Master internship: Quantitative imaging of phase thermodynamics in cells with Brillouin microscopy

France - BioImaging; Villeurbanne; Sur place; EUR 6 700 - 10 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

France - BioImaging invites a Master student to join a project on quantitative imaging of phase thermodynamics in cells with Brillouin microscopy in Villeurbanne.

You will develop and test a stimulated Brillouin light scattering microscope and perform live-cell experiments to monitor condensate formation. The role includes data analysis in Python and collaboration with biology engineers and project supervisors.

Responsabilités

• Participate in development and assembly of a stimulated Brillouin light scattering (BLS) microscope
• Validate and characterize the instrument on test samples before biological experiments
• Perform live-cell imaging experiments using inducible systems to follow condensate formation at different aggregation stages
• Analyze and process acoustic and microscopy data using Python (signal processing, quantitative analysis)
• Implement theoretical modelling to interpret viscoelastic properties measured in cells
• Collaborate with biology engineers for cell culture, maintenance, and preparation of samples
• Work closely with the project supervisors (T. Dehoux and an engineer dedicated to the project)

Description du poste

Master internship: Quantitative imaging of phase thermodynamics in cells with Brillouin microscopy

Biomolecular condensates are membrane-less compartments essential for cellular organization. While their formation is normally reversible, certain liquid-to-solid transitions can lead to irreversible aggregation associated with aging and neurodegenerative diseases. Understanding the physical mechanisms driving these transitions requires quantitative tools capable of probing viscoelastic properties directly in living cells.

Brillouin light scattering (BLS) microscopy offers a promising solution by measuring acoustic responses at subcellular scales. Our team has already demonstrated mechanical contrasts between nuclear condensates and their environment in live cells. This internship aims to deepen these observations by developing a stimulated BLS approach to accelerate acquisition and enable real-time monitoring of condensate formation, including pathogenic variants linked to neurodegeneration.

Missions

Under Thomas Dehoux's supervision, the student will have to:

• Participate in the development and assembly of a stimulated Brillouin light scattering (BLS) microscope,
• Validate and characterize the instrument on test samples before biological experiments,
• Perform live-cell imaging experiments using inducible systems to follow condensate formation at different aggregation stages,
• Analyze and process acoustic and microscopy data using Python (signal processing, quantitative analysis),
• Implement theoretical modelling to interpret viscoelastic properties measured in cells,
• Collaborate with biology engineers for cell culture, maintenance, and preparation of samples,
• Work closely with the project supervisors (T. Dehoux and an engineer dedicated to the project).