Research Engineer in Breast Cancer Research

EURAXESS Ireland; Marseille; Hybrid; EUR 40,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The INSERM U1068 Marseille Cancer Research Centre is seeking a highly qualified Biologist to investigate early mechanisms of breast tumorigenesis. The project uses lineage-tracing in luminal epithelial cells, organoid cultures, and mouse xenograft models to understand early tumor transformation.

The successful candidate will work in the Epithelial Stem Cells and Cancer team, perform CRISPR-based screens, and employ confocal microscopy and flow cytometry to analyze results, contributing to

Qualifications

• PhD in Biological sciences or related field.
• Experience in organoid culture and maintenance.
• Experience with orthotopic grafts in mammary gland models.
• Familiarity with flow cytometry and histology analyses.
• Strong microscopy experience, esp. confocal.
• Experience with CRISPR-based functional screens.
• Ability to work in English and in a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Investigate early events of breast tumor initiation and progression.
• Utilize organoid cultures and mouse xenograft models.
• Perform CRISPR-based functional screens to identify drivers.
• Conduct confocal microscopy and spectral flow cytometry analyses.
• Characterize models within the Epithelial Stem Cells and Cancer team.

Skills

Organoid culture maintenance

Orthotopic graft implantation

Transplanted animals monitoring

Tissue collection & processing

Confocal microscopy imaging

CRISPR-based functional screens

English communication

Independent work in multidisciplinary팀

Technical autonomy & organization

Scientific initiative

Education

PhD or equivalent

Tools

Flow cytometry instruments

CRISPR screening platforms

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.