Postdoctoral Researcher in T-cell Transcriptomics in the context of Sepsis

The French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) is a public research organization. As a key player in research, development, and innovation, the CEA operates in the fields of defense and security, low-carbon energies (nuclear and renewable), technological research for industry, and physical and life sciences, particularly in healthcare. With its 16,000 employees, the CEA participates in numerous collaborative projects alongside academic and industrial partners. This postdoctoral fellowship will be held jointly between the Molecular Engineering for Health Service (SIMoS), part of the DMTS based in Saclay, and the Infectious Diseases Models for Innovative Therapies (IDMIT) department based in Fontenay-aux-Roses.

Scientific Context

Respiratory-related sepsis is the leading cause of sepsis in adults. T cells play a critical role in infection clearance. However, in cases of sepsis and secondary infections, immune response dysregulation occurs, characterized by the hyperactivation of certain T-cell subpopulations. Furthermore, the overexpression of an inhibitory receptor of the T-cell response is observed in blood and pulmonary myeloid cells. This project aims to study the impact of an anti-inhibitory receptor antibody treatment on T-cell responses in a preclinical model.

Research Objectives

The postdoctoral researcher will contribute to the study of T-cell responses following the injection of an anti-inhibitory receptor monoclonal antibody within a sepsis model involving sequential pulmonary secondary infection (influenza virus → bacterial infection) in the cynomolgus macaque. The objectives are to:

• Characterize the transcriptional and metabolic trajectories of T cells (CD4, CD8) using single-cell analysis (scRNA-seq), comparing the pulmonary and systemic compartments
• Define the dynamics of antigen-specific T cells.
• Monitor the humoral response.

• PhD in Molecular Biology with experience in Transcriptomics and/or Immunology.
• Proven track record of successful research in the field.
• Confirmed skills in primary cell culture and flow cytometry analysis/sorting.
• Strong proficiency in bioinformatics analysis (R/Python) of transcriptomic data.
• Knowledge of microfluidics would be an advantage.
• Ability to work effectively in a team, report progress regularly, and present data in both French and English.