Postdoctoral Fellow In Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Research

This postdoctoral fellowship is situated within the Center for Translational Medicine Institute (CTM) UMR1231, a joint research unit of INSERM and the University of Burgundy located in Dijon, France. The laboratory focuses on translational research in oncology, with a particular emphasis on hematological malignancies. The successful candidate will join a dynamic team investigating a novel signaling pathway implicated in the relapse of pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in children.

The primary aim of the project is to elucidate the biological mechanisms that drive disease recurrence after initial remission, utilizing Patient-Derived Xenograft (PDX) mouse models. These models engraft patient leukemia cells into immunocompromised mice, preserving the genetic and phenotypic characteristics of the original tumor, thereby providing a clinically relevant platform for studying relapse and testing therapeutic interventions. The fellow will be responsible for establishing, maintaining, and characterizing PDX cohorts, monitoring leukemia engraftment and progression, and performing longitudinal analyses.

Experimental work will involve a broad spectrum of techniques. Flow cytometry will be employed extensively to immunophenotype leukemia cells, assess minimal residual disease, and evaluate drug responses. Microscopy, including confocal and fluorescence imaging, will be used to visualize cellular localization of pathway components and to study cell-cell interactions within the bone marrow microenvironment. Molecular biology approaches such as quantitative PCR, Western blotting, and RNA sequencing will be used to dissect signaling cascades and identify downstream effectors. Additionally, the candidate will gain experience with immunohistochemistry and histological analysis of mouse tissues.

The position is offered as a one-year fully funded contract with the status of Research Engineer, providing a competitive salary, social security coverage, and access to the institute’s core facilities. The expected start date is January 1, 2027, although the review of applications begins immediately and continues until the position is filled. The working schedule is full-time, 35 hours per week, requiring on-site presence at the CTM laboratories in Dijon.

Applicants must hold a PhD in cancer biology, hematology, or a closely related discipline. Prior experience with preclinical mouse models, particularly PDX systems, is highly desirable. Proficiency in flow cytometry, microscopy, and standard molecular biology techniques is expected. Strong organizational skills, the ability to work both independently and collaboratively, and excellent communication abilities in English are essential. While fluency in French is not required, it may facilitate integration into the local academic environment.

Beyond the scientific training, the fellowship offers opportunities for professional development. The fellow will be encouraged to present findings at national and international conferences, to author peer-reviewed publications, and to participate in grant writing and project management activities. The collaborative nature of the CTM institute, combined with INSERM’s extensive network, provides a strong platform for launching an independent research career in academia or pursuing specialized roles in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors.