Post doctoral position at Paris-Saclay University UMR-S999 : Deciphering the contribution of Orai1 Ca2+ channel in the physiopathology of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Deciphering the contribution of Orai1 Ca2+ channel in the physiopathology of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Environment

The research unit of UMR-S999 Pulmonary Hypertension: pathophysiology and Novel Therapies is a joint INSERM and University Paris-Saclay laboratory. It is part of the Faculty of Medicine of the University Paris-Saclay and is located at Marie Lannelongue Hospital (a center of excellence in thorax surgery; it treats several pathologies, including pulmonary arterial hypertension). The general goal of the UMR-S999 is to understand the physiopathology of pulmonary hypertension better and to identify and develop new therapies (http://www.u999.universite-paris-saclay.fr/fr/).

Scientific project

The candidate will carry out his research work within team 2 of the UMR-S999 to study ion channel remodeling occurring in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). PAH is a substantial and growing global health and economic burden, underscoring the unmet need to develop more effective complementary therapies. Current treatments are not curative. A promising approach is to counter adverse outcomes of cellular Ca²⁺ mishandling, a central actor in PAH pathogenesis. Recently, we showed an increased Orai1 Ca²⁺ channel expression and function that contribute to PAH pathogenesis. We provide proof of concept that Orai1 may be a new potential therapeutic candidate for PAH. So, reducing Orai1 activity could constitute an attractive therapeutic way to reduce PAH. We propose to decipher the contribution of Orai1 in different human primary pulmonary vascular cell dysfunctions and to evaluate the benefit of Orai1 blockade. The proposal is supported by a strong rationale and a large amount of data performed in a favorable environment, so there is no doubt about its feasibility.

Qualifications

Applicants should have a Ph.D. with a background in electrophysiology ion channels in cell and molecular biology and physiology and an interest in translational research. The English language must be written and spoken. The postdoc will benefit from Inserm UMR-S99 laboratory expertise with numerous core facilities and our worldwide collaborations.

Required skills: Autonomy, creativity, critical spirit, rigor, enthusiasm, organization, team spirit.

Provision of the position:

The position is open for application immediately for a start as soon as possible.

It should be noted that the project described has received funding that will be made available to the candidate upon recruitment.

Contacts: Dr. Fabrice Antigny

Candidates must send the following documents to fabrice.antigny@inserm.fr or antignyfabrice@gmail.com

•          Cover letter including a motivation statement (1 page max)

•          Detailed CV, including a summary of the candidate’s research experience