Research Engineer / Assistant Research Engineer- Preclinical Sarcoma Models (F/M) H/F

About us

The Curie Institute Research Center

France’s leading cancer research and treatment centre, Institut Curie unites a renowned research centre and a specialist hospital, fostering close collaboration between scientists, clinicians and healthcare professionals. It offers an environment of excellence where expertise comes together around shared values: care, humanity, openness, collaboration, efficiency, innovation, solidarity and commitment.

Mission

Laboratory

The RACER (Rare Cancers Exploration and Research) team, led by Dr. Sarah Watson within the Chemical Biology of Cancers Unit (INSERM U1339, CNRS UMR366), conducts translational research focused on rare cancers, particularly cancers of unknown primary (CUP) and soft tissue sarcomas. The team integrates genomic and transcriptomic approaches, including single-cell analyses, with innovative preclinical models and direct access to patient cohorts and biological samples from Institut Curie.

This position aims to support and expand the team's preclinical modeling activities, including cell lines, 3D cultures, organoids, and PDX. These models are central to therapeutic target validation and drug screening projects in sarcoma research. The successful candidate will work under the direct supervision of Dr. Watson and interact closely with researchers and technological platforms at Institut Curie.

Missions

Development and Characterization of Models

• Establish and characterize sarcoma-derived cell lines, organoids, and PDX models from patient samples
• Develop and optimize 3D culture systems and co-cultures with stromal or immune cells
• Contribute to the maintenance, monitoring, and annotation of models and associated biobanks
• Perform functional assays, including viability, dose-response, and drug screening studies

Molecular and Cellular Characterization

• Extract nucleic acids and proteins and perform quality assessment
• Prepare sequencing samples and/or libraries and liaise with sequencing platforms
• Conduct standard molecular and cellular biology techniques, including RT-qPCR, Western blotting, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry
• Perform genetic engineering using transfection, lentiviral transduction, and CRISPR/Cas9
• Contribute to quality control and preliminary data analysis

Laboratory Organization and Scientific Contributions

• Ensure experimental traceability, data management, and regulatory compliance
• Participate in laboratory operations, including inventory management, purchasing, and equipment maintenance
• Train and support students and new team members in cell culture and preclinical modeling techniques
• Present research findings and contribute to publications, grant reports, and regulatory documentation

Constraints and risks

Work in a Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) laboratory handling human samples

Occasional schedule flexibility required to accommodate cell culture experiments, in vivo studies, and receipt of clinical specimens.

Profile

Training and experience required

• Education and qualifications: Professional Bachelor's degree or University Bachelor of Technology (BUT) in Biology, Biotechnology, or Biological Sciences for an Assistant Research Engineer position; Master's degree (MSc) or Engineering degree in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Oncology, or Biotechnology for a Research Engineer position.
• Professional experience: 2 to 5 years of experience with a focus on the development of cellular and/or animal models in oncology.
• Certifications in laboratory animal science (designer or operator level) and authorization to work with Class 2 genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is an asset.
• Required expertise: Hands-on experience with established and primary cell culture, 3D culture systems and organoids, molecular biology techniques and NGS library preparation, cellular imaging, and flow cytometry. A solid understanding of tumor biology is expected. Experience with sarcomas or other mesenchymal tumors would be advantageous but is not required.

Skills required

• Language skills: Fluent French and scientific English
• Computing skills: Proficiency with standard office software, electronic laboratory notebooks (ELNs), and data analysis/quantification tools such as GraphPad Prism, FlowJo, and ImageJ/Fiji. Basic knowledge of R or Python for the exploration and analysis of sequencing data would be an asset.
• Personal skills: Strong experimental rigor and attention to traceability, ability to work independently and manage experiments autonomously, strong organizational skills with the capacity to handle multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines, enthusiasm for multidisciplinary teamwork involving clinicians, biologists, and bioinformaticians.

Contract information

Type of contract: Fixed-term contract

**Starting date:**as soon as possible

Duration: 2 years, renewable

Working time: full time 39 hours per week

Annual Gross Salary: from 27504€ to 31735€ according to the current grids

**Benefits:**Collective catering, reimbursement of transportation fees up to 70%, supplementary health insurance

Location of the position: Paris

Contact

Please send your CV, letter of motivation and 2 references

Publication date: 16/10/2026

Deadline for application: to be completed

Faithful to the legacy of its founder, the Institut Curie is deeply committed to promoting equal opportunities, diversity, and inclusion. Convinced that diversity of backgrounds and experiences contributes to collective performance, we strive to provide everyone with a respectful and equitable working environment and encourage all candidates to apply for our job opportunities.All our opportunities are open to people with disabilities
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