The Curie Institute Research Center
France’s leading cancer research and treatment centre, Institut Curie unites a renowned research centre and a specialist hospital, fostering close collaboration between scientists, clinicians and healthcare professionals. It offers an environment of excellence where expertise comes together around shared values: care, humanity, openness, collaboration, efficiency, innovation, solidarity and commitment.
The laboratory
The successful candidate will join the team led by Leonid Mirny at Institut Curie, affiliated with both Institut Curie UMR 3664 (Paris) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) for ERC GeneMotors Program.
The team studies the physical principles of genome organization and their impact on cellular function, combining theoretical modeling, computational approaches, and close interaction with experimental collaborators.
A large part of our current research focuses on understanding how cohesin-mediated loop extrusion and chromatin folding regulate enhancer–promoter communication.
The project
This position is part of a newly funded ERC-supported project aimed at understanding the mechanistic principles by which cohesin-mediated loop extrusion controls long-range gene regulation and other chromosome function.
Expectations / Role
The candidate will play a central role in developing and validating quantitative models of genome regulation within the GeneMotors program. The position involves experimental testing of models of centromere organization and DNA repair via SMC-mediated loop extrusion dynamics.
Responsibilities include:
- Develop sister-resolved Hi-C protocols and obtain Hi-C data for centromeres
- Obtain super-resolution microscopy data of centromere organization and chromosome translocations
- Quantitatively analyze genomic, Hi-C, and imaging data to test models of centromere and chromosome organization.
- Work in close interaction with computational and experimental collaborators to iteratively refine physical predictions
- Contribute to scientific publications and presentations within an international collaborative consortium
Education and competences
- PhD in Biology, Physics or Biophysics.
- Fluency in English required (English is the working language of the team)
Skills and profile
- Solid background in chromosome biology
- Extensive experience in Hi-C and other genomic techniques
- Experience in quantitative analysis of biological datasets (genomics, transcription, or imaging data)
- Ability to work independently while engaging actively in interdisciplinary collaboration
- Ability to bridge modeling and experimental data in an iterative, hypothesis-driven framework
Contract information
Type of contract: Fixed-term contract.
Starting date: Position available immediately
Duration: 12 months
Working time: full time
Gross annual salary: from 36219€ to 39808€ according to the current grids
Benefits: Collective catering, reimbursement of transportation fees up to 75%, supplementary health insurance
Location of the position: Paris
Contact
Please send your CV and letter of motivation
Publication date: 06/11/2026
Deadline for application: until filled
Faithful to the legacy of its founder, the Institut Curie is deeply committed to promoting equal opportunities, diversity, and inclusion. Convinced that diversity of backgrounds and experiences contributes to collective performance, we strive to provide everyone with a respectful and equitable working environment and encourage all candidates to apply for our job opportunities.
All our opportunities are open to people with disabilities
https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/sites/default/files/brochures/eur_21620_en-fr.pdf