Becas y oportunidades de trabajo

Postdoctoral position in onco-immunology

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Postdoctoral position in onco-immunology

A NOVEL IMMUNE CHECKPOINT THERAPY COMBINED WITH VESSEL NORMALIZATION FOR DIGESTIVE CANCERS

Mondor Institute for biomedical research UPEC/Inserm U955 team Immunoregulation and Biotherapy, José Cohen and Ilaria Cascone

RESEARCH PROJECT

Our project aims to understand the mechanisms that lead to the blockade of the anti-tumor immune response in order to identify new targets and to develop combined innovative therapeutic approaches.

A postdoctoral position is available to work specifically on pancreatic cancers (PC) that do not respond to immunotherapies with the aim to develop combined therapeutic approaches based on the team’s expertise. Indeed, our recent works demonstrated that TNFR2, a TNF-receptor was preferentially expressed by regulatory T cells and that blocking this pathway resulted in Treg non-functionality (Leclerc et al. Blood 2016). We also recently identified and developed a nucleolin antagonist that normalizes pancreatic cancer tumor vessels thus favoring immune cell infiltration and activation (Diamantopoulou, Oncotarget 2017, Gilles Cancer research 2016).

The key question addressed by the Postdoc will be to understand why PD1/PDL-1 or CTLA4 immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) that have some beneficial effects in melanoma or lung cancers are inefficient in digestive cancers and notably in PC. Preclinical and clinical evidences suggest that only patients who have T-cell inflamed tumors respond to ICI monotherapy. Endogenous tumor-reactive T cells present within the human PDA tumor microenvironment have to be reactivated. However, ICIs failed in PC and one reason could be the highly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment leading to exclusion of cytotoxic T lymphocytes from the tumor. Tumor vessels display abnormal structure and function with seemingly chaotic organization. In addition, in tumors with abundant stroma such as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, vessels are compressed due to high interstitial pressure exerted by the extracellular matrix. All these factors result in poor tumor perfusion leading to impaired oxygen, nutrient, and drug delivery. This favors immunosuppressive cells, and resistance to activated cytotoxic T-cells infiltration and immunotherapy.

After having characterized in detail the tumor microenvironment of pancreatic cancers in mice, the Postdoc will have to test new therapies combining strategies for normalizing tumor vessels and inhibiting T cell immunosuppression. The successful candidate will apply the new strategies developed by the team and will propose new target candidats.

CANDIDATE

Education: MD/PhD or PhD in Oncology-Immunology.

Field of interest: The candidate must have a strong interest in basic and translational research. Immunologist by training, she/he will have preferably worked in the field of cancer and particularly on the tumor microenvironment. Additional interest for big data processing and bioinformatics will be considered with priority.

Expected skills. The candidate will have a strong expertise in multiparametric cytometry, in cell culture and sorting, in immuno-histology and confocal microscopy. She/he will be familiar with tumor experimental models in mice and therefore their manipulation. Previous experience in bioinformatics will be a plus. The candidate must be able to write grants and scientific articles in English.

DESCRIPTION OF THE TEAM

The main objectives of the team is to identify new mechanisms and therapies that i) inhibit immune response in transplantation to promote immune tolerance thus preventing organ rejection or GVHD and ii) improve sensitivity of anti-cancer immunotherapy through manipulating the tumor microenvironment (TME). Our work has been mostly performed in mice but was also translated in several clinical trials in both transplantation and cancer. An important limitation we are facing in the development of anti-cancer therapy approaches is due to insufficiently relevant and easy to operate experimental models. We developed unique models allowing evaluating human tumor growth confronted to an immune system syngeneic to the tumor. We are working in close interactions with clinical departments and are leading the center for clinical investigation in biotherapy, a platform dedicated to early phase clinical trials developed in our research team.

If relevant, the team is willing to support the candidate for the researcher recruitment competitions at Inserm.

The candidate will access to 4 technological platforms (genomics, imaging, flow cytometry and functional exploration of small animals), as well as a common animal facilities allowing to host wild type and transgenic rodents. A new high-throughput sequencing platform, combined with bioinformatics platform, is currently under organization.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Type of contract: Temporary

Funding: Institut National du Cancer (INCA)

Employer: INSERM U955

Availability: immediate

Contract duration: 12 months to 3 years

HOW TO APLLY

Applicants should send their CV, list of publications, research summary and the names of two references to José Cohen (jose.cohen@inserm.fr) and Ilaria Cascone (ilaria.cascone@u-pec.fr)

Post-doctoral Scholar positions

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Join the Nagler Lab!

Post-doctoral Scholar positions are currently available in the Nagler lab for an NIH-funded program exploring the role of the microbiome in regulating allergic responses to food. Earlier work used gnotobiotic models to demonstrate a causal role for the healthy infant microbiota in protection against food allergy (Feehley et al Nature Medicine, 2019, 25: 448-453).

The current project will extend these findings to examine how intestinal bacteria regulate adaptive immunity to contribute to the maintenance of tolerance to dietary antigen. We are particularly interested in candidates with training in cellular immunology. This position would be a great opportunity for a graduate trainee who has studied basic mechanisms in cellular immune regulation and is interested in post-doctoral training with a translational focus.

More information about our work and laboratory is available at https://news.uchicago.edu/profile/cathryn-r-nagler and http://naglerlab.uchicago.edu

Interested candidates with a recent Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. in immunology are encouraged to apply. Candidates with firstauthored publications and experience in animal handling and flow cytometry are preferred. Want to join our team? Please send a curriculum vitae and contact information for three references to Professor Cathryn Nagler by email at cnagler1@uchicago.edu

Post-Doctoral Position Available

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Post-Doctoral Position Available

            My laboratory in the Experimental Immunology Branch of the National Cancer Institute has a postdoctoral position available to study the Cell Biology of Antigen Processing and Presentation. Our research program is focused on defining the molecular mechanisms by which APCs activate CD4 T cells. Current projects investigate the mechanisms regulating MHC class II-peptide formation and turnover, the molecular regulation of MHC class II recycling in APCs, and APC function in tumor-bearing mice. Our experimental approaches include biochemical, cell biological, and immunological analyses using wild-type and genetically altered mice. We have a highly interactive group studying both T cell activation by APCs and intracellular protein transport in immune cells.

For additional details please visit our website: https://ccr.cancer.gov/Experimental-Immunology-Branch/paul-a-roche

            Successful applicants must have less than five years of post-doctoral experience and a strong background in cell biology with a particular knowledge of immune cell biology/signaling. To apply applicants should send an email to me (paul.roche@nih.gov) with a current CV, a cover letter describing their past research experience, how their experience prepares them for this position, and the name of 3 references.

Paul Roche, Ph.D.

Senior Investigator

Experimental Immunology Branch

National Cancer Institute

National Institutes of Health

Bldg. 10, Room 3N103

Bethesda, MD 20892

U.S.A.

E-mail: paul.roche@nih.gov

Autoimmunity and inflammation postdoctoral fellowship

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Description: A postdoctoral position is available in the Systemic Autoimmunity Branch, NIAMS, NIH, Bethesda Campus.

The group focuses on characterizing mechanisms that lead to immune dysregulation, loss of immunologic tolerance and end-organ damage in systemic autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus. The successful candidate will employ innovative approaches to understand how the innate immune system contributes to the development of autoimmune disorders,  integrating the use of human and murine systems with omics technologies and functional studies. 

Qualifications: We seek highly motivated, collaborative and creative individuals with MD, Ph.D. or MD Ph.D. and less than 5 years of postdoctoral experience.  Previous experience in cellular/ molecular biology, systems biology analysis and/or animal models of disease is desirable. The candidate should have excellent writing and communication skills. 

To apply: please send  a research statement, CV and names and contact information of 3 professional references to :

Mariana Kaplan,

MDSystemic Autoimmunity Branch, NIAMS Mariana.kaplan@nih.gov

POST-DOCTORAL POSITION MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY & IMMUNO-ONCOLOGY FUNDED BY THE FRM 18 MONTHS

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– POSITION TO BE FILLED IN AS SOON AS POSSIBLE ANTIGENIC PRESENTATION & NOVEL CHEMICAL ENTITIES IMMUNOMODULATORS : A NEW PARADIGM IN ONCOLOGY

CONTEXT AND PROJECT

Recent advances in oncology have been linked to the advent of immunotherapy, one of the most promising lines of research targeting the immune system. Monoclonal antibodies called «immunomodulators» (e.g., anti-PD-1/PD-L1) are currently used in human therapy. The success of these biologics in the clinic is now inspiring the discovery and development of small molecules that act on intracellular targets affecting immunomodulatory pathways in cancer.

The purpose of this project is to promote the discovery of novel small molecules that may enhance the ability of the immune system to selectively recognize and attack cancer cells. These small molecules could be further developed into stand-alone immunotherapeutics or synergistic partners for existing therapies.

This is an interdisciplinary project funded by the FRM and conducted between :

  • the biologist Apcher’s team (UMR 1015 Immunologie des tumeurs et immunothérapie) located at Gustave Roussy.
  • the medicinal chemistry CoSMIT team (M. Alami) (BioCIS – UMR CNRS 8076), located at ChatenayMalabry,

THE POSITION

The successful applicant should be an innovative scientist with expertise in immunology or immuneoncology, to join our in vitro discovery biology group. He/she will be expected to contribute ideas and take part in new drug discovery projects, establish state-of-the-art cellular assays and in vitro and ex vivo models to validate therapeutic targets, demonstrate efficacy of lead compounds, perform detailed mechanism of action studies, run a drug discovery program and provide translational biology support to programs. The chemical part of the project will be performed by a second post-doctoral scientist, recruited for 2 years in the medicinal chemistry CoSMIT team. We are seeking an independent and motivated PhD scientist for a Postdoctoral Fellowship in a joint Paris-Sud University / Gustave Roussy program.

For this, the ideal candidate should have solid experience working with lab animals and expertise in one or more of the following analytical techniques:

  • Multi-parameter flow cytometry; sample staining and acquisition, knowledge of analytical software such as Flowjo is a plus.
  • Mouse and human cell culture; both primary cells as well as cell lines.
  • Isolation of immune cell populations.
  • Strong experience in antigen discovery using newly revealed TCRs.
  • Elispot or Luminex-based assays for cytokine/chemokine assessments.
  • Familiarity with murine syngeneic and genetically engineered models of different cancers as well as allografts/xenografts is a plus.

POST-DOC PROFILE

• Combination of knowledge, experience and achievement are required

• Graduated with a PhD in immunology

• Solid background in immunology and antigen presentation in cancer

• Sound understanding of drug cancer treatment process

• Ideally project management experience

• Strong oral & written communication skills

• Ability to work within multidisciplinary teams

• Creativity & sense of innovation

• High degree of intellectual independence

Applicants should send a CV, a motivation letter (stating your relevance for the requirements only), and the contact information of at least 2 to 3 referees to Dr Sébastien Apcher (sebastien.apcher@gustaveroussy.fr)

36-month postdoctoral offer in cell imaging, cell biology and immunology in the context of host-pathogen interaction

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Principal Investigator

Christel Vérollet (CRCN/INSERM)

• Team “Phagocyte migration and differentiation”, IPBS/CNRS, Toulouse, FRANCE

• Website: http://www.ipbs.fr/index.php/member/christel-verollet

Co-principal Investigator

Geanncarlo Lugo-Villarino (CRCN/CNRS)

• Team of Olivier Neyrolles (DR1/CNRS), “Mycobacterial Interactions with Host Cells”, IPBS/CNRS

• Website: http://www.ipbs.fr/index.php/member/geanncarlo-lugo-villarino

Title of the Project Cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in tuberculosis-mediated exacerbation of HIV-1 infection in macrophages: focus on Siglec-1 and tunneling nanotubes

Context and Project Co-infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the etiological agent of tuberculosis (TB), and HIV-1 is major health issue in the world. The synergistic relationship between HIV-1 and Mtb is known to result in increased pathogen proliferation and associated pathogenesis. In this context, we recently demonstrated that tunneling nanotubes (TNT) are cellular structures induced by a TB-associated microenvironment that favors HIV-1 spread among macrophages, enhancing virus load as observed in HIV/TB co-infected patients. TNT are thin connections that gained international scientific attention as a novel mechanism of intercellular communication for providing a continuous cytoplasmic bridge between cells. We will now determine the cellular and molecular mechanisms driven by Mtb that enhances the cell-to-cell transfer of HIV-1, in particular in the context of TNT. Innovative microscopy approaches will be used to study the dynamics of TNT and of HIV-1 transfer in macrophages both in vitro and in vivo. Based on solid preliminary data, we will focus on the cell-surface lectin receptor, Siglec-1 (CD169), a factor that is crucial in the synergy between Mtb and HIV-1. This research project will identify mechanisms involved in HIV/TB co-infection pathogenesis, including in HIV-1 transmission and spread. Understanding how HIV-1 and Mtb interact is crucial to ameliorate the prognosis and treatment of co-infected patients. Finally, we will generate novel fundamental knowledge on the biology of TNT, that have been associated with a wide range of pathological conditions, but also with physiological processes.

Job description We are looking for a highly motivated post-doctoral researcher with a specific interest in cell imaging in the context of host-pathogen interactions, and excellent track record to identify and solve scientific problems. The employment is for 3 years, aiming to better understand the HIV-1/Mtb co-infection. General responsibilities include design, implement, and to interpret experiments, both independently and in collaboration, and communicate research and findings in a clear and concise manner. Applicant is expected to perform a short-term internship with Dr. Luciana Balboa, CONICET (Buenos Aires, Argentina), at least once during postdoctoral tenure.

Team consortium and environment The project is a full collaboration between the teams of Drs. Vérollet and Neyrolles at IPBS (http://www.ipbs.fr/index.php/)/CNRS, Toulouse (France), supported by a framework of an international collaborations, including a Laboratoire International Associé (LIA, #1167) with Dr. Luciana Balboa, CONICET (Buenos Aires, Argentina). The state-of-the-art imaging technology in the Biological Safety Level 3 (BSL-3) facilities at IPBS and the combination of expertise between the two teams (e.g., HIV-1, tuberculosis, macrophage biology, advanced cell imaging and TNT) assure the success outcome of this project.

Qualification required

• A PhD degree preferably in cell biology or immunology.

• Scientific excellence evidenced by publication track record as well as track record of presenting at national and international meetings.

• Hands-on experience of biological imaging, including wide-field, confocal and live imaging, and a solid theoretical understanding of all current and emerging microscopy technologies.

• Exhibit strong computer literacy including experience with image analysis, FlowJo, Prism, and Excel.

• High levels of initiative, autonomy and the ability to assume a high level of responsibility.

• Strong interpersonal skills needed to effectively deal with different people and groups, both scientific and non-scientific.

• Proficiency in English in order to manage our LIA partnership with Argentina; oral communication in Spanish would be a plus.

Additional qualification desired

• Experience of mammalian cell culture of primary cells and cell lines, and basic immunology assays such as multi-color flow cytometry, immunofluorescence and ELISA.

• Knowledge of histology, quantitative PCR, and general lab protocols and methodologies used in the biological sciences.

• Experience in working in BSL-3 facilities.

• Previous mentoring of Master or PhD students.

• Experience in editing and writing original research articles and grant applications is an asset.

Employment The appointments will be funded for three years, starting no later than April 1st , 2020, by an ANRS (Agence Nationale de la recherche sur le SIDA et les Hépatites) grant.

The application should be written in English and include:

1. Letter of motivation with a short description of your previous research and why you consider you are a good match for the position (1-2 pages).

2. Curriculum vitae, including a description of relevant skills and experiences, as well as a full publication list.

3. Copy of PhD diploma.

4. Names, e-mail addresses and telephone numbers to 2-3 reference persons.

Application should be sent to Christel Vérollet (verollet@ipbs.fr) and Geanncarlo Lugo-Villarino (lugo@ipbs.fr)

Main Publications • Dupont et al., «Tuberculosis-associated IFN-I induces Siglec-1 on tunneling nanotubes and favors HIV-1 spread in macrophages», In revision, eLIFE, since Jan 16th, 2020; BioRxiv preprint: https://doi.org/10.1101/836155 • Genoula et al., “Mycobacterium tuberculosis Modulates the Metabolism of Alternatively Activated Macrophages to Promote Foam Cell Formation and Intracellular Survival”. In revision, mBio, Jan 16th, 2020; BioRxiv preprint: https://doi.org/10.1101/2019.12.13.876300 • Souriant et al., «Tuberculosis Exacerbates HIV-1 Infection Through IL-10/STAT3-Dependent Tunneling Nanotube Formation in Macrophages», Cell Reports. 2019, 26(13):3586-3599.e7 • Dupont et al., «Tunneling Nanotubes: Intimate Communication Between Myeloid Cells», Front Immunol. 2018, 9:43. • Raynaud-Messina et al., “Bone degradation machinery of osteoclasts: An HIV-1 target that contributes to bone loss”, Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 2018, 115(11): E2556-E2565 • Genoula et al., “Formation of Foamy Macrophages by Tuberculous Pleural Effusions Is Triggered by the Interleukin10/Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 Axis Through ACAT Upregulation”, Front Immunol. 2018, 9: 459. • Lugo-Villarino et al., “The C-type lectin receptor DC-SIGN has an anti-inflammatory role in human M(IL-4) macrophages in response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis.” Front Immunol. 2018, 9: 1123. • Lastrucci et al., “Tuberculosis is associated with expansion of a motile, permissive and immunomodulatory CD16(+) monocyte population via the IL-10/STAT3 axis.” Cell Research. 2015, 25(12): 1333-51. • Vérollet et al., “HIV-1 Reprograms the Migration of Macrophages”, Blood, 2015, 125 (10): 1611-22 • Balboa et al., “Diverging biological roles among human monocyte subsets in the context of tuberculosis infection.” Clin Sci. 2015, 129(4): 319-30. • Lugo-Villarino et al., “Macrophage polarization: convergence point targeted by M. tuberculosis and HIV”. Front Immunol. 2011, 2: 43.

Programa de intercambio ALAI-SCI

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Programa de intercambio ALAI-Sociedad China de Inmunología (SCI)

Mediante este programa se otorgarán becas para una visita de 15 días de intercambio científico en áreas de inmunología y biotecnología e intercambio cultural para postdoctorandos y estudiantes de doctorado que sean miembros de las Sociedades incluidas en ALAI. Las visitas se realizarán en el período Septiembre-Octubre de 2020 y la selección de los Centros de Investigación en China será realizada por la contraparte China y podría incluir espacios culturales. En acuerdo a la disposición de la ALAI, la Comisión Directiva de la SAI realizará una preselección de tres postulantes que será elevada al comité ejecutivo de ALAI, encargado de la selección final sobre la base de los antecedentes de los postulantes, balance de género, y proporción de miembros de la Sociedad Nacional de la que proviene.

Los interesados deberán enviar su postulación por email a sai.secr@gmail.com antes del 16 de febrero de 2020.

Requisitos para la presentación de los postulantes miembros de la Sociedad Argentina de Inmunología:

  • Ser estudiante de doctorado y haber completado al menos el 50% de la carrera; o ser postdoctorado y haber defendido su tesis dentro de los tres años al 1 de marzo de 2020.
  • Ser miembro de la Sociedad Argentina de Inmunología con cuota societaria al día ·
  • Tener como lugar de trabajo una institución científica de la Argentina
  • Enviar su postulación por email a sai.secr@gmail.com en un máximo de 3 páginas en idioma inglés que incluyan:
    • 1) CV en el que consten:
    • Nombre y apellido completos
    • Género
    • Título de grado y postgrado si lo tuviera
    • Carrera de doctorado completa o carrera de doctorado en curso explicitando el % de grado de avance
    • Lugar de trabajo actual
    • País dónde obtuvo sus resultados o donde está desarrollando su doctorado
    • Nivel de conocimiento de idioma inglés o en su defecto de idioma chino
    • Antecedentes científicos
    • 2) Resumen del tema de trabajo de aspirante a doctor o del doctorado recientemente concluido (máximo 250 palabras)
    • 3) Motivación personal (máximo 250 palabras) incluyendo además su acuerdo con contribuir a futuras colaboraciones locales con la SCI. ·
  • Además deberá adjuntar a la presentación, una carta en idioma inglés firmada por su director y por la máxima autoridad de la institución donde se desempeña, que avale su postulación y certifique que la institución aceptaría recibir en el futuro un estudiante de China para una visita similar.

Becas IUIS/AAI

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Cursos de la American Association of Immunologists (AAI)

TRAVEL AWARDS IUIS/AAI

The IUIS Education (EDU) and Gender Equality and Career Development (GEC) Committees and the American Association of Immunologists (AAI) are pleased to announce their continued cosponsorship of 8 travel awards (4/course) for trainees from the developing world to attend summer courses. This year the schedule is as follows: -The AAI Introductory Course in Immunology (July 7-12, 2020, at the UCLA Luskin Conference Center, Los Angeles, California). -The AAI Advanced Course in Immunology (July 26-31, 2020, at the Westin Copley Place, in Boston, MA).

Preliminary information is shown on the AAI website (http://www.aai.org/Education/Courses). Complete information, including schedules and registration information, will be posted on the website in February 2020.

The Introductory Course is an intensive two-part course taught by worldrenowned immunologists who provide a comprehensive overview of the basics of immunology. This course is for students or established scientists new to the discipline or those seeking more information to complement general biology or science training.

The Advanced Course is directed towards advanced trainees and established scientists who wish to expand their knowledge of the field. Leading experts will present recent advances in the biology of the immune system and its role in health and disease. This is not an introductory course. All participants need to have a firm understanding of the principles of Immunology and experience conducting research.

AAI will provide registration and housing (for up to 7 nights) for the 8 attendees. The IUIS Education (or GEC) committee will provide support for travel and other associated expenses to a maximum of $2,000 US. Any additional cost will be the responsibility of the attendee. The IUIS Education Committee will evaluate applications, perform initial selection of awardees, submit proposed candidates to AAI for approval, and review with the GEC committee. Chosen candidates will be informed, and AAI will then register the selected candidates and reserve their hotel accommodation. Both AAI and IUIS will send the selected candidates a letter of invitation for VISA purposes.

Please note: per AAI policy, these courses should represent the first experience in the USA of the attendees. Preference will also be given to applicants who have NOT previously studied or had a substantial research experience in other highly developed countries (e.g. Great Britain, Germany, France, Australia, etc.).

To apply for these travel awards, please send 1) your curriculum vitae (3 pages maximum), 2) a letter describing your research and why you would benefit from this course, 3) The AAI is most interested in providing this experience to trainees who have never been to the USA (for either personal or professional reasons). If you have previously been to the USA, please specify the number of visits and the reason for these visits. 4) You should also request an email letter of reference from your supervisor or mentor. APPLICATIONS MISSING ONE OR MORE OF THESE FOUR ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS WILL NOT BE REVIEWED. Send all this information by email to: gail-bishop@uiowa.edu . Dr Bishop, a member of the IUIS Education Committee, will be responsible for the review process with this committee.

All applications for the INTRODUCTORY course should be received prior to Noon, US Central time, on January 17, 2020, and for the ADVANCED course prior to Noon, US Central time on January 31, 2020. Applications received or incomplete after this time will not be considered.

PLEASE NOTE: Only the candidates selected for awards will be notified, by February 21, 2020 (Introductory) or March 6, 2020 (Advanced). If you are not notified by these dates, we are unfortunately not able to offer you an award in 2020. Due to the substantial number of applications and limited staff, we are not able to provide individual feedback.

Mas Información:

https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-iuis/app/uploads/2019/12/16123217/TRAVEL-AWARDS-IUIS-AAI-2020_Final_131219.pdf

IUIS-AAI travel fellowships 2020