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

/en /por

– 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)