Postdoctoral Researcher in GPCR Pharmacology and Extracellular Matrix remodeling at Laboratory of Experimental and Molecular Pharmacology CEA Paris Saclay.
Postdoctoral Researcher in GPCR Pharmacology and Extracellular Matrix remodeling at Laboratory of Experimental and Molecular Pharmacology CEA Paris Saclay.
Project Overview
We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join a collaborative research project funded by the Fondation ARC pour la recherche sur le cancer, in collaboration with Emmanuel Dornier (INSTITUT MONDOR DE RECHERCHE BIOMÉDICALE, Créteil) and Nelson Dusetti (CENTRE DE RECHERCHE EN CANCEROLOGIE DE MARSEILLE). The DISSRUPT project aims to investigate the role of G protein–coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling in cancer progression and tumor–microenvironment interactions and Extracellular Matrix (ECM) remodeling.
The postdoctoral fellow will contribute to the pharmacological characterization and functional analysis of GPCRs involved in ECM remodeling.
Responsibilities
The successful candidate will:
- Perform pharmacological characterization of selected GPCRs in cancer-relevant cellular models.
- Develop and optimize functional assays to monitor GPCR signaling in tumor-derived fibroblasts, including pathways such as cAMP, IP3 and β-arrestin recruitment.
- Investigate signaling mechanisms in tumor-derived fibroblasts.
- Contribute to the identification and evaluation of pharmacological modulators of GPCR activity.
- Analyze and interpret experimental data using quantitative pharmacological approaches.
- Participate in scientific publications, presentations, and project meetings.
- Contribute to the supervision of graduate students or interns.
Experimental Approaches
The project will involve a range of molecular and cellular pharmacological techniques, including:
- Mammalian cell culture (tumor cell lines and heterologous transfected systems)
- GPCR functional assays (cAMP, IP3, G-protein coupling activation, β-arrestin recruitment)
- Reporter assays (BRET biosensors) and signaling pathway analysis (DREADDs-drived signalization)
- Molecular biology techniques (cloning, mutagenesis, transfection)
- Western blotting and immunofluorescence
- Quantitative pharmacological data analysis (dose–response curves and kinetics studies)
Candidate Profile
Education
- PhD in pharmacology, cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related field.
Scientific Skills
- Strong background in GPCR biology, pharmacology, or cell signaling.
- Experience with cell-based functional assays and molecular biology techniques such as BRET/FRET-based assays.
- Ability to analyze and interpret quantitative pharmacological data.
- A background in Cancer Biology or Extracellular Matrix Biology will be appreciated
Personal Qualities
- Strong scientific rigor and independence.
- Ability to work effectively in a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
Position Details
- Contract type: Postdoctoral research position
- Duration: 2 years
- Start date: Flexible
- Location: CEA Saclay, France
- Funding: Project supported by the Fondation ARC pour la recherche sur le cancer
Application
Applicants should submit:
- Curriculum vitae
- Cover letter describing research interests and experience
- Contact details for 2–3 referees
Applications should be sent to:
Xavier Iturrioz: Xavier.iturrioz@cea.fr
