A 3-year PhD position is now available in the Trypanosome Cell Biology unit at the Institut Pasteur (INSERM U1201) in Paris, funded by the Labex IBEID.

Context. Cilia and flagella are sophisticated organelles performing motility, sensitivity or morphogenesis functions. These organelles have a very precise length per cell type, ranging for example from 1 to 100 µm in humans. The underlying mechanisms controlling flagellum length are still heavily debated. Our research unit is using the protist Trypanosoma brucei as a model to investigate mechanisms governing flagellum length.

Project. The successful candidate will be involved in a project aiming to investigate the way by which trypanosomes control the length of their flagella. The host laboratory has proposed a new model to explain how trypanosomes deal with two flagella in the same cell and first insights in the molecular mechanisms have been obtained recently. The project aims at identifying the key principles governing the locking event and how these are modulated when trypanosomes construct flagella of different length during their life cycle.

The project relies on a combination of imaging (light & electron microscopy), reverse genetics (gene replacement/tagging, RNAi), in addition to classic molecular and cellular biology. It will benefit from access to state-of-the-art imaging facilities at the Institut Pasteur.

Host laboratory. The Trypanosome Cell Biology-INSERM U1201 is located at the Institut Pasteur in Paris town centre and is affiliated to the doctoral school “Complexité du Vivant” (CDV, ED515). The lab investigates trypanosomes both as parasites and as models. More information and a list of recent publications can be found on the lab website and on Twitter

Candidate profile. The candidates need to have Master degree with some expertise in cell biology. Having worked with trypanosomes and/or cilia is not necessary but will be a bonus.

To apply: Applicants should send their CV, a motivation letter and 3 references in a single pdf file to Philippe Bastin (pbastin@pasteur.fr) Trypanosome Cell Biology Unit, Institut Pasteur, 25 rue du Dr Roux, 75015 Paris. The application deadline is 10th July 2020.

PhD position in cell biology

PhD position in the Trypanosome Cell Biology unit, Institut Pasteur (INSERM U1201) Paris