PhD Position in Ovarian Homeostasis and Follicular Dormancy

Université Clermont Auvergne invites applications for a fully-funded doctoral position focusing on the homeostatic control of ovarian tissue and follicular dormancy. The project bridges findings from Drosophila models to mammalian systems, investigating how a newly identified paracrine factor inhibits young follicle growth and maintains dormancy. The selected candidate will conduct molecular analyses, study gene expression control, and examine human ovarian tissue cultures through a local collaboration. Expected outcomes include defining signaling pathways of dormancy and establishing the functional conservation of the regulatory factor across species.

• Investigate the regulatory mechanisms controlling the expression of the identified paracrine dormancy factor
• Confirm the functional impact of the paracrine factor on early follicle dormancy
• Define the molecular signaling pathways responsible for dormancy induction and maintenance
• Culture human ovarian tissue samples to test the cross-species conservation of the dormancy mechanism
• Perform molecular and cellular assays utilizing both Drosophila and mammalian models
• Analyze experimental data and communicate findings through reports and scientific publications