Two (2) Postdoctoral Positions in Mitochondrial Cell Biology

Institut Imagine; Paris; Sur place; EUR 41 000 - 48 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

Institut Imagine in Paris is seeking researchers for two-year fixed-term training posts focused on mitochondrial membrane dynamics and mtDNA dynamics. The role combines advanced microscopy with biochemical and molecular analyses to study IMM quality control and organelle interactions.

Applicants should hold or are close to obtaining a PhD in biological sciences, with strong lab experience in mitochondrial biology and English proficiency.

Qualifications

• PhD in biological sciences or related discipline, with strong research track record.
• Experience in organelle and mitochondrial biology, membrane dynamics and mtDNA biology, and cutting-edge microscopy.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.

Responsabilités

• Perform cutting-edge microscopy, biochemical and molecular analyses to investigate IMM quality control and mtDNA dynamics.
• Identify and characterize proteins at the interface between Golgi-derived vesicles and mitochondria, and their role in membrane contact sites.
• Work collaboratively in an international lab and contribute to high-impact basic cell biology research.

Connaissances

Communication skills

Organisational skills

English proficiency

Independent research

Formation

PhD in Biological Sciences

Near PhD / PhD in related discipline

Outils

Microscopy techniques

Literature analysis

Description du poste

Research in the Prudent’s Lab

Mitochondria form a dynamic and interconnected network that is constantly remodelled through cycles of membrane fission and fusion. These dynamic transitions are essential for maintaining mitochondrial function and enabling cells to respond to changing physiological and metabolic demands (1, 2). Mitochondrial membrane remodelling regulates a wide range of cellular processes, from metabolism (3) to the mitochondrial (mt)DNA life cycle (4). This includes the release of mtDNA into the cytosol to activate inflammation (5), as well as he selective degradation of mitochondrial compartments and mtDNA (6).

To perform their cellular functions, mitochondria also establish membrane contact sites with several organelles, including the endoplasmic reticulum, peroxisomes, trans-Golgi network vesicles and lysosomes (7). These contact sites act as hotspots for metabolite flux and tightly regulate mitochondrial architecture and function.

Although defects in mitochondrial morphology and organelle contact sites are associated with human diseases, the molecular mechanisms linking mitochondrial membrane remodelling to cell fate decisions remain incompletely understood.

Project 1: Inner mitochondrial membrane quality control and mtDNA dynamics

Our group recently identified a mechanism of inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM) quality control that regulates both the degradation of damaged IMM compartments and basal mtDNA levels. This process is controlled by the anti-fusion activity of MTFP1 and its ability to isolate IMM subdomains, which are subsequently targeted for autophagic degradation (6). The successful candidate will: i) apply cutting-edge microscopy approaches, combined with biochemical and molecular analyses, to investigate the mechanisms controlling this newly identified pathway of IMM quality control; ii) determine how mitochondrial membrane remodelling regulates mtDNA distribution, maintenance and dynamics; and iii) establish the relevance of these processes to human disease.

Project 2: Golgi-derived vesicles and mitochondrial membrane dynamics

Our group previously demonstrated that Golgi-derived vesicles containing PI(4)P are recruited to mitochondrial division sites downstream of DRP1 and facilitate membrane fission (8). More recently, we identified a distinct population of these vesicles also containing PI(3,4)P2 that promotes mitochondrial fusion. The successful candidate will: i) combine advanced microscopy, proteomics and biochemical approaches to identify proteins specifically localised at the interface between Golgi-derived vesicles and mitochondria; ii) characterise these proteins and determine how they control these membrane contact sites and mitochondrial membrane dynamics; and iii) to elucidate the relevance of these events to mtDNA dynamics.

Further information about the Prudent laboratory and its research at the MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, University of Cambridge, is available at: https://www.mrc-mbu.cam.ac.uk/research-groups/prudent-group

Relevant references from the lab

1. L. Tilokani et al., Mitochondrial dynamics: overview of molecular mechanisms. Essays Biochem 62, 341-360 (2018).

2. L. C. Tabara et al., Molecular mechanisms of mitochondrial dynamics. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 26, 123-146 (2025).

3. L. Tilokani et al., AMPK-dependent phosphorylation of MTFR1L regulates mitochondrial morphology. Sci Adv 8, eabo7956 (2022).

4. L. C. Tabara et al., Emerging mechanisms of genome degradation during the mtDNA life cycle. Nat Cell Biol 28, 643-646 (2026).

5. V. Zecchini et al., Fumarate induces vesicular release of mtDNA to drive innate immunity. Nature 615, 499-506 (2023).

6. L. C. Tabara et al., MTFP1 controls mitochondrial fusion to regulate inner membrane quality control and maintain mtDNA levels. Cell 187, 3619-3637 e3627 (2024).

7. L. C. Tabara, J. L. Morris, J. Prudent, The Complex Dance of Organelles during Mitochondrial Division. Trends Cell Biol 31, 241-253 (2021).

8. S. Nagashima et al., Golgi-derived PI(4)P-containing vesicles drive late steps of mitochondrial division. Science 367, 1366-1371 (2020).

Candidate profile

Applicants should have, or be close to obtaining, a PhD in biological sciences or a related discipline, and should demonstrate a strong track record of research achievements relevant to the proposed projects. Experience in organelle and mitochondrial biology, membrane dynamics and membrane contact sites, mtDNA biology, and cutting-edge microscopy is essential. The successful candidates will be highly motivated, capable of working both independently and collaboratively, and interested in addressing fundamental questions in basic cell biology. Strong communication and organisational skills are expected. The laboratory provides an international research environment, and proficiency in spoken and written English is therefore required.

Appointment

• These are initially fixed‑term training programme posts for two years, with the possibility of renewal.
• The preferred starting date is November or December 2026, although the precise date can be discussed with successful candidates.
• The gross salary will be between €41 000 and €48 000, depending on experience.

Application process

Applications should include a cover letter describing the applicant’s research experience, interests and preferred project; a detailed CV, including a publication list; and the names and contact details of three referees.

Recruitment policy

At the Institut Imagine, we encourage diversity in profiles and professional backgrounds. All applications that meet the criteria outlined in the job description are welcome, in environment where everyone can work with respect and inclusion.