Animal jobs in France

The “Antibodies, Immunomodulation and Immunotherapy” research group, led by Dr. Mireia Pelegrin at the Institute of Regenerative Medicine and Biotherapy (IRMB, Montpellier, France) is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join an EU-funded Horizon Europe project. The project brings together multiple partners across four European countries and aims to develop novel therapeutic and vaccine strategies against West Nile virus (WNV), with a strong focus on antibody-based approaches. IRMB is a multidisciplinary research institute dedicated to the development of innovative immunotherapies. It offers state-of-the-art core facilities (imaging, cutting-edge flow cytometry, single-cell transcriptomics, histology, …) and a highly supportive scientific environment in collaboration with INSERM and the University of Montpellier. The research group focuses on understanding the mechanisms of antibody-mediated immunomodulation, particularly the role of monoclonal antibodies (mAb) in the recruitment and activation of immune cells, with the goal of improving antibody-based immunotherapies. The team benefits from a dynamic, collaborative atmosphere and extensive national and international collaborations.

The successful candidate will be involved in research activities focusing on mAb-mediated immunomodulation, immune cell recruitment and activation, and the development and therapeutic evaluation of antibody-based immunotherapeutic strategies. The candidate will contribute expertise in experimental immunology, including flow cytometry, cellular and molecular immune response analyses, as well as host–pathogen interaction studies. They will work closely with researchers and engineers within the team and participate actively and independently in the research project, including the implementation of required methodologies, the sharing of protocols and results, and involvement in collective team activities.

• Independently develop a research project focused on the immune response to West Nile virus (WNV) infection.
• Perform experimental work in immunology, including flow cytometry, animal models, and collaborative studies with partner teams.
• Conduct laboratory work in a biosafety level 3 (BSL-3) environment, including animal facilities, with strict adherence to biosafety regulations.
• Implement and develop experimental techniques involving animal biological samples.
• Perform multiparametric phenotypic and functional analyses of human and murine immune responses (flow cytometry, RT-qPCR, ELISA, etc.).
• Use molecular biology tools for transcriptomic analyses.
• Carry out in vivo experiments in compliance with ethical and regulatory requirements and participate in sample collection.
• Analyze experimental data, prepare reports, present results, and contribute to scientific publications.
• Participate in collective team activities.
• Contribute to laboratory organization, equipment maintenance, and consumables management.
• Ensure compliance with good laboratory practices (GLP) and safety standards, particularly in BSL-3 facilities.
• Handle procurement of laboratory materials and follow up with suppliers.
• Perform administrative tasks related to budget tracking and time reporting.
• Contribute to project communication and dissemination activities.
• Coordinate access to shared research facilities and equipment.

E-mail mireia.pelegrin@inserm.fr

Education PhD or equivalent in Biological sciences / Biology

• Experience working in containment laboratory environments (BSL-2/BSL-3).
• Expertise in flow cytometry and immunology techniques.
• Experience with animal experimentation (Level 1 or 2 certification for animal handling).
• Solid knowledge of immunology.
• Good understanding of cellular and molecular biology.
• Experience performing and analyzing transcriptomic studies.
• Fluency in English (B2–C1), enabling effective communication with European partners.

• Proficiency in cellular and molecular biology techniques.
• Expertise in immunophenotyping and functional analysis of immune cells.
• Strong skills in multiparametric flow cytometry analysis.
• Strong skills in data analysis and statistical software (Excel, GraphPad, DIVA, FlowJo, etc.).
• Familiarity with biosafety and hygiene regulations for handling viral pathogens.
• Knowledge of BSL-3 laboratory procedures and equipment.
• Understanding of ethical principles and relevant regulations.

• Ability to manage projects and prioritize tasks.
• Rigorous, autonomous, and able to work effectively in a team.

Ability to communicate and maintain relationships with internal and external collaborators.

• Scientific rigor and attention to detail.
• Excellent organizational, prioritization, and time management skills.
• Ability to perform optimally under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Proactive and flexible attitude.

• Work in confinement (BSL2, BSL3, and A3).
• Time constraints related to experimental procedures.
• Multi-site work (laboratories and animal facilities in different locations, all local).
• A cover letter describing your research background, interests, and motivation to join the lab
• Your CV, including a detailed description of relevant experience and publications
• Contact information for at least two references

Incomplete applications or applications that do not meet the required criteria will not be considered.

• Duration: 21 months, full-time contract funded by Horizon Europe, with possibility of extension based on performance and funding

Salary: commensurate with expertise and in line with French national post-doctoral scales

Specific features/constraints of the position:

• Work in confinement (L2, L3, and A3).
• Time constraints related to experimental procedures.
• Multi-site work (laboratories and animal facilities in different locations, all local).