Skin cells communication through melanin exchange under physiological and inflammatory conditions

INSERM; France; Sur place; EUR 42 000 - 54 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

Institut Necker Enfants Malades (INEM) in Paris invites applications for a Postdoctoral researcher to study how skin cells communicate via pigment-containing extracellular vesicles under physiological and inflammatory conditions. The project leverages cutting-edge imaging, transcriptomics and 3D skin models to uncover pigment fate regulation.

Candidates should have a PhD in molecular and cellular biology within the last four years and experience in membrane dynamics, EV biology, advanced

Qualifications

• PhD in molecular and cellular biology within the past four years.
• Experience in membrane dynamics, extracellular vesicle biology, organelle biology, advanced microscopy, and/or 3D model systems.

Responsabilités

• Study how skin cells communicate through pigment-containing extracellular vesicles under physiological and inflammatory conditions.
• Utilize advanced imaging, transcriptomics, flow cytometry and 2D/3D human skin models.
• Collaborate in an interdisciplinary, open and friendly research environment.

Connaissances

membrane dynamics

extracellular vesicle biology

organelle biology

advanced microscopy

3D model systems

Formation

PhD in molecular and cellular biology

Description du poste

Organisation/Company INSERM Department U1151 Research Field Biological sciences » Biology Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions Postdoc 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 1 Jan 2027 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

We are looking for an enthusiastic researcher to study how skin cells communicate through the exchange of pigment particles under physiological and inflammatory conditions. Our recent work described that secreted melanin particles are decorated by extracellular vesicles ( Benito-Martínez, Salavessa, et al. Nat Cell Biol. 2026 ), suggesting a previously unrecognized potential for melanin-mediated intercellular communication in human skin. The project aims to uncover how inflammation rewires the signaling properties of melanin particles and alters pigment fate in skin cells, revealing new mechanisms underlying pigmentary disorders. The project will combine cell and molecular biology, advanced imaging approaches, transcriptomics, flow cytometry and 2D/3D human skin models.

Requirements

Research Field Biological sciences » Biology Education Level PhD or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

Candidates with a PhD in molecular and cellular biology, obtained during the past four years, and with experience in membrane dynamics, extracellular vesicle biology, organelle biology, advanced microscopy, and/or 3D model systems are encouraged to apply.

Specific Requirements

We are seeking a curious and creative researcher with strong communication skills in English, who enjoys working on exploratory projects and contributes to a collaborative, interdisciplinary, open and friendly research environment.

The host laboratory, Cellular & Membrane Dynamics in Stress Response (MEMBRAMICS), directed by Etienne Morel, is part of the Institut Necker Enfants Malades (INEM) in Paris. The team’s research focuses on how mammalian cells exploit membrane dynamics and organelle biology to adapt to various stress scenarios and external cues, including nutrient fluctuations, mechanical forces, infection, UV exposure and inflammation. INEM is a leading biomedical research institute supported by INSERM, CNRS and Université Paris Cité, and located on the Necker campus alongside the Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital and the Imagine Institute. Researchers benefit from access to state-of-the-art core facilities, including imaging, genomics, histology, flow cytometry, bioinformatics and proteomics platforms.

Eligibility criteria

Candidates with a PhD in molecular and cellular biology, obtained during the past four years.

Selection process

Applications will be accepted through early September 2026.
Interviews with selected candidates will conclude in mid-October 2026.
The candidate will be selected in early November 2026.
The position will begin no earlier than January 2027.

Number of offers available 2 Company/Institute Institut Necker Enfants Malades (INEM, INSERM U1151/CNRS8253) Country France City PARIS Postal Code 75015 Street 160 RUE DE VAUGIRARD Geofield