Postdoctoral position in membrane trafficking and collagen secretion (M/F)

Missions

A postdoctoral position is available in the “Intracellular Compartmentation” team at the Jacques Monod Institute (UMR7592 CNRS / Université Paris Cité, Paris, France).
This project addresses fundamental questions in membrane trafficking and secretion, using collagen export as a model system to probe how cells handle large, complex cargoes. Collagens are the largest and among the most abundant proteins secreted by animals, and their biosynthesis challenges the secretory pathway due to folding requirements, supramolecular assembly, and the sheer size of the cargo. Cells must coordinate cargo selection, transport, and quality control to secrete an extracellular matrix (ECM) with the appropriate biomechanical properties, while maintaining proper cellular compartmental organisation.
A particular focus of the project is ER exit sites (ERES), the dynamic hubs where cargo is sorted, packaged, and dispatched. We aim to uncover how collagens and other ECM proteins are recognised, sorted, and packaged into specialized transport carriers, and how cargo itself shapes membrane architecture, coat assembly, and organelle identity. By investigating how cells build and remodel carriers and compartments around oversized cargo, the project seeks to reveal general principles of secretory pathway organisation, carrier biogenesis, and compartmental homeostasis.
Comparative studies in healthy and fibrotic cells will uncover the fundamental logic of errors in collagen sorting and export. The overarching aim is to reveal how intracellular trafficking pathways are constructed, adapted, and regulated, while running in parallel with ongoing efforts aimed at developing therapeutic strategies to control collagen secretion in scarring and fibrotic diseases.

Activities

The postdoctoral researcher will:
• Contribute to the design and conceptual development of the project
• Design and perform experiments addressing fundamental mechanisms of secretion
• Develop and implement advanced imaging and cell biology approaches
• Analyse quantitative data and interpret results
• Communicate findings within the team and at scientific meetings
• Participate in the preparation of scientific reports and publications
The work will involve a combination of cell biological, molecular, and imaging techniques, including:
• Live-cell and high-resolution microscopy
• Mammalian cell culture and genetic manipulation
• Molecular and biochemical assays
• Quantitative analysis of intracellular trafficking dynamics

Skills

• PhD in biology (cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or related disciplines), obtained or expected before the start of the contract
• Strong interest in fundamental cell biology, membrane trafficking, and secretion
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team
• Capacity to take initiative and lead a research project
• Proficiency in spoken and written English
Prior experience in ER export, secretory pathway biology, ECM proteins, or advanced microscopy is an advantage but not required.

Work Context

The project will be carried out in the group of Dr Ishier Raote, recently established at the Jacques Monod Institute, with strong international collaborations in cell biology, biophysics, and advanced imaging.
The Jacques Monod Institute is a leading CNRS research center for fundamental biology, providing a stimulating interdisciplinary environment and access to state-of-the-art facilities, including:
• Light and electron microscopy platforms
• Flow cytometry
• Proteomics and image analysis infrastructure

Constraints and risks

The position involves standard laboratory work with mammalian cell lines and chemical reagents. Risks are minimal, and all required training and safety supervision will be provided.