21 Sep 2026
Job Information
- Organisation/Company: INSERM
- Department: U1065
- Research Field: Biological sciences » Biology
- Researcher Profile: Recognised Researcher (R2)
- Positions: Postdoc Positions
- Application Deadline: 1 Dec 2026 - 17:00 (Europe/Paris)
- Country: France
- Type of Contract: Temporary
- Job Status: Full-time
- Hours Per Week: 38h30
- Offer Starting Date: 1 Feb 2027
- Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme
Offer Description
The position is funded by an INCa PLBIO project investigating the role of the oncogene MELK in melanoma metabolism and antitumor immunity. The project will determine whether inhibition of MELK with CRO15 can reprogram tumor and immune-cell metabolism and enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy.
The researcher will: (1) characterize the role of MELK in melanoma metabolism using lentiviral overexpression, CRO15 inhibition and CRISPR/Cas9 knockout; (2) perform metabolomic and lipid-metabolism analyses, including fatty-acid oxidation and lipid peroxidation; (3) assess mitochondrial bioenergetics, including respiration, membrane potential, ROS and ATP production, NAD+/NADH ratio and oxygen consumption; (4) conduct in vivo isotope-tracing studies in murine melanoma models; and (5) evaluate CRO15 in combination with anti-PD-1 in immunocompetent mouse models, with analysis of CD8+ T cells, NK cells, neutrophils and macrophages in the tumor microenvironment.
The expected outcome is to define how MELK links metabolic reprogramming to immune-cell function and resistance to immune checkpoint blockade, and to evaluate MELK inhibition as a therapeutic strategy in melanoma.
Where to apply
E-mail: stephane.rocchi@univ-cotedazur.fr
Requirements
- Research Field: Biological sciences » Biology
- Education Level: PhD or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
- Strong expertise in melanoma/cancer biology and tumor metabolism.
- Hands-on experience with metabolomics and mitochondrial respirometry.
- Experience with lentiviral gene expression, CRISPR/Cas9, and pharmacological inhibition.
- Experience with murine tumor models and analysis of the tumor immune microenvironment.
- Ability to work autonomously, manage a research project, analyse data, present results, and contribute to publications
Specific Requirements
- Demonstrated ability to study mitochondrial function and metabolic pathways in cancer cells.
- Experience with immunocompetent mouse models and immune-cell phenotyping is required for the immunotherapy component.
- Previous experience with MELK oncogene, melanoma models, isotope tracing, or OROBOROS respirometry would be highly relevant.
- Languages: ENGLISH
- Level: Excellent
- Languages: FRENCH
- Level: Basic
- Research Field: Biological sciences » Biology
- Years of Research Experience: 4 - 10
Additional Information
Benefits
- Salary according to experience.
- Mandatory group health insurance with the employer covering 50% of the basic plan and 50% of optional coverage, up to a maximum of EUR 5.
- Optional group retirement plan with an employer contribution of EUR 7 toward the basic plan.
- Partial reimbursement of public transportation costs.
- Company cafeteria with employer contribution.
Eligibility criteria
PhD-level researcher with a strong experimental track record relevant to melanoma metabolism and tumor immunology. The candidate must be able to carry out the proposed in vitro and in vivo work independently and contribute actively to collaborative project management, scientific reporting and dissemination.
Selection process
Candidates should send a curriculum vitae including a publication list, a short summary of research achievements, a motivation letter, and the names and email addresses of at least two references.
Contact: Stéphane Rocchi, PhD - Team 12, C3M / Inserm U1065, Bâtiment ARCHIMED, 151 Route de Saint-Antoine de Ginestière, BP 2 3194, 06204 Nice Cedex 03, France. stephane.rocchi@univ-cotedazur.fr
Additional comments
The position is supported by an INCa PLBIO-funded. The work will be carried out within Team 12 at C3M (Inserm U1065) in Nice, in a translational research environment focused on melanoma. Project progress will be reviewed through regular team meetings and collaborations, with dissemination through publications and international conferences.
Website for additional job details: https://www.c3m-nice.fr/equipes/equipe-12/
Work Location(s)
- Number of offers available: 1
- Company/Institute: Inserm U1065
- Country: France
- City: NICE CEDEX 3
- Postal Code: 06204
- Street: 151 ROUTE DE ST ANTOINE GINESTIERE
Contact
- State/Province: BP2 3194
- City: Nice
- Website: https://www.c3m-nice.fr/
- Street: Bâtiment Archimed, 151 route de Ginestière
- Postal Code: 06204
- E-Mail: stephane.rocchi@univ-cotedazur.fr