A 2-year post-doctoral position available in M Coulpier’s team at the UMR Virology (Maisons-Alfort) to work on Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus-induced neuropathogenesis.
The Virology Joined Research Unit (UMR Virologie) is located at the Veterinary School in Maisons-Alfort, close to Paris (Metro line 8). It is part of INRAe (National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment), ANSES (French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety) and ENVA (National Veterinary School of Alfort). Within the unit, five research groups study viruses of importance to human and animal health.
The ZEN team (Equine Zoonoses and NeuroVirology) is dedicated to the study of zoonotic neurotropic viruses (mainly Flavivirus and Alphavirus) of medical and/or veterinary significance. It studies the pathobiology and epidemiology of these viruses, develops new diagnostic tools, and identifies potential therapeutic and preventive strategies.
The project has received ANR funding to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which the tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV-Flavivirus) hijacks the cellular machinery of evolutionarily distant species (human/tick). To achieve this goal, we will collectively establish the TBEV RNA interactome in human and tick cells and determine the pro- or anti-viral roles of the RBPs identified in physiologically relevant cells and tick vector. The interactions between viral structural components and cellular proteins in the human brain are largely unknown. Yet, they are essential for understanding viral replication in this organ and neuropathogenesis. The post-doctoral fellow recruited will be tasked with revealing the interactions between viral RNAs (genomic RNA and sfRNA) and cellular proteins in human neural cells. He/she will functionally characterize the RBPs identified and elucidate the role of sfRNAs in TBEV-induced neuropathogenesis.
The project, which brings together 4 research teams of UMR VIRO and BIPAR, is developed in tight collaboration with Dr J Richardson, Dr M Sourisseau and Dr S Lacour (UMR VIRO) and Dr S Moutailler and Dr L Simo (UMR BIPAR).
Applicants for this position should have a strong knowledge and expertise in virology and host-virus interactions. Highly self-motivated, flexible, curious and enthusiastic candidates are highly encouraged to apply. The position is available for 24 months, starting in the second quarter of 2025. Salary will be according to INRAE’s salary grid.
Please send a cover letter describing past research accomplishments/training and future research interests, a CV (including publications list) and a reference letter to Muriel Coulpier (muriel.coulpier@vet-alfort.fr).
