: A 12-month post-doctoral position in the area of ion channel physiology and calcium signaling funded by the Conseil Général du Finistère is available for January 2011 in the INSERM unit U613 located in the Medical Center of the University of Bretagne Occidentale in Brest (France).
This postdoctoral position is opened in the lab of Dr. Olivier Mignen to investigate the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying calcium signaling in mammalian cells and its implication in Cystic fibrosis.
Our laboratory is mainly interested in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying calcium entries in non excitable cells and their roles in health and disease. Calcium entry is essential for many cellular functions including gene expression, secretion, cell motility and cell proliferation and differentiation. We are investigating the molecular components and the control mechanisms of store dependent and store independent calcium entries.
The main objective of the project is to characterize in airway epithelial cells the calcium signaling pathways involved in ion secretion and the potential beneficial roles of their stimulation to counteract the defect of chloride secretion observed in cystic fibrosis. The postdoctoral scientist will also be involved in studies designed to identify protein partners of calcium channels involved in calcium entry and pharmacological modulators of these entries. The knowledge derived from our research may ultimately lead to design novel pharmacological agents to treat Cystic fibrosis. Our project combines different experimental approaches including live-cell imaging, biochemistry, molecular biology and electrophysiology.
Extremely motivated Ph.D.s (maximum of 4 years postdoctoral experience) with a strong background in molecular and cell biology are encouraged to apply. Candidates with demonstrated records in studying calcium signaling will be preferred. Experiences in electrophysiology would be an asset but is not required. The candidate should have proven skills in Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, real time PCR, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, cell culture techniques and in vitro transfection. Additional preferred skills include live cell confocal microscopy and proteomics. Knowledge of the physiology of fluid-secreting epithelia will also be appreciated. The applicant must be enthusiastic with communication skills (English and/or French) in order to be able to join a young starting team located in an excellent environment of research with various state-of-the-art core facilities. The applicant will collaborate with the other members of the unit and must show a high motivation interdisciplinary work. The applicant must have done its PhD outside Britany and defended his thesis less than 4 years ago.
Salary ~ 2000€/month.
Contact Person:
Olivier Mignen
INSERM U613 – IFR148 ScInBioS
Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé
22 avenue Camille Desmoulins
F-29200 BREST -FRANCE
tel.: + 33 (0)2 98 01 67 05
fax. : + 33 (0)2 98 01 82 29
e-mail: olivier.mignen@univ-brest.fr
visit our webpage: http://www.genetic-brest.fr/

or

Aurélie Vandebrouck
INSERM U613 – IFR148 ScInBioS
Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé
22 avenue Camille Desmoulins
F-29200 BREST -FRANCE
tel.: + 33 (0)2 98 01 81 98
fax : + 33 (0) 2 98 01 82 29
e-mail : aurelie.vandebrouck@univ-brest.fr