M/F Postdoct position in physics/biochemistry et lipid biology

CNRS - National Center for Scientific Research; France; In loco; EUR 20.000 - 27.000; Tempo pieno

Descrizione del lavoro

CNRS - National Center for Scientific Research in France invites applications for a First Stage Researcher (R1) position at the Laboratoire de physique de l'ENS. The project investigates how lipid composition controls membrane biophysics and signaling, focusing on the endoplasmic reticulum, using reconstituted systems and cell-based approaches.

You will design experiments, apply fluorescence microscopy, and perform quantitative analyses to link lipid physics to cellular responses.

Competenze

• Strong background in biophysics or physics applied to biology.
• Experience with cell biology and/or membrane systems.
• Familiarity with fluorescence microscopy and imaging analysis.
• Ability to work across disciplines and communicate results clearly.

Mansioni

• Design and perform experiments with reconstituted membrane systems.
• Study how neutral lipids and sterols affect membrane properties.
• Conduct cell biology experiments related to the ER.
• Manipulate cellular lipid composition using pharmacological or genetic tools.
• Use fluorescence microscopy and quantitative imaging to characterize membranes.
• Relate reconstituted system observations to cellular signaling.
• Analyze data quantitatively and contribute to interpretation and publications.

Conoscenze

Biophysics

Cell biology

Fluorescence microscopy

Quantitative imaging

Image analysis

Interdisciplinary collaboration

English proficiency

Descrizione del lavoro

Organisation/Company CNRS Department Laboratoire de physique de l\'ENS Research Field Mathematics History » History of science Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Application Deadline 4 Nov 2026 - 23:59 (UTC) Country France Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 1 Dec 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The recruited candidate will investigate how lipid composition controls the physical and functional properties of cellular membranes, with a particular focus on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER).
The project will specifically aim to understand how neutral lipids and sterols influence membrane organization, biophysical properties, and dynamics, and how these changes affect cellular signaling pathways.
The project will combine reconstituted membrane systems with cell-based experiments to establish mechanistic links between lipid composition, membrane physical properties, and cellular responses.

The recruited candidate will:

• Design and perform experiments using reconstituted membrane systems with precisely controlled lipid compositions.
• Investigate how neutral lipids and sterols affect membrane properties, including lateral organization, phase separation, deformation, curvature, tension, and membrane dynamics.
• Perform cell biology experiments to investigate these mechanisms in the context of the endoplasmic reticulum.
• Manipulate cellular lipid composition and metabolism using pharmacological and/or genetic approaches.
• Use fluorescence microscopy and quantitative imaging approaches to characterize membrane organization and the localization and dynamics of proteins of interest.
• Relate observations obtained in reconstituted systems to cellular responses, particularly signaling pathways associated with the endoplasmic reticulum.
• Perform quantitative analysis of experimental data and contribute to their interpretation.
• Participate in scientific discussions, presentation of results, and preparation of publications arising from the project.

Expertise in all of these areas is not required. Particular consideration will be given to candidates interested in combining a physical approach to membrane organization with mechanistic questions in cell biology.

The project will be carried out within an interdisciplinary research team working at the interface of membrane biophysics, cell biology, and lipid biology.
The team develops reconstituted membrane systems that reproduce selected properties of the endoplasmic reticulum under controlled conditions and allow direct comparison with observations made in living cells.
This environment makes it possible to address biological questions across different scales, from the fundamental physical properties of membranes with controlled lipid compositions to the functional consequences of these properties in cells.
The project will benefit from a multidisciplinary scientific environment and access to state-of-the-art facilities for microscopy, cell biology, and membrane biophysics.

The position is intended for a candidate with a background at the interface between physics, biophysics, and cell biology.
Expected skills include:

• Strong background in biophysics, physics applied to biological systems, cell biology, or a related discipline.
• Strong interest in quantitative and mechanistic approaches to biological questions.
• Experience in cell biology and/or reconstituted membrane systems.
• Knowledge of membrane biophysics and/or lipid biology would be an advantage.
• Experience in fluorescence microscopy and quantitative image analysis.
• Ability to develop and optimize new experimental approaches.
• Ability to work across disciplines and integrate in vitro and cellular experiments.
• Scientific rigor, critical thinking, autonomy, and ability to work collaboratively.
• Good command of written and spoken scientific English.