Postdoctoral Researcher or Research Engineer in Tumor Mechanics and Immunotherapy Resistance INSERM U1325 in France

This postdoctoral researcher or research engineer position at INSERM U1325 in Marseille, France, offers an exciting opportunity to lead a translational project investigating how tumor mechanics contribute to immunotherapy resistance in lung carcinoma. The project is highly interdisciplinary, combining biophysics, cell biology, and clinical research to advance understanding of cancer treatment resistance mechanisms.

The successful candidate will manage patient sample blocks from three cohorts, including storage, labeling, and tracking of over 36 samples. Responsibilities include sectioning frozen samples using a cryostat, preparing histology slides, and performing atomic force microscopy (AFM) to generate force maps on patient samples. The candidate will conduct in-depth immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence analyses to characterize immune infiltrates and correlate them with AFM-derived mechanical profiles. Additional tasks involve analyzing, interpreting, and presenting experimental results, collaborating closely with biologists, physicists, and clinicians, and performing qPCR, western blot, and a broad range of cell biology experiments on cell lines and mouse tumor samples.

Applicants should hold a PhD or equivalent in biological sciences or biophysics. Strong experimental skills are required, with experience in histology appreciated but not mandatory. Proficiency in immunofluorescence staining and microscopy, familiarity with standard molecular and cell biology techniques, and ability to analyze, organize, and format experimental data are expected. Experience with AFM or related biophysical techniques is a strong asset. Candidates must be able to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team, demonstrate strong organizational skills, and possess good written and oral communication skills in English suitable for an international working environment.

The position is full-time (37 hours per week) and temporary, with a starting date of 18 March 2026. Salary follows Inserm and Aix‑Marseille University pay scales and will be adjusted according to the candidate’s experience and profile, with an expected range of €2,100 to €2,600 net per month. The project is not funded by a EU programme.

Applications are accepted until 29 May 2026. To apply, send your CV and cover letter directly to Dr Michael Sebbagh at [email protected]. For further information about the lab and research environment, visit the FM4B lab website.

This opportunity is ideal for candidates seeking to advance their research career in cancer biology, biophysics, and translational medicine within a collaborative and multidisciplinary team at a leading French research institute.