Postdoctoral position in gene therapy for mitochondrial disease

A 12-month postdoctoral position is available in the Genetics of Rare Ophthalmological, Auditory and Mitochondrial Diseases laboratory at the Imagine Institute in Paris, France. 

The position is available starting in September.

Project and supervision: 

Mitochondrial diseases are rare, genetically and clinically heterogenous pathologies that typically present during infancy and often have a negative prognosis. Gene therapy holds a great promise for the development of cures for these devastating pathologies.

The project is funded by The POLG foundation. We are conducting preclinical development of an AAV-based gene therapy for mitochondrial disease caused by mutations in the gene encoding the mitochondrial DNA polymerase subunit gamma (POLG). 

The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Dr. Metodi Metodiev (project PI) and will benefit from access to state-of-the-art technological platforms and our network of gene therapy experts.

Main missions: 

•Histological (IF, activity assays) analysis of brain and other mouse tissues.

•Animal experimentation, including injections, perfusion, etc.

•Molecular and cellular biology experimentation (e.g., PCR, Immunoblotting, cell culture)

•Maintenance of the mouse colonies (genotyping and colony management using a dedicated software system). 

•Ensure quality and reproducibility of experimental results.

•Keep up-to-date records of experimental works. 

•Meet project and experimental deadlines set by the supervisors.

•Report results during meetings and seminars.

Profile:

•Experience in tissue imaging.

•Experience working with mice (injections and perfusion experience are substantial advantages).

•Knowledge of cellular and molecular biology.

•Good level of English language, as this will be the working language for the project.

•Critical thinking and decision making.

•Ability to take initiative and work independently and as part of an international team.

•Be open-minded, respect other team members' work, professional aspirations, and cultural identities.

Required education:

•Ph.D. degree in a relevant field.

Contact:

Candidates should send a motivation letter/personal statement (in English), curriculum vitae, and the contact details of references (2-3) to Metodi Metodiev at: metodi.metodiev@inserm.fr. 

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview.