The Institut Necker Enfants Malades (INEM) is a leading biomedical research center supported by INSERM, CNRS, and Université Paris Cité. Located on the Necker campus, INEM brings together over 300 researchers dedicated to advancing our understanding of human diseases. With access to state-of-the-art core facilities and strong collaborations with clinical departments, INEM offers a vibrant environment for both basic and translational research. The campus is renowned for pioneering medical advances, including transplantation, biotherapy, and gene therapy.

The host Laboratory

The “Mechanisms and Therapeutic Strategies of Chronic Kidney Disease” team, led by Fabiola Terzi, focuses on elucidating the mechanisms driving chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression—a major global health challenge. The lab benefits from a close collaboration with Marco Pontoglio’s “Epigenetics and Development” team, a leader in transcription factor and genetic network research in kidney disease, located within INEM. Over the years, these teams have made significant contributions to understanding key molecular pathways and genetic networks involved in kidney disease progression, including the EGFR pathway (J Clin Invest 2000, Nat Med 2004, EMBO Mol Med 2012, PLOS Genet 2017), the mTOR/AKT pathway (Nat Med 2013, NEJM 2014), the Lcn2 pathway (J Clin Invest 2010, Nat Commun 2016, Cell Report 2019m Cell Report 2023) and more recently the HIPPO pathway (Nat Cell Biol 2020, Nat Commun 2023, Cell Reports 2024).

About the project

CKD is a major public health concern, yet the molecular mechanisms driving its progression remain poorly understood. Our recent findings suggest that a renal-specific transcription factor, whose haploinsufficiency leads to congenital kidney disease, plays a critical role in acquired CKD progression. This factor emerges as a promising therapeutic target.

The project will investigate:

1- the precise role of this transcription factor in both embryonic and postnatal kidney disease, using a unique mouse model,

2- novel therapeutic strategies targeting these pathways,

3- the mechanisms of action of these therapies, using cutting-edge techniques, such as CRISPRi/a screening and molecular biosensors.

This work will be conducted in a highly collaborative environment, offering exposure to a broad range of genetic, epigenetic, and molecular biology techniques.

Your profile

We seek a highly motivated and talented postdoctoral fellow eager to explore fundamental biological mechanisms with translational potential. This position is particularly suited for applicants with a strong background in mouse disease models. Proficiency in cellular and molecular biology techniques, such as RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, or ATAC-seq, and some bioinformatics skills are highly desirable. The ideal candidate should possess strong analytical abilities and excellent written and oral communication skills in English. The candidate must demonstrate the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a dynamic team environment.

The position is funded for 3 years.

How to apply

Interested applicants should send a cover letter outlining research interests, relevant skills, and career goals, a detailed CV, and contact details for two references to @email.

Application deadline: February 28, 2025.

Start date: April 2025.