Engineer Position – Developmental Epigenetics

Premier pôle européen de recherche, de soins et d'enseignement sur les maladies génétiques créé en 2007 au cœur du campus de l'Hôpital Necker-Enfants malades. Sa mission ? Mieux comprendre les maladies génétiques pour mieux les guérir.

L'Institut Imagine est un endroit unique au monde qui rassemble chercheurs, patients, médecins et personnels de santé dans une architecture créatrice de synergies au service d'une même ambition : changer la vie des familles touchées par les maladies génétiques.

The Laboratory of "Epigenetics and Sex Differences in Development and Disease", directed by Dr Agnese Loda at the Imagine Institute in Paris (15) is looking for an Engineer.

Our team is dedicated to understanding how differences in X-linked gene dosage between females (XX) and males (XY) affect fetal growth and survival, and predispose individuals to sex-biased disease later in life. We focus on X-linked genes that resist the epigenetic process of X-chromosome inactivation and integrate developmental and molecular biology with genomic approaches to investigate how these genes are regulated and to define their functions during development at the molecular, cellular, and tissue levels. By manipulating X-linked gene expression and protein dosage using genetically engineered in vitro and in vivo models, we aim to uncover the largely unexplored effects of fetal sex on adverse pregnancy outcomes and sex-biased developmental defects (e.g. neurodevelopmental disorders, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome).

The selected candidate will play an active role in the organization and operation of the laboratory and will also take part into various aspects of scientific projects conducted in the lab. Responsibilities will include contributing to other team members' projects using relevant methodologies (listed below), supporting the research environment through laboratory organization, training, and technical coordination, and, depending on interest and willingness, conducting independent research projects.

The methods employed in the lab include :

• Tissue culture (mouse embryonic stem cells and their differentiated derivatives, 3D organoids) ;
• Cell Biology (e.g. immunofluorescence and fluorescence in situ hybridization) ;
• Molecular Biology (e.g. molecular cloning, PCR, pyrosequencing) ;
• Genome engineering (e.g. CRISPR-Cas gene targeting, genetic screens) ;
• Genomics (RNA-seq; Cut&Run, ATAC-seq, Hi-C).

• Contribute to the initial setup and organization of a newly established laboratory, including reagent databases, workflows, and software resources ;
• Lab management responsibilities including purchasing laboratory reagents, monitoring consumable spending, negotiating with vendors for the purchase of lab equipment ;
• Train and support new group members in laboratory practices, protocols, and resource use ;
• Collaborate closely with the animal facility to perform and coordinate mouse-based experimental work ;
• Implementing and develop new tools and protocols in molecular biology and genetic engineering ;
• Participating in generation of large-scale genomic datasets (RNAseq, ChIP-seq, ATAC-seq, Cut&Run) ;
• For candidates who are interested, there will be opportunities to develop an independent research project aligned with the laboratory's research program.

• Background in genetic, developmental, and/or molecular biology ;
• Proven proficiency in molecular and cell biology techniques ;
• Strong experience with mouse work, including handling and experimental procedures ;
• Prior experience with cell culture and familiarity with differentiation protocols is a plus ;
• Preference will be given to candidates with additional expertise in molecular biology and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing ;
• Excellent organizational skills ;
• Strong team-oriented, proactive, and goal-driven mindset ;
• Fluency in scientific English ;
• Educational background: Master's degree or equivalent (Engineering School).

• The employment is planned to start immediately or upon agreement with the chosen candidate ;
• Fixed term contract for 24 months, possibility of extension ;
• Salary according to experience.

Candidates are encouraged to send applications in English or French, including:

• Cover letter ;
• Detailed CV with publication list ;
• Contact information for two references.