Postdoc - Alzheimer's disease mechanisms & therapeutic modulation. INP Marseille

Description

The pioneering work from Dr. Rivera and Dr. Khrestchatisky’s teams shows that MT5-MMP is at the crossroads of amyloid precursor protein (APP) metabolism, neuroinflammation and synaptic
dysfunction in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. This metalloproteinase could therefore represent a novel therapeutic target. Accordingly, the project will focus on the screening in cell
culture models of siRNA, peptidomimetics and high affinity peptide or VHH libraries to identify molecules that will antagonize the deleterious interactions of MT5-MMP with other key proteins in Alzheimer’s pathogenesis. The selected molecules will be chemically optimized and vectorized to reach the brain in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease. The project involves working with heterologous cells, human neural cells and genetically modified mice, as well as conjugation of peptide vectors to biomolecules and phenotypic analysis of cells and brains using biochemical, molecular and cell biology, and histopathological approaches.

Formation requise

The candidate should hold a PhD in science, biotechnology or pharmacological sciences and have research experience in one or more of these areas.

Profil recherché

Applicant Requirements:

- Highly motivated and qualified individual with a strong interest in neuroscience (preferably in neurodegenerative diseases) and technical skills in biotechnology (siRNA, peptide/VHH library screening, phage display), biochemistry (immunoblot,
immunoprecipitation, enzymatic assays...) and cell biology (cell culture, cell imaging).

- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.

- Leadership, organizational and social skills to work in groups and independently.