Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Functional Genomics and Molecular Mechanisms of Oncogenic Transcription Factor Fusions

The Malouf Laboratory is seeking an outstanding and highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to address these questions using TFE3-rearranged renal cell carcinoma (tRCC) as a unique model of transcription factor-driven cancer. The successful candidate will combine mechanistic molecular biology, protein biochemistry, functional genomics, genome engineering and genetically engineered mouse models to uncover fundamental principles of oncogenic transcription factor biology with direct translational implications.

Why this project is unique?

Our laboratory has assembled an exceptional collection of experimental and clinical resources rarely available within a single research group:

• Unique genetically engineered mouse models recapitulating multiple TFE3 fusion proteins
• One of the world's largest clinically annotated cohorts of TFE3-rearranged renal cell carcinomas
• Patient-derived cellular models
• Comprehensive multi-omics datasets including genomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics, CUT&Tag, single-cell RNA-seq, multiome and spatial transcriptomics
• Functional genomics platforms using CRISPR technologies
• Direct integration with the French national CARARE network for rare kidney cancers
• Strong collaborations with clinicians, structural biologists, proteomics specialists and computational biologists

Scientific questions

• Transcriptional regulation and enhancer selection
• Chromatin remodeling and epigenetic reprogramming
• Protein stability and proteostasis
• Ubiquitination, SUMOylation and other post-translational modifications
• Protein-protein interactions and cofactor recruitment
• Nuclear trafficking and transcriptional complex assembly
• Mechanisms of lineage-specific transformation
• Biochemical mechanisms underlying tumor initiation
• Identification of novel therapeutic vulnerabilities

Activités

• Description of the research activities : 

- Design and conduct independent research projects.

- Develop and characterize cellular and mouse models of TFE3-driven kidney cancer.

- Perform molecular biology, genome editing and protein biochemistry experiments.

- Study transcription factor regulation, chromatin remodeling and post-translational modifications.

- Analyze and interpret functional genomics datasets in collaboration with computational biologists.

- Integrate molecular data with genomic, transcriptomic and epigenomic analyses.

- Present results at national and international conferences.

- Prepare scientific manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.

• Related activities : 

 - Participate in laboratory meetings and collaborative research projects.

- Contribute to supervision of Master's students and junior researchers.

- Interact with IGBMC technological platforms.

- Participate in national and international scientific collaborations.

- Contribute to grant applications where appropriate.

Compétences techniques

• Qualifications/knowledge : 

 - Strong knowledge of molecular and cellular biology.

- Good understanding of cancer biology.

- Knowledge of transcription factor biology and gene regulation.

- Understanding of functional genomics and genome-wide technologies.

- Knowledge of protein biochemistry and signalling pathways is desirable.

- Knowledge of bioinformatics analyses is an asset.

• Operational skills/expertise : 

- Molecular cloning.

- Cell culture.

- CRISPR/Cas genome editing.

- Protein biochemistry (Western blot, immunoprecipitation, protein interaction studies).

- Microscopy and molecular imaging.

- RNA and DNA extraction.

- Functional genomics techniques.

- Ability to analyze and interpret experimental data.

- Scientific writing in English.

• Personal qualities : 

-  Scientific curiosity.

- Strong motivation for research.

- Ability to work independently.

- Excellent organizational skills.

- Critical thinking.

- Rigorous experimental approach.

- Ability to work within multidisciplinary and international teams.

- Good communication skills.

Informations complémentaires

Environment and context of work 

• Presentation of the laboratory/unity : 

The project will be carried out within the Malouf Laboratory at the Institute of Genetics and Molecular and Cellular Biology (IGBMC), one of Europe's leading biomedical research institutes, jointly supported by Inserm, CNRS and the University of Strasbourg.

The laboratory develops integrated research programs combining molecular biology, functional genomics, genome engineering, single-cell and spatial omics, genetically engineered mouse models and clinically annotated human cohorts to understand the molecular mechanisms driving rare kidney cancers.

The successful candidate will benefit from state-of-the-art technological platforms and an international multidisciplinary research environment.

• Hierarchical relationship : 

 The postdoctoral fellow will work under the direct supervision of Prof. Gabriel Malouf, MD, PhD, Principal Investigator of the laboratory, and will interact closely with research engineers, PhD students, clinicians, bioinformaticians and collaborators within the laboratory and through national and international research networks.

Why join the Malouf Laboratory?

- Address fundamental questions in transcription factor biology

-Access experimental resources unavailable in most laboratories

-Work with one of the world's largest TFE3-rearranged renal cancer collections

-Develop expertise across molecular biology, biochemistry, mouse genetics and multi-omics

-Collaborate with clinicians, computational scientists and international collaborators

-Strong support for publication, conference presentations and career development

-Build an independent scientific profile in an ambitious and collaborative environment

• Special conditions of practice (notice attached): 

- Full-time position

- Work involving molecular biology laboratories and animal research facilities

- Compliance with institutional safety regulations and ethical guidelines.

- Occasional national and international travel for scientific meetings and collaborations.

Associé à :

• Équipe(s) : Oncologie Moléculaire et Translationnelle