Job offer

European Commission; France; Sur place; EUR 35 000 - 50 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A leading research initiative is seeking a motivated candidate to enhance organ transplantation outcomes through innovative research. The role involves studying ischemia-reperfusion injury and developing models to improve graft tolerance. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in biology or biotechnologies and be skilled in microscopy techniques. This collaborative environment offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to significant advancements in transplantation science.

Qualifications

• Experience or strong interest in light microscopy techniques.
• Willingness to work with animals; animal experimentation diploma can be obtained.

Responsabilités

• Describe hepatic IR at cellular, tissue, and functional levels.
• Study protective effects of inhibiting eIF5A hypusination.
• Identify new pharmacological targets for clinical application.

Connaissances

Cell Biology

Biochemistry

Physiology

Light Microscopy Techniques

Formation

Master 2 in Biology or Biotechnologies

Outils

Multiphoton Microscopy

Confocal Microscopy

Epifluorescence Microscopy

Description du poste

Offer Description

To address the ongoing need for organ transplantation (Tx) and the shortage of available grafts, it is crucial to improve graft tolerance during transplantation stresses to enhance short- and long-term outcomes. Ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury, a key challenge in transplantation, is among the most studied factors affecting graft function. We propose an innovative approach using multiphoton microscopy to:

1. Describe hepatic IR at cellular, tissue, and functional levels longitudinally
2. Study the protective effects of inhibiting eIF5A hypusination, a pharmacological target identified previously
3. Characterize this protection
4. Identify new pharmacological targets for translational and clinical application

Currently, transplantation remains the last resort for curing chronic diseases such as nephropathy, cancer, and cirrhosis, which can lead to organ failure and death if untreated. Despite the complex procedure, limited graft availability is a major hurdle. In France alone, nearly 22,000 patients were on waiting lists in 2024. Efforts are underway to increase graft availability, including using marginal grafts and improving post-transplant function, which requires better tolerance to IR injuries. Our goal is to develop models to study IR tolerance in the liver and identify pharmacological targets for clinical use.

Our previous work demonstrated that inhibiting eIF5A hypusination in renal transplantation increased IR tolerance at various levels, involving metabolic, ER, and oxidative stress pathways. This modification is vital for eIF5A's function. We aim to extend these findings to liver transplantation, focusing on protecting biliary ducts, which are particularly sensitive to IR injury and critical for successful outcomes. The study will explore molecular determinants of IR tolerance and identify new pharmacological targets for preclinical and clinical applications.

We will employ a multi-level approach using relevant models, including:

• Cell models of varying complexity (hepatocytes, cholangiocytes-hepatocytes co-cultures, liver organoids)
• Functional murine models mimicking hepatic IR during transplantation

Techniques will include classical cell biology and biochemistry, as well as advanced microscopy methods such as multiphoton microscopy, enabling dynamic, longitudinal studies of metabolic processes and tissue architecture (e.g., NADH, FADH, Collagen-I SHG, FLIM).

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will have obtained a Master 2 in biology or biotechnologies, with solid knowledge in cell biology, biochemistry, and physiology. Experience or strong interest in light microscopy techniques (epifluorescence, confocal, multiphoton) is desirable. The candidate should be motivated, curious, proactive, and autonomous. The work environment is stimulating and collaborative. Since animal models are part of the project, the candidate must be willing to work with animals; an animal experimentation diploma is required but can be obtained in the lab. Excellent spoken and written English is essential for communication within the lab and with international collaborators.