Postdoctoral Fellow Position in the Role of Long On-coding RNA in Immune Regulation

Postdoctoral Fellow Position in the Role of Long On-coding RNA in Immune Regulation

IGBMC - Institute of Genetics and Molecular and Cellular Biology

Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France

Join Malouf Team at the Institute of Genetics and Molecular and Cellular Biology (Illkirch, France) in an exciting opportunity to unravel the role of long non-coding RNA in immune regulation and response to immunotherapy. We are seeking highly skilled and motivated Postdoctoral Fellows with expertise in molecular biology to contribute to our international multidisciplinary team of molecular biologists, physician- scientists and bioinformaticians.

The Malouf Lab at IGBMC is dedicated to uncovering the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms underlying renal cell carcinomas, with a particular focus on rare and treatment-resistant subtypes. Our research combines functional genomics, epigenetics, and single-cell technologies to understand tumor heterogeneity and therapy response.

Our recent projects include the identification of biomarkers of response to immunotherapy using epigenetic profiling, bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing (RNA-seq and scRNA-seq), and spatial transcriptomics. We are particularly interested in how epigenetic alterations, the stromal microenvironment, and endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) influence treatment outcomes.

We have recently identified several long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) associated with response and resistance to therapy. Using gain- and loss-of-function studies, we have validated the critical roles of some of these lncRNAs in tumor biology. Our team is now investigating the molecular pathways through which these lncRNAs act, using integrated approaches that combine mechanistic studies in vitro and in vivo with analysis of patient-derived tumor samples, obtained through robust national and international collaborations.

Our ultimate goal is to generate discoveries that pave the way for innovative therapeutic strategies to improve the management and outcomes of patients with rare kidney cancers.

The project will be carried out at IGBMC (Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire), one of the largest and most prestigious research centers in France. IGBMC is jointly operated by Inserm, CNRS, and the University of Strasbourg, and is internationally recognized for its leadership in functional genomics and biomedical research.

The institute offers a dynamic and interdisciplinary environment, bringing together expertise at the crossroads of biology, biochemistry, biophysics, and medicine. Researchers benefit from access to cutting-edge scientific services and state-of-the-art technological platforms, including genomics, imaging, proteomics, and animal facilities.

Located within the Parc d’Innovation in Illkirch, just south of Strasbourg, IGBMC is part of a vibrant scientific and innovation ecosystem that fosters collaborative research, technology transfer, and training of the next generation of biomedical scientists.

MISSIONS

Responsibilities:

• Design and perform molecular biology and biochemical assays using in vitro, cell culture, and in vivo models;
• Conduct gain-of-function experiments in mouse models to investigate the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in immune regulation and response to immunotherapy;
• Work in close collaboration with bioinformaticians to analyze genome-wide datasets, including single-cell, multi-omic, transcriptomic, and epigenetic profiles.

We Offer:

• Join a young and highly motivated international team;
• Work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment with basic scientists, physician-scientists, and bioinformaticians;
• Access state-of-the-art technologies and well-equipped modern technological platforms;
• Engage in multifaceted and varied work, from experiments to applied bioinformatics;
• Conduct basic science with clinical relevance.

PROFILE

Essential requirements:

• A Ph.D. in a field related to biology, chemistry, or immunology;
• Strong background in molecular biology, immunology, and long non-coding RNA;
• Previous work experience in molecular biology and biochemical analysis;
• Curriculum vitae with a publication list, a short summary of research achievements, and mastered techniques in English;
• Fluency in English (written and spoken).

Preferential requirements:

• Experience in genome editing is a plus;
• Experience in animal models is considered a strong asset but not required;
• Ability to communicate the acquired results by writing manuscripts and giving presentations.

Required personal skills:

• Proactivity;
• Independence;
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Start Date: September 2025
Duration: 3 years
Research Focus: Dissection of the role of long non-coding RNA in response to immunotherapy using functional genetics, in vitro and in vivo approaches

HOW TO APPLY

Candidates should send their application documents (in English) to Pr. Gabriel Malouf (maloufg@igbmc.fr) as a single PDF including:

• A curriculum vitae with a publication list;
• A short summary of research achievements, and mastered techniques in English;
• A motivation letter covering your education/scientific experiences and how they have prepared/motivated you to work on the role of long non-coding RNA in immune regulation (max 1 page);
• A description of how techniques used by the laboratory could have benefitted your PhD project or of a project in which you would like to employ such a label in the future (max 1 page). For this refer to the recent publications of the team (Vokshi et al. Nature Communications, 2023; Su et al. Nature Communications, 2023; Davidson et al. Cancer Research, 2023; Lu et al. Cell Reports Medicine, 2023; Helleux et a. Embo Molecular Medicine, 2025);
• The names and contacts of 2 referees with supporting letters/contact details;
• The application deadline is July 1^th 2025. The positions will be opened until filled. We are reviewing the applications as soon as they are received; candidates are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as their application fulfill the criteria above.