Postdoc position at the crossroad of innate immunity and cancer research available

Exciting opportunity alert! A brand-new postdoctoral position is open in the dynamic lab of Romeo Ricci at the renowned IGBMC in Strasbourg, France! (www.igbmc.fr/en). The IGBMC is one of Europe’s premier research institutes, home to 46 innovative teams working at the cutting edge of science, with a vibrant international community of researchers. Our institute is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technology, offering unmatched expertise and resources to support your research at every step.

 

Strasbourg itself is a picturesque city nestled in the scenic, wine-rich region of Alsace, offering an incredible quality of life and a perfect blend of culture, history, and nature. Located at the crossroads of France, Germany, and Switzerland, it’s an exciting international hub that provides easy access to all three countries.

 

Join us in a world-class environment where groundbreaking science meets rich European heritage!

 

 

 

Project description

 

This project delves into the fascinating role of inflammasome-driven inflammation in cancer, with a particular focus on the AIM2 inflammasome receptor, which acts as a sentinel for pathogenic double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). When AIM2 detects dsDNA, it triggers the formation of the inflammasome complex, setting off a cascade of inflammation. What’s even more intriguing is that AIM2 can also detect self-DNA, a crucial discovery with significant implications for cancer. In cancer cells, DNA often accumulates in cytoplasmic micronuclei due to chromosome segregation defects, and senescent cancer cells amass cytoplasmic chromatin fragments (CCFs).

 

We propose that AIM2-mediated inflammation is a key early event in the development of tumor-associated inflammation—a hallmark of cancer that drives tumor growth and progression. AIM2 expression is notably elevated in lung cancer cells and in the macrophages within their tumor microenvironment. Our goal is to unravel the intricate mechanisms behind AIM2’s recruitment to DNA-laden structures and explore the role of AIM2-driven inflammation in lung cancer using genetically modified mice. This research aims to establish a critical link between DNA sensing and the inflammation that propels tumorigenesis, providing new insights into cancer biology and offering potential targets for therapeutic intervention.

 

 

 

We are excited to announce that funding for this position is secured, but we strongly encourage applicants to apply for competitive fellowships during their first year with us. The ideal candidate will be recruited by summer 2025. We are particularly seeking postdoc candidates who have recently completed their PhD with a background in innate immunity and/or cancer research. Female scientists are especially encouraged to apply, and disabled applicants will be given preferential consideration if their qualifications are equivalent.

 

 

 

To apply, please send your application, including a cover letter, detailed CV, copies of certificates, and contact information for two referees, as a single PDF file (no more than 10 MB) to ricci@igbmc.fr by May 31, 2025.