POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER IN BIOLOGY

Université de Caen Normandie; France; Sur place; EUR 40 000 - 55 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A leading research institution in France is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher in Biology for a 24-month full-time contract. The role focuses on developing non-invasive approaches for imaging tertiary lymphoid structures and contributing to experimental models for cancer. The ideal candidate will possess a PhD, postdoctoral experience, and expertise in MRI, IPM, and managing research teams. Strong communication skills in French and English are essential. Applications should be sent via email before December 20, 2025.

Qualifications

• PhD (Bac+8) or Engineering degree with a PhD is required.
• Postdoctoral experience and experience in leading a research group are necessary.
• Ability to work within a multidisciplinary project is essential.

Responsabilités

• Execute experimental protocols, design and carry out synthesis of contrast agents.
• Implement cancer and autoimmune disease models in a cohort of animals.
• Perform imaging protocols (MRI, IPM) and intravenous injections.
• Active participation within the research team and scientific communication.

Connaissances

Knowledge of regulatory, ethical, and deontological aspects of research

Team management and supervision of junior researchers

Synthesis and vectorization of organic and inorganic particles

Advanced knowledge of MRI and IPM

Experience in animal experimentation and FELASA certification

Knowledge of experimental models in cancer and autoimmune diseases

Proficiency in ImageJ and Paravision

Strong written and oral communication skills in French and English

Experience in preparing research proposals and funding applications

Formation

PhD or equivalent

Outils

ImageJ

Paravision

Description du poste

Offer Description

The University of Caen Normandy is recruiting for the laboratory Physiopathologie et Imagerie des Troubles Neurologiques (PhIND) for a POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER IN BIOLOGY.

UNICAEN, with its 29,000 students, is a major actor and driver of higher education and research development in Normandy. UNICAEN is a member of Normandie Université.

Statutory framework of the position

Category: A

Corps / Grade: IGR BAP A

Main missions

The mission will be carried out within the project “Targeting tertiary lymphoid structures using magneto-margination” (MAGMA), funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Program (ERC Consolidator Grant, 2025–2030). The project aims to develop new non‑invasive mapping approaches for tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) using clinically available imaging modalities (MRI) and emerging technologies (MPI), and to identify therapeutic strategies targeting TLS when their presence is associated with poor prognosis.

The project is led by the Physiopathology and Imaging of Neurological Disorders laboratory (PhIND, IN‑SERM UMR‑S 1237; http://www.phind.fr/index.php/en/ ).

Non‑invasive imaging of inflammation is one of the core research areas of the PhIND laboratory, which is developing an original approach based on the use of large iron oxide particles coupled to monoclonal antibodies. The scientific and technological advances generated by the MAGMA project have potential clinical applications, including the diagnosis of chronic inflammation, identification of patients likely to benefit from specific anticancer treatments, and selective modulation of immune responses in autoimmune diseases. This integrated diagnostic and therapeutic approach aims to improve detection of chronic inflammation and prevent progression of certain autoimmune diseases.

The postdoctoral researcher will need to rapidly learn the submicrometric particle synthesis techniques already established in the laboratory, then contribute to their optimization and further development. These particles will subsequently be used in experimental models of clinically relevant diseases, in order to demonstrate the feasibility of TLS imaging. The candidate must therefore master MRI, IPM, and magnetic hyperthermia techniques, as well as be capable of implementing experimental models of cancer and autoimmune diseases.

Hierarchical positioning

The recruited researcher will be based in the “tPA and neurovascular pathologies” team of the INSERM UMR‑S 1237 PhIND unit, under the supervision of the team leader.

Activities and tasks

• Execution of experimental protocols: synthesis and development of contrast agents, design and carry out synthesis of contrast agents, perform in vitro evaluation, and apply them in experimental models; anticipate translational potential toward clinical applications.
• Implementation of cancer and autoimmune disease models in a cohort of animals.
• Ensure animal welfare before, during and after procedures.
• Perform imaging protocols (MRI, IPM) and intravenous injections.
• Longitudinal monitoring of animals to assess biocompatibility and degradability of the developed contrast agents.
• Collection of biological samples and associated histological analyses.
• Data analysis: processing of the collected data, application of statistical methods, interpretation of results, and formulation of conclusions based on thorough analysis.
• Active participation within the research team: contribute to the organization, scientific activities, and development of the team, in interaction with researchers, engineers, PhD candidates, and Master’s students.
• Scientific communication and dissemination: disseminate and promote research results and related intellectual property through publications, presentations at international conferences, patents, and industrial partnerships; establish, participate in, and co‑coordinate national and international research collaborations.

Contract

Fixed‑term contract (CDD) as a researcher for 24 months, full‑time.

Start date: January 2026.

Where to apply

E‑mail: [e-mail]

Requirements

Research Field: Biological sciences

Education Level: PhD or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

Technical skills

• Knowledge of regulatory, ethical, and deontological aspects of research.
• Team management and supervision of junior researchers.
• Synthesis and vectorization of organic and inorganic particles.
• Imaging: advanced knowledge of MRI and IPM.
• Experience in animal experimentation and FELASA certification (B or C, including surgery training and up‑to‑date continuing education).
• Knowledge of experimental models in cancer and autoimmune diseases.
• Image analysis: proficiency in ImageJ and Paravision.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in French and English.
• Experience in preparing research proposals and funding applications (ANR, Europe).

Soft skills

• Autonomy and initiative.
• Organizational skills and rigor in project management.
• Team spirit, openness, curiosity, and enthusiasm for multidisciplinary projects.

Required qualifications: PhD (Bac+8) or Engineering degree with a PhD.

Postdoctoral experience and experience in leading a research group are required, as well as the ability to work within a multidisciplinary project.

Languages: ENGLISH (Excellent)

Years of Research Experience: 4 – 10

Additional Information

Selection process

Candidates should send their application by email to [e-mail] before December 20TH 2025, including:

• A motivation letter.
• A curriculum vitae detailing previous training and experience.