Postdoctoral fellow in Deciphering of endothelial microparticles in cardiovascular dysfunctions in bacterial

Postdoctoral Position in Host-Pathogen Integrative Biology

Institut Necker Enfants Malades (INEM) is a biomedical research center located on the Necker campus. It benefits from numerous state-of-the-art core facilities. The Campus has a long-standing reputation for scientific excellence and key pioneering medical contributions (transplantation, biotherapy, gene therapy). It provides a vibrant environment for basic research and translational innovation.

The "Host-Pathogen Integrative Biology" team, led by Mathieu Coureuil and Anne Jamet, aims to enhance our understanding of the pathogenesis of systemic infections, enabling us to identify novel targets for prevention and treatment, with a focus on (i) the mechanisms and consequences of the interaction of extra-cellular bacterial pathogens with endothelial cells, and (ii) Staphylococcus aureus pathogenesis, which is one of the deadliest bacteria in Western countries.

Sepsis is a severe form of organ dysfunction, with high morbidity and mortality rates, worldwide. Cardiac dysfunction is one of the most common and severe complications of sepsis and directly affects patient mortality, as normal cardiac function is crucial for adequate organ perfusion. How sepsis induces acute cardiomyopathy is complex and characterized by numerous inter- and intra-cellular dysfunctions. The underlying mechanisms leading to cardiomyocyte acute dysfunction in the context of sepsis remains largely elusive.

With the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, the number of individuals affected by bacteria-induced sepsis is bound to increase dramatically, representing an unmet medical need.

The overall objective of our project is to better understand cardiomyocyte death and/or dysfunction and therefore acute cardiac insufficiency in the context of bacterial sepsis, with a focus on N. meningitidis infection. For this, we leverage a consortium expertise in microbiology, vascular biology, cardiac biology, and critical care medicine.

To identify factors specifically released by endothelial cells during meningococcal infection that will be involved in lethal sepsis. Will focus on endothelium-derived extracellular vesicles produced as a result of N. meningitidis interaction with endothelial cells, a specific feature of this infection;
To define the molecular and cellular impact of meningococcal infection on vascular and cardiac dysfunction, which ultimately leads to animal death.

Cardiovascular Dysfunctions;
Endothelium-Derived Microparticles;
Host-Pathogen Interactions;
Sepsis;
Mouse Models

The applicant should be a highly motivated postdoctoral candidate with a PhD degree in "Cardiac physiology" or "Bacteria associated sepsis and mouse physiology" and a high-quality track record. He/she should have a strong background in performing research in mouse and in vitro models.

The position is funded for 2 years (1+1). Salary will be according to experience following INSERM regulation.

The candidate should send a curriculum with a brief statement of research experience, technical expertise and interests, and one or two references to Mathieu Coureuil or Anne-Sophie Armand.

Mathieu Coureuil, PhD, mathieu.coureuil

Anne-Sophie Armand, PhD, anne-sophie.armand