Thesis proposal - CIFRE
Context
The Vision Institute is directly linked to the Hôpital National de la Vision des 15-20, a hospital center dedicated to eye diseases, and represents a privileged center, both hospital and university, included in the IHU FOReSIGHT. Our multidisciplinary team of researchers, clinician-researchers, engineers and students studies pathologies of the anterior segment of the eye. Our preclinical and clinical research focuses on dry eye, glaucoma, ocular toxicology and ocular pain.
Dry eye is one of the main reasons for consulting an ophthalmologist, with a prevalence of 20-50% in the general population, and its incidence is growing steadily with new lifestyles (screens, pollution, contact lens wear, etc.) and an ageing population. It is a multifactorial pathology that affects the tear film and the conjunctival and corneal epithelia, leading to lesions at these levels, and in the most serious cases, keratitis. It is responsible for pain of fluctuating intensity and is disabling in daily activities. The complexity of the disease justifies a wealth of research, both to decipher pathophysiological mechanisms and to find molecular effectors that could lead to the development of biomarkers or new therapeutic targets.
The research team
https://www.institut-vision.org/en/research/pathophysiology-anterior-segment-eye
Missions
The Vision Institute's S12 team is offering a CIFRE thesis on the role of ocular surface extracellular vesicles in dry eye disease: relations with oxidative stress and inflammation.
The doctoral student's main tasks will be:
- Production of cell cultures: Manipulation of human and animal cell lines, management of culture conditions and sterile environments.
- Characterization of cellular processes, intracellular signaling, and mechanisms of stress response or cellular interaction.
- Implementation of advanced experimental techniques: isolation and characterization of extracellular vesicles, confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, gene and protein expression analysis (PCR, western blot, immunocytochemistry), and genome editing (siRNA).
- Interdisciplinary collaboration: working closely with in-house research teams and with academic and industrial partners.
Drafting of scientific reports and publications.
Interested candidates are invited to send their CV, covering letter and Master's transcripts to the following addresses: francoise.brignole@inserm.fr and karima.kessal@inserm.fr
- Application deadline: 30/11/2024
Skills required
- In-depth knowledge of cell physiology and cell communication.
- Proficiency in molecular biology and cellular analysis techniques.
- Motivation to work in an applied research environment, with a strong cross-functional component between basic and clinical research.
- Team spirit, autonomy and organizational skills.
- Good command of the English language is an advantage.
Education and experience
- Master's degree in cell biology, biotechnology or related field.
- Experience in cell culture (primary and immortalized lines).
How to apply
To apply for this vacancy, please complete this form and attach your cover letter and curriculum vitae in .pdf format. We will get back to you as soon as possible.