We’re hiring !
Research Fellow
Institut Jacques Monod, CNRS & Université de Paris
Team Cell Adhesion and Mechanics, LADOUX/MEGE
Location of position: Paris 75013
Full Time
Description:
This position is at the interface between cell biology and biophysics. It will include collaboration with theoretical physicists. The aim of the project is to understand interplay between mechanical forces, during the self-organization of intestinal organoids. Intestinal organoids have been proven to capture essential features of the intestinal epithelium such as crypt folding, cellular compartmentalization, collective dynamics and cell extrusion, although the latter is less studied. These behaviours are likely coordinated by mechanosensitive processes, although the impact of mechanics remains to be elucidated.
We will investigate specific mechano-transduction processes that link mechanical stresses, intestinal differentiation and fate of extruding cells in the regulation of the homeostatic behaviour of the
intestinal organoids. Integrating mechanics, engineering and cell signalling approaches across scales from sub-cellular, cellular and multicellular levels, we aim at understanding the physical principles and molecular mechanisms that control cell extrusion processes.
We will combine cell imaging, micromechanics and microfabrication to investigate the role of mechanics in controlling the self-organization of intestinal organoids. We will particularly focus on the role of the actomyosin cytoskeleton in cell extrusion focusing on the extruded cell and its immediate neighbours in correlation with caspase activity. We will analyse cells under tensile or compressive stresses together with shape descriptors and stress measurements.
The candidate will be responsible for carrying out experimental research on the project using techniques including organoid culture, live cell microscopy, micropatterning, mechanical
measurements (already implemented in the lab), image and data analysis.
This position is funded through an ERC advanced grant for 2 years in the first instance and preferred start date is June first 2022.
Contact:
Benoit.ladoux(at)ijm.fr
Rene-marc.mege(at)ijm.fr
https://ladoux-mege-lab.cnrs.fr/