Name of the research group : Genetics and biotherapy for degenerative diseases of the CNS (INSERM U745 , faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences , paris Descartes University)
A 18 months Post-doctoral position funded by The Fundation Simone et Cino del Duca is open in the team Biotherapy of degenerative diseases of the nervous system (directed by Nathalie Cartier) at the French National Institute for Health and Medical research (INSERM) UMR 745 :
Biotherapy and Genetics of degenerative and proliferative diseases of the nervous system. This team will be located in the CEA (Fontenay aux Roses) MIRCen that provides cutting-edge equipments for small and large animal experiments.
Technical description : Our group is using viral gene transfer technologies to study the physiopathology, develop models, and brain gene therapy strategies for neurodegenerative diseases from preclinical steps to clinical applications : genetic leukodystrophies (current clinical trial in adrenoleukodystrophy; clinical application starting in 2011 for Metachromatic Leukodystrophy= MLD), Alzheimer (AD). Our ultimate goal is to complete all preclinical steps toward clinical application.
The projects aims at 1) developing and studying a new therapeutic approach for Alzheimer Disease based on vector-targeted therapeutic gene expression to the brain.
Qualifications : Candidate should have a strong background in neuroscience, particularly in cell biology, neuropathology, animal models and cognitive evaluation /or in gene transfer technologies to the brain and viral vectors (lentivirus, AAV). Expertise in hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) and HSC transplantation in mouse, histological and immunohistological procedures, animal surgery (stereotaxy) and dissections of rodent brain regions are expected. Agreement to experiment on living animals would be a major advantage. Moreover, the candidate must have demonstrated strong abilities in leading a research team, autonomy, initiative in carrying out experiments and sense of responsibilities.
The position is available in June 2012.
Terms of position : Net income from 2300 to 2900 €/month depending on the candidate cursus
