Research Engineer in Breast Cancer Research

INSERM U1068; France; On-site; EUR 36,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

INSERM U1068 in Marseille, France, invites applications for a PhD-anchored researcher to investigate the early mechanisms of breast tumorigenesis using lineage-tracing models, organoids, and mouse xenografts. You will manipulate genes with CRISPR, culture organoids, and perform imaging and cytometry analyses to track tumor transformation.

The project is led by the Epithelial Stem Cells and Cancer team, with emphasis on multidisciplinary collaboration and rigorous experimental work.

Qualifications

• A strong background in cellular and molecular biology.
• Experience in cell culture and/or organoid culture.
• Knowledge of flow cytometry techniques and data analysis.
• Experience in experimental research involving animal models.

Responsibilities

• Lead organoid culture experiments to model early breast tumorigenesis.
• Perform CRISPR-based functional screens to identify driver events.
• Analyze data from confocal microscopy and flow cytometry to characterize models.

Skills

Organoid culture

Orthotopic implantation

CRISPR screening

In vivo mouse models

Confocal microscopy

English proficiency

Education

PhD or equivalent

Tools

Flow cytometry

Job description

Organisation/Company INSERM U1068 Research Field Biological sciences » Biology Researcher Profile Other Profession Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 6 Dec 2026 - 12:00 (Europe/Paris) Country France Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 1 Feb 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? Yes

Offer Description

Investigating the early mechanisms of breast tumorigenesis

This project aims to investigate the early events driving breast tumor initiation and progression.

The research will rely on a lineage-tracing model targeting luminal epithelial cells to track the earliest stages of tumor transformation. The project will combine 3D cell culture models (organoids) and mouse xenograft models.

Genetic manipulation of epithelial cells will also be performed, including functional screening approaches based on CRISPR technology.

The characterization of these models will involve confocal microscopy imaging and spectral flow cytometry analyses.

The successful candidate will join the Epithelial Stem Cells and Cancer team, co-led by Emmanuelle Charafe-Jauffret and Christophe Ginestier, at the Marseille Cancer Research Centre (CRCM), INSERM U1068, Marseille, France.

Requirements

Research Field Biological sciences » Biology Education Level PhD or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

• Organoid culture and maintenance.
• Orthotopic implantation of grafts into the mammary gland.
• Monitoring and follow-up of transplanted animals.
• Tissue collection and processing, including histological and flow cytometry analyses.
• Confocal microscopy imaging and analysis.
• Implementation and execution of CRISPR-based functional screens.

Specific Requirements

Required knowledge and experience

• A strong background in cellular and molecular biology.
• Experience in cell culture and/or organoid culture.
• Knowledge of flow cytometry techniques and data analysis.
• Experience in experimental research involving animal models.

Experience in primary tissue xenografting, including tissue dissociation, graft preparation, implantation and animal monitoring, would be an advantage.

Required technical skills

• Ability to operate flow cytometry instruments and analyse experimental data.
• Animal experimentation training and authorization (French regulatory level A or B, or equivalent qualification).

Personal skills

• Good written and spoken English.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Technical autonomy and organizational skills.
• Intellectual curiosity and scientific initiative.