RESEARCHER PROFILE: Postdoc / R2: PhD holders
RESEARCH FIELD(S)1: Biological Science
MAIN SUB RESEARCH FIELD OR DISCIPLINES1: Engineering
JOB /OFFER DESCRIPTION
A 3-year post-doctoral position will be opened in June 2025 at the Marseille Medical Genetics research Center in Marseille, France
The project is funded by Agence Nationale pour la Recherche. It will be based at the Marseille Medical Genetics (MMG) Center, Faculté de la Timone that is located in the center of Marseille, France.
The aim of the project is to investigate the epigenetic mechanisms involved in Facioscapulohumeral Dystrophy (FSHD).
FSHD, the third most common neuromuscular disease, is caused by a complex molecular etiology. Unlike typical genetic disorders, FSHD involves repetitive DNA elements and is linked to the shortening of a D4Z4 macrosatellite repeat at the 4q35 subtelomeric locus. Most patients (FSHD1, 95%) have fewer than 11 D4Z4 units. Approximately 3% of cases are carrier of a variant in the SMCHD1 gene encoding a chromatin associated factor while in rare cases, the genetic cause remains unexplained. FSHD is considered as an epigenetic disease as D4Z4 methylation level distinguishes affected individuals from the healthy population.
The FSHDialog research program focuses on epigenetic mechanisms in FSHD. More particularly we want to investigate the mechanism that regulated the balance between DNA methylation and hypomethylation at the 4q35 locus and across the genome in the different categories of patients and the role of the SMCHD1 chromatin-associated factor in this process. By studying a large patient cohort and using advanced cellular models and molecular or epigenetic tools, including long read sequencing, FSHDialog aims to identify episignatures specific to FSHD subcategories. Our objective is to contribute to biomarker discovery, refine patient’s subgroup definitions, and identify therapeutic targets.
Moreover, FSHDialog will also address more fundamental questions on the epigenetic regulation of repetitive DNA elements and of the balance between DNA methylation and demethylation or the human genome.
TYPE OF CONTRACT: TEMPORARY / JOB STATUS: FULL TIME /HOURS PER WEEK: 37h30
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 15/04/2025
ENVISAGED STARTING DATE: 01/06/2025
ENVISAGED DURATION: 36 months
WORK LOCATION(S): Marseille Medical Genetics department, “Epigenetic and nucleoskeleton dynamics in rare diseases” team, Faculté des Sciences Médicales et Paramédicales de la Timone,
27 Bd Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France
WHAT WE OFFER:
- Salary in line with current regulations in French and determined according to the candidate's experience.
- The candidate will work in an international and multidisciplinary environment
- Opportunities for collaboration with experienced researchers and clinicians on translational research projects
Additional information: The Euraxess Center of Aix-Marseille Université informs foreign visiting professors, researchers, postdoc and PhD candidates about the administrative steps to be undertaken prior to arrival at AMU and the various practical formalities to be completed once in France: visas and entry requirements, insurance, help finding accommodation, support in opening a bank account, etc. More information on AMU EURAXESS Portal
QUALIFICATIONS, REQUIRED RESEARCH FIELDS, REQUIRED EDUCATION LEVEL, PROFESSIONAL SKILLS, OTHER RESEARCH REQUIREMENTS
PhD in biological science, with expertise in cell and molecular biology, demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications. Prior experience in the study of epigenetic mechanisms and/or stem cells is desirable.
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate to work on an innovative translational project, in close collaboration with networks of clinicians.
Professional skills:
Expertise in a range of cellular biology techniques including stem cells culture and differentiation.
- Strong organization and project management skills are required to work including good communication skills.
- Motivation to research the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of a rare genetic disease toward the development of innovative therapeutic intervention.
Soft skills:
- Advanced English level (spoken and written)
- Ability to work in a team
- Autonomy and ability to independently organize work to meet scheduled goals
- Ability to formulate hypotheses and design experiments
- Ability to independently analyze results critically and perform appropriate statistical tests
- Ability to write scientific papers, reports and abstracts
- Ability to present their work at seminars and national or international conferences
- Ability to train and supervise students.
REQUESTED DOCUMENTS OF APPLICATION, ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA, SELECTION PROCESS
- Letter of motivation
- CV
- Name, affiliation and contact of 2 referees
The selection process will be based on the analysis of submitted documents. Pre-selected candidates will be invited for an interview either on site or remotely.
More info at: Website: https://www.marseille-medical-genetics.org/fr/
HOW TO APPLY: frederique.magdinier@univ-amu.fr
