Post-doctoral Position
Laboratory of CTG Repeat Instability and Myotonic Dystrophy • Imagine Institute
Paris, France
RNA toxicity and neuroglial miscommunication in myotonic dystrophy brains
A two‐year postdoctoral position is available from February 2018, in the Gourdon laboratory of CTG Repeat Instability and Myotonic Dystrophy at the new Imagine Institute for Genetic Diseases (http://www.institutimagine.org), in Paris, France. The project is funded by the French “Agence Nationale de Recherche” (ANR), and coordinated by Geneviève Gourdon and Mario Gomes-Pereira.
Project summary
The central nervous system (CNS) consists in a complex mixture of interacting cell types, each with differing contributions to neurological disease. In myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), expanded non-‐coding trinucleotide DNA repeats are transcribed into toxic RNA in multiple CNS cell types, and patients experience learning/memory deficits, cognitive/executive dysfunction, profound fatigue and excessive sleepiness. While DM1 is established to result from sequestration and dysregulation of multiple RNA-binding proteins, a major gap exists in our understanding of how molecular events are connected to neurological symptoms, and the extent to which individual brain cell types drive pathology. We have previously gathered evidence of neuronal and glial dysfunction in DM1 brains. Now, taking advantage of mouse and human pluripotent stem cell-derived models, we will investigate brain mechanisms of RNA toxicity with cell type resolution. The combination of global molecular methods of deep RNA sequencing and proteomics, with electrophysiological recordings and high-resolution microscopy will help us understand how the DM1 trinucleotide repeat expansion perturbs the function of specific CNS cell types and affects their critical interplay.
Qualifications
Candidates must hold a PhD in a relevant subject for the project (molecular biology, cell biology, neuroscience or genetics). They must be trained in molecular and cell biology. Knowledge of neurobiology is desirable. The successful candidate is expected to be highly motivated, well-organised, have excellent communication skills, a high level of accuracy in all aspects of work and the ability to contribute to a multidisciplinary project and research group with insight and enthusiasm. He/she will (1) provide input into decisions on experimental approaches and techniques; (2) keep up to date with current developments in the field; (3) collaborate with other members of the group and liaise with external collaborators; (4) take a lead in the presentation of results and paper writing. Good knowledge of the English language is essential.
Salary
Salary will be commensurate with experience following Inserm guidelines.
Application details
Applications in English should include a cover letter, a detailed CV and the contact details of at least two academic references. Applications and informal inquiries should be e-mailed to Mario Gomes-Pereira (mario.pereira@inserm.fr). Please send your application before 31st October 2017. Imagine – Institut des maladies génétiques
24 boulevard du Montparnasse - 75015 PARIS France
www.institutimagine.org