Postdoctoral fellow in epithelial metabolism and kidney fibrosis
Job Information
Organisation/Company: INSERM
Department: Paris Cardiovascular Centre - PARCC
Research Field: Biological sciences » Biological engineering; Biological sciences » Laboratory animal science; Medical sciences » Health sciences
Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)
Positions: Postdoc Positions
Application Deadline: 30 Nov 2026 - 00:00 (Africa/Abidjan)
Country: France
Type of Contract: Temporary
Job Status: Full-time
Hours Per Week: 40
Offer Starting Date: 1 Aug 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
Welcome to our Team in Paris! The successful candidate will join the Kidney, Vessels, Inflammation and Metabolism (KVIM) team, which studies how immune, vascular and metabolic pathways shape kidney injury and fibrosis. We investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms that drive human kidney diseases, from early injury to organ failure.
Kidney failure is expected to rank among the top five causes of death in the next 15 years, and chronic kidney disease is a major contributor to cardiovascular mortality and cognitive ageing, making this research area highly impactful.
The postdoctoral project will focus on understanding how epithelial metabolic programs shape signalling with fibroblasts and immune cells in the fibrotic kidney niche, using both experimental models and human samples.
Main tasks and responsibilities
- Lead an independent research project on epithelial metabolism and kidney fibrosis.
- Use a broad translational toolbox, including cell culture and organoids, mouse genetics, and deeply phenotyped human samples and datasets.
- Integrate experimental work with advanced analysis of clinical and multi‑omics data to identify disease mechanisms, biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
- Present results in lab meetings, conferences, and contribute to manuscript preparation.
Profile and requirements
- PhD (or equivalent) in biomedical sciences (e.g. cell biology, physiology, nephrology, immunology, biochemistry or related fields).
- Strong background in at least one of the following: kidney biology, fibrosis, epithelial biology, metabolism, or immunology.
- Prior experience with relevant experimental techniques (cell culture, mouse models, or organoids); experience with omics data analysis is an asset but not mandatory.
- High motivation, ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team; good communication skills in English.
Research environment
Our international team includes technicians, engineers, scientists and physician‑scientists, offering daily interactions between basic and clinical research, strong mentoring, and a supportive environment to develop your independent career.
Employment conditions
- Full‑time postdoctoral position, funded for 2 years with possible extension.
- Salary according to Inserm/Université Paris Cité scales and experience.
- Starting date: flexible in 2026–early 2027
Where to apply
E-mail: pierre-louis.tharaux@inserm.fr
Requirements
Research Field: Biological sciences » Biology
Education Level: PhD or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
Prior experience with techniques in molecular biology, FACS, cell culture or organoids.
Knowledge and experience with complex image analyses and/or omics data analysis.
The project aims to uncover a novel connection between cell metabolism and sterile inflammation in renal epithelial cells, which will be investigated using the same functional and molecular imaging and analyses of patients' tissues and mouse models. We will test the therapeutic efficacy of a novel antibody to target fibrogenic epithelial cells. Using histology, highly multiplexed in situ imaging mass cytometry and genomics, we will spatially compare patterns of epithelial, fibroblasts and leukocyte subsets associated with disease trajectories and manipulate pathways to repress inflammation and fibrosis to prevent or treat kidney failure.
Specific Requirements
Prior experience with preclinical animal models is a preferred, not mandatory, asset.
Knowledge of scRNA sequencing, or proteomics analyses and bioinformatics is a plus.
Languages: English - Good
Research Field: Biological sciences » Biology; Biological sciences » Biological engineering
Years of Research Experience: 1 - 4
Additional Information
Selection process
Please send in a single PDF file:
- A CV including publication list,
- A brief statement of research interests and how they align with this project (1–2 pages),
- Contact information for 2–3 referees.
Applications and informal enquiries should be sent to pierre-louis.tharaux@inserm.fr.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Work Location(s)
Number of offers available: 1
Company/Institute: Université Paris Cité, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM)
Country: France
City: PARIS
Postal Code: 75015
Street: 56 rue Leblanc
Contact
City: Paris
Website: https://parcc.inserm.fr/research-teams/kidney-vessels-inflammation-and-metabolism-kvim/
Street: 56 rue Leblanc
Postal Code: 75015
E-Mail: pierre-louis.tharaux@inserm.fr
Phone: 0689502948
Mobile Phone: 0689502948
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