Intérêts de recherche

Cancer du côlon et thérapies anticancéreuses: interaction entre les micro-éléments, le microbiote et l'hôte à l'interface de la muqueuse.

Il apparaît de plus en plus clairement que la dysbiose du microbiote intestinal est associée à l'inflammation et à la cancérogenèse du côlon. Notre laboratoire a pour objectif d'améliorer la compréhension de cette association par la découverte de ses mécanismes fondamentaux, l'identification des biomarqueurs qui lui sont liés et la mise au point par le biais de tests de nouvelles façons d'éviter la dysbiose et/ou de restaurer l'homéostasie métabolique intestinale.

Parmi nos pistes de recherche : 
1) comprendre comment la compétition pour l'assimilation des micro-éléments affecte la composition du microbiome intestinal et peut provoquer l'inflammation et la cancérogenèse;
2) identifier des biomarqueurs et des régulateurs du microbiote afin de l'influencer et de rétablir sa santé après un traitement anticancéreux;
3) identifier les mécanismes fondamentaux par lesquels l'hôte contrôle l'écologie microbienne de l'intestin;
4) examiner comment les pathogènes et les pathobiotes modifient le microbiote d'une façon qui aboutit à la cancérogenèse;
5) évaluer le rôle protecteur des probiotiques.

1994-98  Ph.D., Utrech University - Immunology and iron metabolism, Laboratoires des Drs Hans Clevers et J.J.M. Marx.(Pays-Bas).

1999-2001  Post-doc, Université de Montréal - Iron metabolism in Friedreich ataxia, Supervisor - Laboratoire du Dr Massimo Pandolfo.

Postdoctoral and PhD positions are available for highly trained and motivated individuals wishing to work in cancer and microbiota research in the Nutrition and Microbiome Laboratory at the Hospital Research Center of the Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, Canada.

The lab’s major research objective is to gain an understanding of how competition for the uptake of dietary microelements affects the composition of the gut microbiota and may disrupt quiescent and protective inflammation to promote carcinogenesis.

Research aims include investigating underlying mechanisms, identifying related biomarkers, and testing new ways to avoid dysbiosis, as well as researching ways to restore intestinal metabolic homeostasis.

The applicant will be employing technical skills in molecular biology and cell culture, and will use a variety of in vivo models including unique knock-out mouse models, in addition to microbiota analysis in human patients.

Essential requirements for postdoctoral candidates:

• PhD degree completed between January 2018 and April 2019, in biology or a related field from a recognized institution, with at least (2) two years of experience in either: animal models, molecular biology, cell biology, or microbiology (depending on the project).

• A track record of first author publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals that are well recognized in their respective fields.

Additional assets:

• A background in advanced statistics/bioinformatics (SAS, R-statistics), experience in analysis of microbiome datasets, including familiarity with the microbiome bioinformatics and analysis program, QIIME.
• A track record for obtaining competitive funding for research, and distinction or awards in scientific excellence; Experience in managing multiple projects and meeting strict deadlines; Evidence of scientific networking skills and collaborations; Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Postdoctoral fellows will be encouraged to generate their own research ideas based on the general project objectives. Over the course of their training, PDFs will be expected to develop these ideas into full research project proposals.

Essential requirements for PhD candidates:

• Master’s degree in biology, microbiology, or similar disciplines
• Hands-on experience in experimental lab work (routine cellular and molecular biology laboratory techniques) and mouse handling
• Computational skills (using R, PRISM or similar) is a plus
• Open minded, self-driven and curious person, willing to work in a complex, interdisciplinary, and international environment
• Excellent academic track record

Application procedure:

An application package containing a cover letter detailing expertise, research interests, and career goals, and curriculum vitae containing publication record, and a list of three references with contact information can be sent to Dr. Manuela Santos (manuela.santos@umontreal.ca).