PhD student in cell biology (M/F)
@French National Centre for Scientific Research posted 22 hours agoJob Description
General information
Job title: PhD student in cell biology (M/F)
Reference: UMR5305-JEAMAL-003
Number of positions: 1
Work location: LYON 07
Publication date: Friday, June 6, 2025
Type of contract: Fixed-term PhD student
Contract duration: 36 months
Thesis start date: October 1, 2025
Workload: Full
Remuneration: The remuneration is €2,200.00 gross per month
Section(s) CN: 28 – Pharmacology, bioengineering, imaging, biotechnology
Description of the thesis subject
Discoidin domain receptors (DDR) 1 and 2 regulate essential biological processes and tissue homeostasis through their interactions with collagen, the most abundant protein in the human body. Dysregulation of these receptors is associated with the onset or progression of numerous pathologies, including renal failure, fibrosis, cardiovascular diseases, osteoarthritis, and cancer. This makes DDR1 and DDR2 extremely attractive therapeutic targets for the prevention or treatment of diseases representing a major clinical challenge. However, active ingredients targeting DDR1 or DDR2 are nonspecific and result in significant side effects. DDRs remain understudied collagen receptors, and little progress has been made in determining the distinct activation mechanisms for DDR1 or DDR2. To address these issues, we propose to bring together researchers who share an interest in DDRs to lead a project with a biomimetic approach. First, triple helix peptides (THPs) mimicking key collagen binding sites will be used to decipher the specific interactions of DDR1 or DDR2 with collagen. Then, THP ligands specific for DDR1 or DDR2 will be screened to identify new active ingredients to treat pathologies associated with these receptors. More specifically, we will target DDR2 for the prevention of osteoarthritis, a growing source of disability with more than 300 million patients worldwide; and DDR1 to block the progression and relapse of glioblastoma, the most common and aggressive type of brain cancer, with a 10% survival rate within 5 years after diagnosis.
Work context
This project is part of an international collaboration between the Laboratory of Tissue Biology and Therapeutic Engineering (Lyon, France), Imperial College London (UK), and the University of Bayreuth (Germany). It brings together expertise in the fields of structural biology, molecular biology, and tissue engineering.
The position is located at the LBTI (CNRS) at the IBCP (Institute of Protein Biology and Chemistry) in Lyon, France.
The doctoral student will have the opportunity to visit partner laboratories at Imperial College London and the University of Bayreuth during the thesis to conduct experiments and acquire new skills.
The expected start date is October 2025. The contract is for 3 years.
The position is located in a sector covered by the protection of scientific and technical potential (PPST), and therefore requires, in accordance with regulations, that your arrival be authorized by the competent authority of the MESR.
