Research Engineer in Molecular Biology and Spatial Transcriptomics (12-month contract)

INSERM U1068; France; Sur place; EUR 50 000 - 75 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

INSERM U1068 seeks a molecular biology and transcriptomics research engineer to join our translational cancer research team. The role focuses on spatial transcriptomics, single-cell RNA sequencing, tumor organoids, and clonal tracing to understand tumor resistance and identify new therapies.

We target cutting-edge translational research in pancreatic cancer with strong collaboration across platforms, and expect expertise in functional genetics, genome editing, and robust cell-based assays.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in molecular and cellular biology or related field.
• PhD involving functional genetics or genome editing is an asset.
• Experience with CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing and validation of edited models.
• Mammalian cell culture, molecular cloning, PCR and DNA/RNA extraction.
• Flow cytometry/FACS for phenotypic characterization and isolation of edited populations.
• Experience with 3D culture systems or patient-derived organoids is advantageous.
• Ability to design robust protocols, document experiments and analyse data.
• Strong organisational skills, independence, troubleshooting, and collaboration.

Responsabilités

• Generate tumour models with disrupted or modulated expression of candidate targets.
• Perform molecular and phenotypic characterization of edited models.
• Support functional validation of CAR-T target antigens.
• Develop experimental controls, protocols and quantitative analyses.
• Collaborate across teams and present results at project meetings.

Connaissances

CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing

Mammalian cell culture

PCR & DNA/RNA extraction

Flow cytometry / FACS

Lentiviral transduction

3D culture / organoids

Experimental design & data analysis

Formation

Master’s degree in molecular & cellular biology

PhD in functional genetics or genome editing

Description du poste

Biological sciences » Biological engineering

Organisation/Company INSERM U1068 Department Translate-it Research Field Biological sciences » Biological engineering Researcher Profile Other Profession Positions Research Support Positions Application Deadline 31 Oct 2026 - 00:00 (Europe/Paris) Country France Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 23 Sep 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

As part of an ambitious project funded by the ARC Foundation, we are looking for a molecular biology and transcriptomics research engineer to join our translational research team specializing in pancreatic cancer.

Contribute to a cutting-edge research program combining spatial transcriptomics, single-cell RNA sequencing, tumor organoids, and clonal tracing, with the goal of understanding how tumors resist treatment and identifying new therapeutic strategies.

Requirements

Research Field Biological sciences » Biological engineering Education Level PhD or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

• Strong experience in functional genetics and genome editing using CRISPR-Cas9; experience with CRISPRi or CRISPR screening would be an asset.
• Proficiency in mammalian cell culture and molecular biology techniques, including molecular cloning, PCR and DNA/RNA extraction.
• Experience in flow cytometry and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) to characterise and isolate genetically modified cell populations.
• Ability to generate and validate cellular models with altered target gene expression using molecular and functional assays.
• Interest in patient-derived tumour organoids and their application to therapeutic target validation in pancreatic cancer; previous experience with 3D culture would be an advantage.
• Ability to design, optimise and document experimental protocols, analyse quantitative data and discuss results within a multidisciplinary team.
• Scientific rigour, organisational skills, autonomy and a collaborative mindset.

Specific Requirements

• Educational Background
  • Master’s degree (Master 2), engineering degree or equivalent qualification in molecular and cellular biology, biotechnology or a related field.
  • A PhD involving functional genetics or genome editing would be an asset.
• Technical Skills
  • Experience in CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, including the generation and validation of genetically modified cellular models.
  • Proficiency in mammalian cell culture, molecular cloning, PCR and DNA/RNA extraction.
  • Experience in flow cytometry and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) for phenotypic characterisation and isolation of cell populations.
  • Ability to validate gene editing and changes in target expression using molecular and cellular assays.
  • Experience with lentiviral transduction, CRISPRi or CRISPR screening would be an advantage.
  • Familiarity with 3D culture systems and patient-derived tumour organoids would be an asset.
• Project Involvement
  • Generate tumour models with disrupted or modulated expression of candidate therapeutic targets.
  • Perform molecular and phenotypic characterisation of edited models to support the functional validation of CAR-T target antigens.
  • Develop appropriate experimental controls to assess target specificity.
  • Contribute to functional assays, protocol optimisation and quantitative data analysis.
  • Collaborate with researchers, technical platforms and project partners, and present results at team meetings.
• Soft Skills
  • Strong organisational skills, experimental rigour and attention to reproducibility and traceability.
  • Ability to work independently, troubleshoot experiments and adapt protocols.
  • Collaborative mindset and clear communication across disciplines.
  • Motivation for translational cancer research and therapeutic target validation.
• Additional Assets
  • Experience in functional genomic screening and analysis of screening data.
  • Previous work with cancer models, patient-derived cultures or assays measuring proliferation, viability and cell death.
  • Interest in cancer immunotherapy and preclinical evaluation of CAR-T approaches.
  • Working proficiency in scientific English; knowledge of French would be an advantage.

Languages ENGLISH

Research Field Biological sciences » Biological engineering Years of Research Experience 1 - 4