PhD Position in Biophysics of Cytoskeletal Mechanics

This PhD position at the Institut Jacques Monod (IJM) focuses on deciphering how cytoskeletal filaments sense mechanical forces, particularly through LIM-domain proteins. The project combines in vitro reconstitution experiments in microfluidic chambers with fluorescence-labeled proteins to quantify mechanical responses and protein assembly dynamics. The successful candidate will contribute to modeling mechanotransduction mechanisms in cells, leveraging advanced biophysical techniques. The work will be conducted within a dynamic research environment at a leading Parisian institute, offering interdisciplinary collaboration and state-of-the-art facilities.

• Conduct in vitro reconstitution experiments to study mechanical responses of actin and vimentin filaments.
• Quantify mechanical properties and dynamic assembly of LIM-domain proteins using fluorescence-based assays.
• Develop and apply microfluidic techniques to analyze single-filament behavior under mechanical stress.
• Propose and validate models explaining mechanosensation and protein assembly mechanisms in cytoskeletal filaments.
• Collaborate with team members to integrate findings into broader mechanotransduction research.
• Present research progress at internal seminars and international conferences.