Post-doctoral position in the analysis of brain-draining lymphatics at the Paris Cardiovascular Research Center

A post-doctoral position is open at the Paris Cardiovascular Research Center (PARCC). Situated next to the Georges Pompidou European Hospital in the 15th arrondissement, the PARCC is one of the leading cardiovascular research centers in Europe, hosting >200 scientists, fellows and students in 13 teams. The center offers an international environment and access to state-of-the-art technology platforms. The position is on a collaborative project between the Eichmann and Camerer labs at the PARCC (https://parcc.inserm.fr/research-teams/vascular-development-and-disease/) and that of Jean-Leon Thomas at the Paris Brain Institute (https://parisbraininstitute.org/collaborators/thomas-jean-leon).

Research Project Summary

Meningeal lymphatic vessels in the dura mater connect to extracranial collecting lymphatics and serve as conduits for the clearance of macromolecules and metabolic waste products from the central nervous system and the presentation of antigens to cervical lymph nodes. They have been shown to play critical roles in murine models of a range of central nervous system pathologies but remain incompletely characterized. We recently obtained funding from the French National Research Agency to study candidate modulators of meningeal and extracranial lymphatic vessel development and function and explore new strategies to promote cerebrospinal fluid drainage. 

Missions`       

• Characterization of brain drainage pathways in genetically modified mice

The fellow will characterize dural and extracranial lymphatics in new mouse models with lymphatic endothelial cell (LEC)-selective deletion of target genes using tissue clearing and confocal and light sheet microscopy with help from technical staff at the imaging platforms at the PARCC and the Paris Brain Institute. In collaboration with the PARCC cytometry platform, the candidate will sort LEC from mutant animals for identification of new molecular targets implicated in lymphatic drainage of cerebrospinal fluid and antigens.

• Evaluation of cerebrospinal fluid drainage drainage in genetically modified mice

The fellow will inject tracers and cells into the cerebrospinal fluid and follow and quantify their drainage to cervical lymph nodes and adapt techniques to evaluate extracranial lymphatic collector function in real time. 

• Assessment of novel therapies to stimulate cerebrospinal fluid drainage

Based on known and newly identified molecular targets, the fellow will explore strategies to stimulate cerebrospinal fluid drainage in mice with impaired drainage function.

To lead this project, we seek to hire a motivated post-doctoral fellow with a background in vascular biology and work with laboratory mice. Prior experience with light sheet fluorescence microscopy and structural and/or functional analysis of lymphatic drainage pathways would be an advantage. The candidate should have a track record of publication in international peer-reviewed journals, be independent and rigorous, and know how to troubleshoot and communicate results and work in a team. International candidates are encouraged to apply, including experienced postdocs in transition to independence. 

Position Constraints

• Work with animals and in an animal facility.
• Regular interactions with collaborating research teams.

Knowledge, Technical Expertise, and Behavioral Skills

Competencies

• Experience handling laboratory animals.
• A strong background in immunostaining and microscopy techniques, ideally including tissue clearing and light sheet microscopy.
• Experience with flow cytometry, cell isolation, RNA isolation, and transcriptomics.
• Proficiency with bioinformatics tools (ImageJ, Imaris, Prism, FlowJo).
• Ability to supervise students

Personal Qualities

• Independence and rigor 
• Organization and communication skills
• Ability to work in a team and willingness to contribute to common lab tasks

Required Education and Professional Experience

• PhD in a relevant topic.

• Identify and characterize novel modulators of brain drainage
• Adapt models to evaluate brain drainage
• Develop new strategies to improve brain drainage