Ingénieur Techniques Biologiques (IE)

The HeLiP team provides an environment of scientific excellence, training, and innovation at the center of the newly formed Lyon Hepatology Institute. Our main objective is to gain a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in the establishment and maintenance of chronic infection by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis delta virus (HDV). This knowledge is fundamental for the development of new direct-acting antivirals, immuno-modulatory agents and their combinations in order to eradicate infection and prevent associated pathologies (cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma).

Main mission
We are looking for two talented and dynamic engineers who will contribute to the pre-clinical development of novel therapies for viral liver diseases. Specifically, the persons recruited will be responsible for optimizing and validating protocols to study immuno-modulatory drugs as therapy against HBV/HDV. These experiments will be conducted with the use of in vitro and ex vivo infection models, as well as by the analysis of patient samples using state-of-the-art technologies. In addition, the engineers will be involved in the core tasks of the team, which include the isolation of primary human liver cells and the preparation of precision-cut liver slices (PCLS).

Main tasks

Implement the molecular and cellular biology techniques required for scientific projects.
• Remain up to date regarding the scientific and technological developments in the field of cellular/molecular biology associated with HBV/HDV.
• Perform primary liver cell isolation and culture activities (e.g., hepatocytes, macrophages, endothelial cells).
• Produce HBV/HDV stocks and perform infections with cell/tissue culture models.
• Perform molecular analyses of human liver cell/tissue culture models and patient samples (PBMCs, serum).
• Validate, interpret and guarantee the follow-up and quality of results obtained, as well as presenting them in the form of technical reports and oral presentations.
• Ensure the proper use of specific equipment (quantitative PCR, vibratome).
• Help technical supervision of trainees and master's students, including good laboratory practices and work in confined areas.
• Help manage the team's external collaborations (in particular technology transfer).

Personal skills:

• Organization, rigor and critical thinking.
• Interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• Command of the English language is required (understanding and expressing oneself orally, reading and writing complex and detailed protocols).

Study level:

• Bachelor's degree (Bac+3), Master's degree or equivalent diploma.
• Desired field of training: Biology, bio-technology.

Working hours:

• Full time.
• Possibility to work on weekends (occasionally).

Specific requirements:

• Experience in BSL2/3 confined environments required.
• Variable working hours possible.
• HBV vaccination.

Scientific background:

• In-depth knowledge of cellular and molecular biology.
• Knowledge of basic workflow principles for NGS analysis (i.e., single-cell RNA-seq).
• Basic knowledge of statistical tools for biological data analysis.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations.
• Experience in virology or immunology desirable.

Scientific techniques:

• Molecular biology techniques: RNA/DNA extraction, RT-PCR, ELISA, protein extraction, western blot.
• Cell biology techniques: RNA interference, transgene expression, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry.
• Skills that may be acquired after taking up the position: primary culture and isolation of hepatic cells, PCLS preparation, use of statistical tools.