Post-Doctoral Researcher/Research Scientist Position in Vaccine Immunology

Institut Pasteur

Paris, France

Background:

We are seeking a highly motivated researcher to join our laboratory to work on mRNA-Lipid nanoparticle (LNP) vaccines. These vaccines offer a unique and versatile technological platform that enables rapid vaccination against emerging pathogens. Despite the major successes seen in SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, current mRNA vaccines elicit CD8+ T cell responses that are less potent and long-lasting than those produced by other non-replicative viruses. Because T cell immunity underlies heterotypic protection against viral strains that escape the neutralizing antibodies generated by vaccines, understanding these responses is critical. Currently, the exact mechanisms underlying the activation of T cell responses against mRNA vaccines remain poorly understood.

Key Responsibilities and Objectives:

In this role, you will focus on Dendritic cells (DCs)—the sentinels of the immune system—which are developmentally and functionally heterogeneous.

Your primary objectives will be:

• Better characterizing the complex interactions between mRNA vaccines and various DC subsets, including XCR1+IRF8+ DCs, IRF4+ DCs (DC2As, DC2Bs, DC3s), and plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs and pDCs-like);
• Defining the specific role of these DC subsets in controlling the activation and trafficking properties of memory T cell pools. In this context, you will be investigating how DCs impact on multiple types of memory T cells to recall responses, specifically focusing on circulating memory cells (TCIRCM), memory cells with a tropism for lymphoid organs (TCM), and Tissue-resident memory cells (TRM).

This project will be undergone in the murine model using an experimental influenza vaccine that has already been developed in our laboratory using antigens derived from the H1N1/PR8 influenza strain.

Candidate profile:

We are looking for highly motivated individuals willing to bring new insights into the biology of adaptive immunity underlying vaccination with mRNA LNPs. The successful candidate is expected to have:

• A former working experience and training/habilitation in animal experimentation (mandatory);
• A PhD level, preferably without former postdoctoral experience or research compatible training such as engineer schools;
• A solid scientific background in immunology (dendritic cells, T cell biology, airway immunology, influenza immunology…);
• A strong interest in vaccine immunology;
• Project leadership, drive and dynamism.

Competences in bioinformatics are a strong asset for this position. Carrer development in academic research will be strongly supported by the laboratory.

Missions:

The candidate is expected to:

• Design experiments and formalize experimental protocols;
• Organize and conduct animal experimentation and vaccination schedules in mice;
• Analyze experimental data and keep organized data archives in compliance with local policies;
• Participate actively to M1/M2 student supervision;
• Interact and collaborate productively with other researchers within and outside of the team, including bioinformatic engineers;
• Present data in lab meetings, collaborative meetings and communicate research outputs in scientific meetings;
• Produce publication-ready figures for grant applications and manuscripts for publication.