Open research positions

To heighten its projects on the molecular and cellular virology of the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), HEAL, the Hepatotropic & Emerging Agents Laboratory is seeking to recruit: - A post-doctoral scientist in molecular virology - An Engineer in molecular and cellular biology

Hepatotropic & Emerging Agents Laboratory

- HEAL -

To heighten its projects on the molecular and cellular virology of the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), HEAL, the Hepatotropic & Emerging Agents Laboratory is seeking to recruit:

- A post-doctoral scientist in molecular virology

- An Engineer in molecular and cellular biology

The Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is an emerging pathogen that cause acute febrile illness and hemorrhagic disease in humans (30% case fatality rate), classified as a biosafety level 4 (BSL4) agent. So far, no human cases have been reported in France despite a seroprevalence in cattle reaching 13% in Corsica but, most importantly, CCHFV was detected in ticks isolated in the South of France and Corsica. Although it is part of the Blueprint list of the World Health Organization (WHO), a list that includes a dozen of zoonotic viruses for which there is an urgent need to develop diagnostics, therapies, and research, CCHFV has thus far been neglected. In this context, studies on this pathogen urgently need to be developed so that we can anticipate but not just react to this novel infectious disease, and identify therapeutic target as well as antivirals.

The Hepatotropic & Emerging Agents Laboratory is welcoming applications from enthusiastic and independent candidates to investigate the cellular and molecular determinants that control the replication and transmission of CCHFV. The positions are currently available and funded for 3 years.
The laboratory is part of the International Center for Research in Infectiology, in Lyon, and closely works with the Jean Mérieux BSL4 on the Lyon-Gerland Campus. More at: https://ciri.ens-lyon.fr/teams/evir

The applicants should have a strong background in molecular and cellular biology. Motivation, curiosity and enthusiasm are the qualities required to work in the Hepatotropic & Emerging Agents Laboratory. Previous experience in molecular virology and immuno-virology as well as international experience will constitute an advantage. Excellent written and communication skills in English are required.

Application: Candidates are invited to send their application with the following:
• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae including publication list and contact details for 2-3 referees

• Concise summary of previous research activities

Contact: heal_pis@listes.ens-lyon.fr Date of publication: 28th October 2024

Recent publications related to the position:

• Ritter et al. 2024. The low-density lipoprotein receptor and apolipoprotein E associated with CCHFV particles mediate CCHFV entry into cells. Nat Commun 15:4542.

• Gautam et al. 2024. The PACS-2 protein and trafficking motifs in CCHFV Gn and Gc cytoplasmic domains govern CCHFV assembly. Emerg Microbes Infect 13:2348508.

• Simo Tchetgna et al. Molecular and serological evidence of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever orthonairovirus prevalence in livestock and ticks in Cameroon. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 13:1132495.

• Mishra et al. 2022. Structural basis of synergistic neutralization of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus by human antibodies. Science 375:104-109.

• Freitas et al. 2020. The interplays between Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) M segment-encoded accessory proteins and structural proteins promote virus assembly and infectivity. PLoS Pathog 16:e1008850.

About HEAL, the Hepatotropic & Emerging Agents Laboratory:

Viruses are biological entities that rely on the manipulation of cellular components and host defense mechanisms to replicate and spread. This manipulation occurs both within individual cells and across populations of cells and/or organisms. HEAL aims to conduct integrated research into all aspects of host-pathogen interactions for hepatotropic viruses, such as hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis D virus (HDV), Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), a BSL-4 agent, and other members of the orthonairovirus genus like the Hazara Virus (HAZV) in terms of interactions with the cellular factors that govern the entry, replication, assembly and secretion stages, and interactions with innate and adaptive immune factors. These projects also aim at discovering novel proviral or antiviral host factors and at validating these potential therapeutic targets in ex vivo and in vivo assays, such as human primary cells or small humanized animal models (HuHep mice), as well as at developing antivirals. By leveraging these insights, we also aim at understanding the broader implications for infected individuals and populations through cohort studies.

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