Postdoctoral position, junior scientist – genetic in ophthalmology (m/f)

About us

Premier pôle européen de recherche, de soins et d’enseignement sur les maladies génétiques créé en 2007 au cœur du campus de l’Hôpital Necker-Enfants malades. Sa mission ? Mieux comprendre les maladies génétiques pour mieux les guérir.

L’Institut Imagine est un endroit unique au monde qui rassemble chercheurs, patients, médecins et personnels de santé dans une architecture créatrice de synergies au service d’une même ambition : changer la vie des familles touchées par les maladies génétiques.


Mission

The Genetics in Ophthalmology team, led by Dr. Isabelle Perrault at the Imagine Institute (Paris 15), is seeking a Post-doctoral Fellow to join the research on the genetic basis of early-onset severe retinal dystrophy (EOSRD). The selected candidate will investigate the pathophysiological role of GPATCH11 in EOSRD.

EOSRD is a severe retinal disorder manifesting at or shortly after birth that represents a leading cause of childhood blindness or severe vision impairment, accounting for up to 20% of children in schools for the blind worldwide. In 2024, our team identified GPATCH11 as a novel gene implicated in a syndromic form of EOSRD associated with neurological impairments (Zanetti et al., Nat. Commun. 2024). Preliminary evidence suggests that GPATCH11 plays a crucial role in the splicing and transcriptional regulation of genes essential for retinal function, as well as broader regulatory roles affecting genes associated with nonretinal spliceosomopathies.

The main objective of this project is to advance the understanding of neuronal signaling by dissecting GPATCH11’s molecular functions using patient-derived cells and a mouse model. We will employ an integrative omics approach to identify GPATCH11’s protein and RNA interaction partners, illuminating its role in retinal pathology and beyond.


Profile


Profile :

* Highly motivated PhD in molecular biology/genetics ;

* Self-motivation, with the ability to work independently, establish new techniques, interpret and discuss experiments is essential ;

* Strong publication track record ;

* Team-oriented and goal-driven mindset, with excellent problem-solving skills ;

* Excellent organizational skills ;

* Solid background in molecular and cellular biology, including omics ;

* Experience with mouse models is preferred ;

* Experience in organoids culture will be appreciated ;

* Enhanced knowledge of neurosensory cells could be an advantage ;

* Proficiency in English.




Contract :

* Fixed-term contract: 1 year, renewable up to 3 years ;

* Starting date: from November 2025 ;

* Salary: on experience.




Application :

Please send a concise cover letter with a summary of previous and current research activity, detailed curriculum vitae, and the contact information (to be contacted only with the expression permission of the candidate) for two references.