POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER IN BIOLOGY - Molecular imaging (MRI, MPI, PET)

Université de Caen Normandie; France; Sur place; EUR 40 000 - 50 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A prominent university in Normandy is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher in Biology to develop innovative molecular imaging tools for neurological disorders. The ideal candidate will have a PhD, experience in in vivo imaging, and a solid background in leading research projects. This position offers full-time, fixed-term research contract starting in January 2026. Candidates should apply via email before December 20, 2025.

Qualifications

• Postdoctoral experience with a minimum of 4 years in in vivo molecular imaging.
• Experience in leading a research group.
• Excellent command of English and good command of French.

Responsabilités

• Develop innovative in vivo molecular imaging tools using MRI, PET, and MPI modalities.
• Conduct studies on biodistribution and pharmacokinetics of developed contrast agents.
• Contribute to scientific activities and communicate project advancements.

Connaissances

Mastery of regulatory, ethical, and deontological aspects of research

Experience in animal experimentation

Image analysis mastery using ImageJ and Paravision

Synthesis of organic and inorganic particles

Knowledge of experimental models of inflammation

Formation

PhD or equivalent

Outils

MRI

MPI

PET

Description du poste

Organisation/Company Université de Caen Normandie Research Field Biological sciences Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions Postdoc Positions Country France Application Deadline 20 Dec 2025 - 23:59 (UTC) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 2 Jan 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 University of Caen Normandy is recruiting for the Laboratory of Pathophysiology and Imaging of Neurological Disorders (PhIND) A POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER IN BIOLOGY. UNICAEN, with its 29,000 students, is a major player and a driving force for the development of higher education and research in Normandy. UNICAEN is a member of Normandy Université.

Statutory Framework of the Position : Category: A Corps / Grade: IGR BAP A

Main Missions of the Position The mission will be carried out within the framework of the "Caen - Strategy for Acceleration in Research" (CaeSAR) project, presented by the University of Caen Normandy (UCN), with its partners on the Caen site (CNRS, Inserm, CEA, CHU, EnsiCaen) (ExcellenCES France 2030). The bulk of the ExcellenCES funding is focused on 3 centers of excellence and 1 platform, among which is the Blood and Brain at Caen Institute (BB@C). The latter stands out for its unique capacity in France and Europe to investigate blood and brain interactions, relying on a cutting-edge imaging platform.

In the context of the CaeSAR project, BB@C aims to develop the first-in-human molecular MRI system in Europe, and the first MPI (Magnetic Particle Imaging) machine for the imaging of neuroinflammation in human subjects. The imaging technology resulting from our teams' efforts could be applied not only to assist in the treatment of neurological disorders (multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, and stroke), but also for heart diseases (endocarditis, atrial fibrillation, etc.), Crohn's disease, or cancers (e.g., tertiary lymphomas) — all involving inflammatory processes. The expected impact and results are a key advance in neurovascular imaging and therapy concerning a series of immune diseases or diseases involving inflammatory processes, as well as a boost in visibility, positioning UCN as the European leader for Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI).

The postdoctoral researcher will thus work on developing, based on our previous and current preclinical data, innovative in vivo molecular imaging tools using MRI, PET, and MPI modalities, to visualize inflammation-related events. He/she will also be required to conduct studies concerning the biodistribution and pharmacokinetics of the developed contrast agents, and assess the efficacy of our candidate diagnosis and prognosis biomarkers.

Activities and Tasks of the Position

• Execution of Experimental Protocols:
  • Synthesis and development of targeted contrast agents, adapted to different imaging modalities. Validation of targets of interest and appropriate antibodies. Anticipating their transfer towards clinical use.
  • Experimental models of acute and chronic, central and systemic inflammation, on an animal cohort. Ensuring animal welfare during and after procedures. Longitudinal monitoring of animals to assess the biocompatibility and degradability of the developed contrast agents.
  • Execution of imaging protocols (MRI, MPI, PET).
  • Collection of biological samples and associated histological studies.
• Data Analysis and Exploitation: Ensuring the processing and formatting of generated data, statistical analysis, and interpretation of the results obtained.
• Involvement in the Scientific Life of the Team: Contributing to the organization of scientific activities, regularly interacting with researchers, engineers, and students, and supporting the collective dynamic of the laboratory.
• Dissemination, Valorization, and Scientific Partnerships: Ensuring the communication of project advancements through scientific articles, presentations at conferences, and intellectual property procedures. Writing detailed reports on the experiments conducted, including methods, results, and interpretations.

Contract

Fixed-term research contract (CDD) of 18 months, full-time. Start date: January 2026.

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 responsibility of the team director.

Where to apply

E-mail [e-mail]

Requirements

Research Field Biological sciences Education Level PhD or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

Required Level: Bac+8 or Engineer/Doctor degree. Postdoctoral experience and experience in leading a research group are required, as well as an aptitude for working within a multidisciplinary project.

Know-How:

• Mastery of regulatory, ethical, and deontological aspects of research.
• Supervision of junior researchers.
• Synthesis and vectorization of organic and inorganic particles.
• Imaging: in-depth knowledge (MRI, MPI, PET).
• Experience in animal experimentation and FELASA level (B or C with up-to-date surgical training and continuous education).
• Knowledge of experimental models of acute and chronic inflammation.
• Image analysis (mastery of ImageJ and Paravision software).
• Mastery of written and oral presentation tools.
• Writing research proposals and funding applications (ANR, Europe).

Soft Skills:

• Autonomy, initiative, organizational skills and rigor in project management, team spirit, open-mindedness and curiosity, appetite for multidisciplinary projects, listening skills, and dialogue.

Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent

Languages FRENCH Level Good

Additional Information

Selection process Candidates should submit their application file via email to [e-mail] before December 20th, 2025, including a cover letter and a curriculum vitae detailing the candidate's previous education and experience.

Additional comments

Required experience

Field of experience: In vivo molecular imaging Years of experience: at least 4 years