A1-year fully funded postdoctoral position with the possibility of extension (see below) is available in the “Homologous Recombination and Cancer” group headed by Dr. Aura Carreira at the Institut Curie, Orsay site (located in the campus of Paris SUD Univ., south of Paris), France.

Project description

Our lab interrogates the mechanisms of the cell to preserve genome integrity using human BRCA2 protein as a model. We are interested in the function of BRCA2 and the consequences of its mutation in breast cancer predisposition. During the last few years we have identified a new DNA binding domain in BRCA2 that is defective in breast cancer variants, defined a role of BRCA2 as mediator in meiotic recombination and contributed to the work that first describes BRCA2 hypomorphic variants conferring increased moderate risk of breast cancer. Recently, we have uncovered a role of BRCA2 in mitosis that allows proper chromosome segregation. Which of the functions of BRCA2, when defective, drive tumor formation is a long-standing question that we are also investigating using functional assays and “omics” approaches.

In this project, the candidate will tackle relevant questions about the function of BRCA2 protein using cell biology and biochemistry tools.

Techniques: The project will involve cell imaging, biochemistry, protein purification, genetics, molecular biology.

Work environment

Our laboratory is part of the “Genotoxic Stress and Cancer” (UMR 3348 CNRS) Unit of the Institut Curie, Orsay site (France). The Department is dedicated to the study of the DNA damage response, genome instability, replication stress and gene regulation mechanisms in human and model organisms. The successful candidate will benefit from top-level scientific environment of Institut Curie, the expertise of the other groups working in our Unit, our collaborators on this project (Sophie Zinn-Justin, CEA, France), from state-of-the-art facilities available at Institut Curie.

Candidate requirements

• recent PhD with at least one first-author international publication
• enthusiastic and highly motivated researcher with strong interest in the mechanisms of preserving genome integrity
• ability to work independently
• excellent communication skills, fluency in English
• the ideal candidate would have experience in one or more of the following areas: biochemistry, protein purification, cell imaging, DNA repair, molecular biology

Following the 1-year contract, the candidate will have the opportunity to continue his/her project in the lab by applying to the different Fellowships available for postdocs (first deadline September).

To apply, please send: curriculum vitae, motivation letter and the names/contact information of 2/3 referees to Aura Carreira: aura.carreira@curie.fr  before April 30th.

The position is available immediately but the start date is flexible.

For more information about the interests of the group visit: https://science.curie.fr/equipe-carreira