Location: Institute of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Team of Dr. Enzo LALLI “Mechanisms of gene regulation in physiopathology”, Valbonne (France)

Duration: 2 years

Starting Date: The position is immediately available, but the starting date is flexible (however not later than September 30, 2025)

We have a long-standing interest in the role of Wnt signalling in adrenal cortex development, function and pathology, having been the first to describe that the secreted protein augurin is a novel modulator of canonical Wnt signalling (doi:10.1002/ctd2.113). This important discovery has opened new avenues in our understanding of augurin function in health and disease.

We invite applications for a postdoctoral position to join an exciting research project aimed at characterizing the molecular mechanisms of canonical Wnt signalling repression by augurin and its derived peptides. To achieve this aim, the successful applicant will employ strong in vitro biochemical and molecular biology strategies aimed at a) precisely defining the nature of the augurin-derived peptides able to modulate the Wnt pathway; b) identifying the augurin-related peptide receptors functional in Wnt pathway modulation; c) dissecting the augurin-dependent signaling events responsible for Wnt inhibition. Those studies will allow us to unveil the molecular bases of the biological actions of augurin-derived peptides and will provide the necessary background for the development of specific augurin agonists and antagonists. Because of their secreted nature and potential to be manipulated pharmacologically, augurin-derived peptides are attractive targets for diagnostic development and discovery of new therapeutic agents for human pathologies linked to defects or deregulation of the Wnt signalling pathway like cancer, neuronal diseases, developmental and skeletal disorders, and cardiovascular diseases.

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate who has recently defended his/her PhD thesis.

The applicant should have one or more of the following domains of expertise: biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, signal transduction.

The applicant is expected to have excellent communication skills in both written and oral English (knowledge of French will be a plus but is not absolutely required); strong work ethics; very good organizational skills; ability to work both independently and as part of a team; and a rigorous scientific approach, with a proven ability to drive research forward.

This position is funded for two years. The postdoctoral fellow will benefit from the international and interdisciplinary research environment of the Institute of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, which is located near Antibes on the French Riviera, having access to cutting-edge technology platforms and extensive collaborative networks.

Application Procedure

Interested candidates should submit a single PDF document comprising: 1) Personal statement detailing their scientific achievements, research interests, motivation to join our lab; 2) Curriculum Vitae; 3) Contact details for three academic referees.

Please send the full application to Carmen RUGGIERO, PhD (cruggiero@ipmc.cnrs.fr)