Download Post-doctoral positions available

Post-doctoral positions available
STUDY OF Drosophila melanogaster GUT HOMEOSTASIS IN RESPONSE TO
INTESTINAL INFECTIONS
Two >2.5 year post-doctoral positions are available to work in the group directed by
Dominique FERRANDON in the UPR9022 of the CNRS in Strasbourg (France).
A better understanding of infectious diseases will be gained by the genetic analysis of both
host and pathogen, coupled with molecular biology, cell biology, and physiological techniques. The
model organism Drosophila melanogaster is ideally suited for this endeavor thanks to its ease of
rearing, the availability of potent genetic tools, and a century of research. In addition, the absence of
an adaptive immune response allows a relatively straightforward analysis of mutant phenotypes at the
organismal or at the cellular level. Our laboratory had so far focused on the systemic innate immune
response. We have developed an intestinal infection model of Drosophila by the enterobacteriaceae
Serratia marcescens. This potent entomopathogen kills flies within a day following a septic injury. In
contrast, S. marcescens slays its host in a week when fed to adult Drosophila, even though it escapes
rapidly from the gut into the insect’s body cavity. We have determined that at least two levels of host
defense exist, namely a NF-kappaB-dependent antimicrobial response in the gut epithelium, and
phagocytosis by hemocytes of bacteria that have traversed the gut barrier. Recently, we have
completed the first genome-wide RNAi screen to identify the genes involved in the host response to
intestinal infections. One of our major findings is that host defense is not limited to classical immune
response pathways but encompasses basic physiological response such as JAK-STAT mediated
compensatory proliferation of intestinal stem cells. Two projects are open to study various aspects of
this model system.
The UPR9022 is at the forefront of research in the field of Drosophila innate
immunity. Its five research groups (Pr. J. Hoffmann, Pr. JM. Reichhart, Dr. E. Levashina, Pr. JL.
Imler, and Dr. D. Ferrandon) provide a unique and stimulating environment. It is well funded and is
equipped with state of the art facilities. English is the working language in the lab. Strasbourg offers a
rich intellectual environment, both scientifically and culturally. This lively and picturesque city,
capital of Europe, located in the center of the upper Rhine valley, provides attractive living conditions.
We are looking for two highly motivated and gifted candidates who hold a Ph. D in cell
biology, molecular biology, genetics. Experience with Drosophila (e.g., fly developmental genetics) is
an advantage. No previous experience of immunology is required. Interested candidates should send
their CV, a statement of research interests and accomplishments, the names and coordinates of two to
three referees to Dr. Dominique Ferrandon (E-mail: [email protected]).
I can be joined during the EDRC 2009 meeting either by E-mail or cell phone (33) 6 27 26 18 83.
Recent publications from the lab :
Gottar et al., (2006) Cell ; Nehme et al. (2007) PLoS Pathogens;
Ferrandon et al. Nature Reviews Immunology; Cronin, Nehme et al (2009) Science
Dr. Dominique FERRANDON, Directeur de Recherche au CNRS
Equipe Fondation Recherche Médicale
Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire. UPR 9022 - Réponse Immunitaire et Développement chez les Insectes
15, Rue René Descartes - 67084 STRASBOURG CEDEX (FRANCE)
http://www-ibmc.u-strasbg.fr/ridi/index.php?cont_id=31&lang=en