Research environment :

The Imagine Institute is a world-renowned research institution dedicated to advancing the understanding of rare genetic diseases and located on the Necker Children’s Hospital campus in Paris, France.

Our institute is composed of 24 research laboratories that bring together a diverse team of scientists, clinicians, and experts to collaborate on groundbreaking research projects that have the potential to transform the lives of individuals affected by rare genetic disorders.

The “Molecular mechanisms of hematological disorders and therapeutic implications” research team, led by Olivier Hermine, is a pioneer in hemoglobinopathies research and identified the crucial role of chaperone HSP70 during normal erythropoiesis and in the pathophysiological context of betathalassemia.

https://www.institutimagine.org/en/olivier-hermine-181

The research team is a founding partner of GR-Ex, a collaborative network which aims to revitalize and strengthen red cell research in France. The main research interest of the PI (Pascal Amireault) is to understand the normal, but inevitable, aging process of organelle-free red cells, and pathological red cell aging processes in the context of beta-thalassemia.

Project :

PROTEAGE is an international collaborative project between the research group headed by Pascal Amireault (France) and Michel Prudent's laboratory at Lausanne University Hospital and Transfusion Interrégionale CRS (Switzerland).

Our main objective is to determine the role of proteostasis dysfunction in premature aging of thalassemic and irradiated red cells. Cellular and molecular markers (including proteomics approaches) of red cell aging will be characterized using mouse models of beta-thalassemia (HbbTh1/Th1) and blood banking/transfusion.

Also, a proof-of-concept study will determine the impact of boosting proteostasis function to delay red cell aging with the long-term goals of reducing hemolysis in beta-thalassemia and improving red cell storage quality.

Key words :

Red cell, Thalassemia, Proteostasis, Proteasome, Cell aging, Proteomics, Transfusion, Storage lesion

Candidate profile :

A highly motivated scientist (PhD), creative, willing to take initiatives in the development and implementation of the project, with strong writing and interpersonal skills.

The ideal candidate should possess a solid background in protein (redox) biochemistry, animal experimentation, and ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Additional experience in (red) cell biology, proteomics and flow cytometry are also sought in candidates.

The postdoctoral position :

We offer a challenging research project, in a stimulating research environment, with opportunities for further training, career development, and participation in international research meetings.

The position is funded by a French Research Agency (ANR) grant for a 2.5 years period.

The position starts in the first quarter of 2026.

For applications :

Please send a motivation letter outlining research interests, a detailed CV (including a publication list) and contact information of at least two references