Job Information
Organisation/Company: Ecole Normale Supérieure
Research Field: Chemistry » Physical chemistry; Biological sciences » Biology; Physics » Biophysics
Researcher Profile: Recognised Researcher (R2)
Positions: Postdoc Positions
Application Deadline: 15 Sep 2026 - 13:00 (Europe/Paris)
Country: France
Type of Contract: Temporary
Job Status: Full-time
Hours Per Week: 35
Offer Starting Date: 1 Oct 2026
Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?: Not funded by a EU programme
Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?: No
Offer Description
Project overview
We are recruiting a postdoctoral researcher to develop and apply a new approach to control cell signaling with nanoscale precision. The project combines dynamic DNA nanotechnology and cell biology to program ligand–receptor interactions at the cell membrane using DNA-encoded nanopatterning.
This interdisciplinary project brings together the groups of Damien Baigl (École Normale Supérieure), expert in DNA-based systems and in situ assembly, and Lara Krüger (Institut Curie), focusing on how polarization and receptor clustering controls cell behaviour. The two labs are located within a 5-minute walk in central Paris, enabling close daily interaction.
The goal is to build DNA-based tools that assemble and dynamically reconfigure at the surface of living cells to control receptor clustering, and to use these tools to dissect how nanoscale organization shapes signaling pathways and downstream cell responses.
The project will involve:
- Designing and assembling functional DNA nanostructures (e.g. DNA origami) at cell membranes
- Developing strategies for their dynamic reconfiguration in situ
- Controlling ligand–receptor clustering and signalling activation in living cells
- Quantitative analysis of signaling outputs (imaging, molecular readouts)
References relevant to this project
[1] C. Rossi-Gendron, …, D. Baigl, Nat. Nanotechnol. 2023, 18, 1311–1318
[2] L. Bourdon, …, D. Baigl, Small 2026, 22, e09401
[3] J. L. Watson*, L. K. Krüger*, …., D. Baker & E. Derivery, Cell 2023, 186, 4710-4727.e35
Supervision team & contact
- Damien Baigl (damien.baigl@ens.psl.eu)
- Lara Kruger (lara.kruger@curie.fr)
Places where the research will be conducted
- Team SOFT, CPCV (UMR 8228), Department of Chemistry, Ecole Normale Supérieure (ENS-PSL), 24 rue Lhomond, 75005 Paris, France
- Team Asymmetric cell division & cell fate, UMR 144, Institut Curie, 12 rue Lhomond, 75005 Paris, France
Duration: 2 years
Expected profile: Any motivated person, holding a PhD degree in a scientific field, with a particular interest for this project. A background in DNA nanotechnology, soft matter and/or cell biology is not a strict requirement but will be seen as an asset for this position.
Application procedure
The application package should contain:
- An updated CV, preferably including contacts for reference
- A cover letter (max 2 pages) ideally including i) a brief overview of the applicant’s research background and perspectives for future; ii) a personal understanding of the project and its context; iii) the motivation for this specific position
- The application package should be sent to damien.baigl@ens.psl.eu and lara.kruger@curie.fr
- applications will be considered as soon as received and the position will be filled as soon as an appropriate candidate will be identified.
Where to apply
E-mail: damien.baigl@ens.psl.eu
Requirements
Research Field: Chemistry — Education Level: PhD or equivalent
Research Field: Biological sciences — Education Level: PhD or equivalent
Research Field: Physics — Education Level: PhD or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
Expected profile: Any motivated person, holding a PhD degree in a scientific field, with a particular interest for this project. A background in DNA nanotechnology, soft matter and/or cell biology is not a strict requirement but will be seen as an asset for this position.
Languages: ENGLISH — Level: Excellent
Additional Information
Selection process
The application package should contain:
- An updated CV, preferably including contacts for reference
- A cover letter (max 2 pages) ideally including i) a brief overview of the applicant’s research background and perspectives for future; ii) a personal understanding of the project and its context; iii) the motivation for this specific position
- The application package should be sent to damien.baigl@ens.psl.eu and lara.kruger@curie.fr
applications will be considered as soon as received and the position will be filled as soon as an appropriate candidate will be identified.
Website for additional job details: https://www.baigllab.com/ https://curie.fr/equipe/kruger
Work Location(s)
Number of offers available: 1
Company/Institute: Ecole Normale Supérieure
Country: France
City: Paris
Postal Code: 75005
Contact
State/Province: Ile de France
City: Paris
Website: https://www.baigllab.com/ https://curie.fr/equipe/kruger
Street: 45 rue d'Ulm
Postal Code: 75230
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