Postdoctoral position in host-pathogen interactions through the study of a Leishmania signalling kinase

The signalling and host-parasite interactions research group is in the department of parasite and insect vectors at the Institut Pasteur, which is one of the centres of excellence for infectious diseases in the world. The main missions of the institute are basic research, public health policies, teaching, and translational research. There are 144 research units as well as an international network of 32 institutes, (the only one of its kind in the world), which is present on every continent. The Institut Pasteur has also unique technological facilities, including the most powerful microscope in the world (Titan).

The Institut Pasteur has a strong postdoc community organized by STAPA (http://stapa.ovh/). STAPA helps graduate students, and postdocs to get the best from their work experience in Pasteur and to integrate into the French culture. Check out their website: http://stapa.ovh/ and do not hesitate to contact them! Moreover, a welcome day is organized every year for newcomers to introduce the Institute and give them information about life in France.

Leishmania parasite, the causative agent of leishmaniasis, is phagocytosed by macrophages, but unlike other pathogens, survives and proliferates. Leishmania parasites, through the release of effector molecules, subvert their host cell to insure their survival. One of these effectors particularly attracted our attention, Leishmania Casein Kinase 1, a signalling protein kinase, essential for intracellular parasite survival. This kinase fulfils a significant part of its function in the macrophage, by regulating processes such as trafficking, translation or apoptosis; processes also modulated during Leishmania infection. Our data, which were confirmed in a cellular model, indicate that Leishmania Casein Kinase 1 is an important player in host-parasite interactions. The project, part of the ANR TEXLEISH, combines genome editing, siRNA, cutting-edge microscopy and an innovative method to follow the dynamic of infection cell signalling with the aim to reveal the mechanisms by which L-CK1.2 controls host signalling pathways such as cell trafficking during Leishmania infection.

We are looking for a motivated post-doctoral researcher with a strong background in cell culture, gene knockout or knockdown (CRISPR Cas9, siRNA and ShRNA) in mammalian cells (cell lines and/or primary cells). Expertise in one of these two fields: proteomics/phospho-proteomics, imaging is not required but would be a bonus. The candidate should be able to work in a multi-disciplinary environment, have a solid record of scientific achievement and a decent level in English. The contract is for two years but the applicant will be strongly encouraged to apply for external and/or internal fellowships. The contract will start on the 30^th of October 2023 at the latest.