (MMG) department at Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France, seeks applications from postdoctoral researchers to join the “Mechanisms of Paracrine and Endocrine Disorders” team led by Dr. Heather Etchevers (https://www.marseille-medical-genetics.org/h-etchevers/). We study the cellular and molecular mechanisms that disrupt the differentiation of disseminated but structured organ systems dependent on neural crest (NC)-derived cells.

The lab’s current research interests include a rare mosaic RASopathy, the giant congenital melanocytic nevus (CMN), as part of a pan-European consortium funded by Horizon Europe called MELCAYA (https://www.melcaya.eu/). This aims to identify the causes and specific characteristics of melanoma in children, adolescents, and young adults, and how cellular competence in distinct types of stem cells and progenitor states responds to external influences. Your objective will be to tie existing model work into high-resolution identification of cell states and populations bearing analogous mutations in human skin, making use of genome-wide methylation, spatial transcriptomics & single-cell multi-omics analyses.

For more info and details on how to apply, please see offer (https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/128965). This position is open to deeply curious candidates with a Ph.D., with a preference for self-identified developmental or stem cell biologists and under 3 years of post-doctoral experience. Applications from minority groups including individuals with disabilities encouraged. The AMU EURAXESS Portal assists foreign nationals on arrival. Position currently available and open until filled.