A postdoctoral position is available in Dr Laurence Legeai-Mallet’s laboratory at Imagine Institute (Paris) to define the impact of FGFR3 signaling alterations on bone functions and premature aging. The project is designed to define the cellular and molecular regulatory pathways involved in these effects, to decipher the complexity of multi-systemic impairments in FGFR3-associated disorders and to the development novel potent therapeutic approaches for adult FGFR3-related patients and premature bone aging. 

https://www.institutimagine.org/en/jeanne-amiel-and-laurence-legeai-mallet-75

Description/activities :

The laboratory led by Laurence Legeai-Mallet studies rare skeletal disorders affecting bone and/or cartilage formation from early embryonic development until adulthood. The team is conducting pre-clinical studies to test and identify drugs able to correct long bone growth plate, craniofacial and spine anomalies in FGFR3-related animal models.

Project :

Characterize the impact of FGFR3 mutation in skeleton, bone repair and aging. The objective is to explore the functional impact of Fgfr3N534K/+ mutation on bone physiology, repair and aging using mouse models of ubiquitous or bone selective expression of this mutation. To this end, it will perform deep bone phenotyping approaches paired with molecular, morphometric studies to understand the ageing-associated bone pathologies in this monogenic disorder associated with early onset osteoporosis.

Investigate the therapeutic potential of FGFR3 antagonists in bone disorders and premature aging. Using Fgfr3N534K/+ adult animals, our preliminary data suggest that subcutaneous administration of FGFR3 antagonists modified the balance bone formation/bone remodeling. The objective is to better define the mechanisms of action of FGFR3 antagonists, to screen novel potent drugs and to test their therapeutic potential on osteochondrodysplasia and bone premature aging.

Competences :

We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher with solid experience in molecular and cell biology, and in mouse model. The candidate must have a PhD in a relevant field. The candidate must be self-motivated, organized, creative, able to work independently, to lead the project, to optimize and/or develop new study systems, to communicate and to work effectively with the team and external collaborators. The candidate must be fluent in English.

Contract :

The position is offered for one year (to be discussed). The position is available from July 2025, with salary depending on experience.

Application :

Please send a concise cover letter with a summary of previous and current research activity, detailed curriculum vitae, and the contact information (to be contacted only with the expression permission of the candidate) for two references.