Category: Open

Master2 internship: interdisciplinary project at the interface between live microscopy, developmental biology, biophysics and image analysis
Master2 internship: interdisciplinary project at the interface between live microscopy, developmental biology, biophysics and image analysis
by

Master2 internship: interdisciplinary project at the interface between live microscopy, developmental biology, biophysics and image analysis

Studying the mechanisms and mechaincs of epithelial tube formation in the sea urchin P. lividus embryo

Epithelial folding is a vital process during embryo development. Defects in folding can impair neurulation or gastrulation leading to major birth defects (e.g., spina bifida) or death. In mature tissues, folding is also pathologically relevant: tissues can for instance buckle before cancer invasion. Understanding the cell mechanisms and mechanics of tissue folding is thus of major importance. In the lab we use the Paracentrotus lividus sea urchin embryo as a model system and focus on the process of tissue folding during sea urchin gastrulation that leads to the formation of the gut of the sea urchin larva. By implementing 4D multi-view light sheet microscopy, micro-indentation, micro-pipette aspiration, infra-red femtosecond ablation to perturb the cytoskeleton and molecular inhibition, this work will shine new light on the cell mechanisms of epithelial folding at both the molecular and mechanical level.

Novelty of the project. The sea urchin is historically among the first model systems used to study embryo development. The sea urchin gastrula combines a number of outstanding features making this model system a unique opportunity to study the mechanisms and mechanics of tissue folding: (1) the sea urchin gastrula is a 1000 cells spherical monolayer epithelium: a very simple thus appealing model for experimentation and modelling; (2) tissue folding can be nicely imaged since the sea urchin gastrula is transparent; (3) the signaling factors controlling sea urchin vegetal plate folding are known and can be knocked down to dissect their function; (4) the gastrula is a mechanically accessible tissue: it can be partitioned, cells can be transplanted, micro-indentation and micro-pipetting techniques can be applied to measure tissue mechanical properties on both tissue apical and basal side. The sea urchin gastrula is thus a perfect playground for biologists and biophysicists focus in understanding the mechanisms and mechanics controlling and driving tissue morphogenesis.

The project that we propose is a breakthrough in the study of epithelial folding using the P. lividus model organism. We are now able, by using the sea urchin gastrula, to extract 3D quantitative cell morphology information with sub-cellular resolution. We devised a fluorescent live imaging and processing pipeline that allows to (1) image reliably the gastrulation of the sea urchin embryo in 4D with 200 nm isotropic resolution at a frequency of 1 image/min, (2) segment all 1000 cells constituting the gastrula in 3D and (3) track the 3D segmented cells over time. In this way we can extract precise morphological and cinematic information and use them to rule out or advance hypotheses supporting potential mechanisms driving vegetal plate folding. Hypothesis are tested by using advanced 4D image processing and analysis, mechano- techniques (e.g., in-plane micro-indentation, infra-red (IR) femtosecond (fs) laser dissection coupled to multi- view light-sheet microscopy) and back tested theoretically with mathematical modelling.

Seeking a talanted and very motivated candidate to work on 4D live imaging, molecular biology and biophysics. Send a CV, a motivation letter, master scores/ranking and reference letters to matteo.rauzi@univ-cotedazur.fr

Visit the RAUZI LAB web page: http://ibv.unice.fr/research-team/rauzi/

Technicien-ne en Expérimentation Animale
Technicien-ne en Expérimentation Animale
by

Technicien-ne en Expérimentation Animale

 

Suite au départ en mobilité du zootechnicien statutaire de son animalerie Zebrafish, l’Institut de Biologie Valrose (iBV) cherche à recruter un agent technicien en expérimentation animale (H/F), initialement pour un CDD de 6 mois (potentiellement renouvelable, prise de poste Juin/Juillet 2023). L’agent aura pour vocation de prendre en charge le maintien des animaleries zébrafish et oursins et des animaux qu’elles hébergent. Il participera également activement aux travaux de recherche utilisant le poisson zèbre. Cette ouverture de poste est en phase avec la politique scientifique de l’iBV qui vise à renforcer l’utilisation du modèle zebrafish, ce qui s’est traduit par l’arrivée récente d’une seconde équipe travaillant sur le poisson zèbre au cours du premier trimestre 2023, et s’accompagnera de la construction d’un nouveau bâtiment destiné à accueillir une nouvelle infrastructure d’animalerie aquatique dès 2024. Le poste à pourvoir permettra à l’agent de prendre pleinement part à cette dynamique.

 

Texte complet de l'offre

Lien vers l’offre d’emploi :
https://emploi.cnrs.fr/Offres/CDD/UMR7277-MAXFUR-004/Default.aspx

Contact:
Maximilian Fürthauer (maximilian.furthauer@univ-cotedazur.fr)

Assistant-e Ingénieur-e en Centre d’Expérimentation Animale
Assistant-e Ingénieur-e en Centre d’Expérimentation Animale
by

Assistant-e ingénieur-e en Centre d’Expérimentation Animale

 

Placé sous l’autorité du Directeur Adjoint, et en interaction constante avec le vétérinaire sur site, les missions de l’agent, responsable de zone, sont 1) d’assurer la responsabilité fonctionnelle du Centre d’Exploration Fonctionnelle Pré-clinique (CEFP) voué à l’utilisation scientifique du modèle murin et situé au Centre de Biochimie de l’Institut Biologie Valrose de Nice ; 2) d’assurer le management de l’équipe de zootechniciens.

 

Texte complet de l'offre

Contact:
Maximilian Fürthauer (maximilian.furthauer@univ-cotedazur.fr)

Interdisciplinary Doctoral Project
Interdisciplinary Doctoral Project
by

Interdisciplinary Doctoral project in the RAUZI lab (University Côte d’Azur, IBV, Nice) and in the ETIENNE lab (Univ Grenoble Alpes, LIPHY, Grenoble), at the interface between computational physics and biology

Studying the mechanisms and mechanics driving tissue folding

Mophogenesis builds living shapes. A key morphogenetic transformation that shapes tissues and organs is epithelial invagination: a tissue bends and it is eventually internalized transforming the physiological topology of the system. The invagination of epithelial tissues is a vital transformation during embryo development since it is pivotal during embryo gastrulation and neurulation. While much is known of the mechanisms and mechanics driving epithelial flattening (first phase) and bending (second phase), how a tissue is eventually internalized (third phase) is still poorly understood. To tackle this, we propose to use the Drosophila embryo that provides the most advanced genetic tools and study the process of mesoderm internalization. On the computational physics side, we will develop a formal physical framework that can theoretically reproduce morphogenetic processes and predict features of the system that are then back tested experimentally. More specifically, we will design a mechanical model based on active viscoelastic shells and use numerical simulations based on existing tools (e.g., Surface Evolver in 3D) to calculate shell deformations. On the biology side, we will implement multi-view light sheet microscopy coupled to optogenetics and plasma-based laser ablation and image data analysis to characterize and synthetically modulate tissue shape changes to test numerical predictions. The student will be trained on these multiple approaches and techniques to develop an interdisciplinary project focused on uncovering the fundamental principles governing epithelial folding. This knowledge could be used in the future to synthetically build and shape functional organs.The project will be developed in both the Rauzi lab (http://ibv.unice.fr/research-team/rauzi/) and the Etienne lab (http://www-liphy.univ-grenoble-alpes.fr/pagesperso/etienne).

We are seeking a highly motivated and talented candidate to develop this interdisciplinary PhD project. Send a CV, a motivation letter, master scores/ranking and reference letters to matteo.rauzi@univ-cotedazur.fr and jocelyn.etienne@univ-grenoble-alpes.fr

Technician Position in Spinal Cord Regeneration Research
Technician Position in Spinal Cord Regeneration Research
by

The Cigliola laboratory invites applications for a Research Technician position at the Institute of Biology Valrose in Nice, France. Our lab uses zebrafish and mouse models to study Innate Mechanisms of Spinal Cord Regeneration. We are looking for highly motivated and ambitious candidates with interest for regenerative biology and neuroscience. Enthusiasm for working with animals is essential. Specialized training will be provided. The candidate will have the opportunity to figure as co-author on published manuscripts.

The Institute of Biology Valrose is a research Center of Excellence at the University of Côte d’Azur and offers a vibrant research environment with national and international scientists and collaborations (iBV). Nice is located on the French Riviera and offers amazing opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Technical duties include:

  • Zebrafish breeding, husbandry, and surgeries; molecular biology; generation of mutant or transgenic animals by microinjection.
  • Contribution to research studies, experiments, data collection and assays.
  • Maintenance of general lab supplies; ordering and preparation of reagents and solutions; assistancewith maintaining equipment and lab reagent inventories.
  • Review of laboratory methods manuals.
  • Implementation and supervision of laboratory safety procedures.Required qualifications:Bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field and at least 2-years previous experience in a research lab. The qualified candidate should have strong troubleshooting skills, should be motivated to learn new techniques, organized, and able to work effectively in a team environment. Previous experience with zebrafish is preferred (but not required). Candidates should be fluent in English, as it is the working language in the laboratory.

Please send your application in a single PDF, including (1) a cover letter that includes a description of research interests and experience, (2) CV and (3) contact information of 2 or more references to Valentina CIGLIOLA. Review of applications will begin immediately, and the position will remain open until filled.

PhD Student and Postdoc Positions in Spinal Cord Regeneration Research
PhD Student and Postdoc Positions in Spinal Cord Regeneration Research
by

The Cigliola laboratory invites applications for PhD Student and Postdoc positions at the Institute of Biology Valrose in Nice, France. Our lab uses zebrafish and mouse models to study Mechanisms of Spinal Cord Regeneration.

While in adult mammals (including humans) spinal cord injury causes lifelong paralysis, zebrafish possess an astounding capacity to regenerate and recover function after a paralyzing injury. We are interested in the following questions: What are the factors and mechanisms allowing innate spinal cord regeneration to occur? How are these mechanisms regulated? Can regeneration in adult mammals be enhanced by re-establishment of innate pro-regenerative programs?

We are looking for curiosity-driven, motivated and ambitious candidates with interest for regenerative biology and neuroscience. We strongly value team spirit, a positive work environment and collaborations. Enthusiasm for working with zebrafish and/or mice is essential. Candidates should be fluent in English, as it is the working language in the laboratory.

The Institute of Biology Valrose is a research Center of Excellence at the University of Côte d’Azur and offers a vibrant research environment with national and international scientists and collaborations (iBV). Nice is located on the French Riviera and offers amazing opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Please send your application in a single PDF, including (1) a cover letter that includes a description of research interests and experience, (2) CV and (3) contact information of 2 or more references to Valentina CIGLIOLA. Review of applications will begin immediately, and the position will remain open until filled.

1 Post-Doctoral position for 2 years - starting Fall 2021
1 Post-Doctoral position for 2 years - starting Fall 2021
by

Post-doctoral position in Fungal Cell Biology

A 2-year funded postdoctoral position is available fall 2021 at the Institute of Biology Valrose (http://ibv.unice.fr/) of the University of Côte d’Azur, Nice France to investigate the dynamics of polarity establishment in the human fungal pathogen, Candida albicans. C. albicans is a harmless commensal that in response to alterations of its environment can cause superficial as well as life-threatening systemic infections (3). The ability of this organism to switch from an ovoid to a filamentous form is critical for its pathogenicity. This dramatic cell shape change is a distinct advantage for studying cell polarity (1-5). We have recently optimized and established an optogenetic approach in C. albicans filamentous cells that gives us exquisite control of cell polarity in this fungal pathogen (5). In this ANR funded project our goal is to elucidate the interaction between two potential growth sites within the cell, as well as how different membrane compartments contribute to the initiation and stabilization of a new growth. The project will take advantage of cutting-edge imaging approaches, optogenetics and molecular genetics to investigate temporal and spatial control of fungal cell polarity.

We are seeking highly motivated candidates with a background in Cell Biology and previous experience in live-cell imaging. Previous experience in Microbiology is a plus.

Interested candidates can contact R. Arkowitz (arkowitz@unice.fr)

1) C Puerner, A Serrano, RS Wakade, M Bassilana & RA Arkowitz. mBio. 2021 12: e02528-21.
2) C Puerner, N Kukhaleishvili, D Thomson, S Schaub, X Noblin, A Seminara, M Bassilana & RA Arkowitz. BMC Biology.
2020. 18: 122.
3) M Bassilana, C Puerner & RA Arkowitz. Curr. Opin. Cell Biol. 2019 62:150-158.
4) A Weiner, F Orange, S Lacas-Gervais, K Rechav, V Ghugtyal, M Bassilana & RA Arkowitz. Cell Microbiol. 2019 21: e12963
5) PM Silva, C Puerner, A Seminara, M Bassilana & RA Arkowitz. Cell Rep. 2019 28:2231–2245.

PhD position in Fungal Cell Biology
PhD position in Fungal Cell Biology
by

A funded PhD position is available at the Institute of Biology Valrose, University of Côte d’Azur, Nice France to investigate the molecular mechanisms of antifungal tolerance – pathways linking cytoplasmic crowding to drug accumulation and stress responses in a human fungal pathogen. Initial studies indicate the majority of fatal fungal infections are caused by drug-tolerant strains. Candida albicans is a harmless commensal that in response to alterations of its environment can cause superficial, as well as life-threatening systemic infections. In this ERC funded collaborative project, our goal is to determine the link between antifungal drug tolerance and cytoplasmic crowding at the single cell level. The project will take advantage of cutting-edge imaging approaches, molecular genetics and image analyses to investigate relationship between physical characteristics of the cytoplasm and antifungal tolerance in C. albicans cells and communities.

We are seeking highly motivated candidates with a background in Cell Biology and previous experience in live cell imaging and/or image analyses. Previous experience in Microbiology is a plus.

Interested candidates contact R. Arkowitz (arkowitz@unice.fr)

  • C Puerner, N Kukhaleishvili, D Thomson, S Schaub, X Noblin, S Seminara, M Bassilana & RA Arkowitz. BMC Biol. 18: 122.
  • M Bassilana, C Puerner & RA Curr Opin Cell Biol. 2020 62:150-158.
  • A Weiner, F Orange, S Lacas-Gervais, K Rechav, V Ghugtyal, M Bassilana & RA Cell Microbiol. 2019 21: e12963.
  • PM Silva, C Puerner, A Seminara, M Bassilana & RA Cell Rep. 2019 28:2231–2245.
  • H Labbaoui, S Bogliolo, V Ghugtyal, NV Solis, SG Filler, RA Arkowitz & M Plos Pathog. 2017 13: e1006205.
1 PhD Position in Neurosciences - Deadline Mid-June 2021
1 PhD Position in Neurosciences - Deadline Mid-June 2021
by

A joint PhD position in Neuroscience is available at the University of Turin (UNITO) and the University Côte d’Azur (UCA) within the framework of the Vinci Program 2020 (Università Italo-Francese/Université Franco-Italienne).

We are seeking for a highly motivated candidate, strongly interested in Experimental Neuroscience and Molecular Neurobiology and dedicated to high quality research. The research project deals with the identification of molecular mechanisms controlling mitochondrial function in postnatal neurogenic niches and their implication in cognitive disorders.

The project will focus on the mitochondrial dysfunction caused by deficiency of the transcriptional regulator Nr2f1 (also known as COUP-TFI) and will address the downstream target genes crucial for mitochondrial function and investigate its outcome on neuronal plasticity and function. Patients with NR2F1 haploinsufficiency     have     mild     to      severe      neurodevelopmental      cognitive      disorders,      such as intellectual deficiency, epilepsy, learning and language impairments. The final goal is to unravel the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which Nr2f1 controls mitochondrial function in neurons and how this is correlated with proper cognitive behavior.

The project will combine multiple methodologies ranging from gold-standard neuroanatomical approaches to advanced techniques, such as tissue clearing, light-sheet microscopy and 3D whole-brain reconstruction, and two-photon functional imaging, as well as genome-wide and in silico analyses and animal behavior.

The successful candidate will enroll as a PhD student in Neuroscience at the University of Turin under the co- direction of Prof. Silvia De Marchis and Dr. Michèle Studer. The candidate needs to have good communication skills in English and willing to work in Italy and France since the project will be carried out in the “Adult Neurogenesis” group at the Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi at UNITO and in the “Development and Function of Brain Circuits” group at UCA.

The call will open on May 20, 2021 on the UNITO website (deadline for mid-June, 2021 – check the exact deadline on the platform) and the starting date of the PhD program is November 1st, 2021. The position is fully financed for four years.

General information on the organization and activities of the PhD Program can be found on the PhD in Neuroscience website (https://dott-neuroscienze.campusnet.unito.it).

If interested, please contact silvia.demarchis@unito and michele.studer@unice.fr by including an updated and detailed CV and a motivation letter.

 

Relevant publications:

Bonzano S, Crisci I, Podlesny-Drabiniok A, Rolando C, Krezel W, Studer M, De Marchis S. Neuron- Astroglia Cell Fate Decision in the Adult Mouse Hippocampal Neurogenic Niche Is Cell-Intrinsically Controlled by COUP-TFI In Vivo. Cell Rep. 2018 Jul 10;24(2):329-341. doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.06.044.

Flore G, Di Ruberto G, Parisot J, Sannino S, Russo F, Illingworth EA, Studer M, De Leonibus E. Gradient COUP-TFI Expression Is Required for Functional Organization of the Hippocampal Septo-Temporal Longitudinal Axis. Cereb Cortex. 2017 Feb 1;27(2):1629-1643. doi: 10.1093/cercor/bhv336. PMID: 26813976.

Beckervordersandforth R. Mitochondrial Metabolism-Mediated Regulation of Adult Neurogenesis. Brain Plast. 2017 Nov 9;3(1):73-87. doi: 10.3233/BPL-170044.