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Introduction : Lymphoid tissue is composed of mesenchymal (reticular) cells which organise haematopoietic cells into specific compartments and regulate the immune response. Zone B reticular cells (BRCs) include follicular dendritic cells (FDCs) located at the centre of the B-cell follicle, as well as marginal zone reticular cells (MRCs), interfollicular reticular cells (IFRCs) and T/B-zone reticular cells (TBRCs).

Although the various subpopulations of BRCs share common characteristics, their cellular origin, differentiation and functions are distinct and remain poorly understood.

Scientific questions: Using various genetically modified mouse models and in collaboration with INSERM U970/PARCC, we have discovered that a bioactive lipid is required for the differentiation of mucosal dendritic cells (FDCs) (manuscript in preparation). The project now aims to determine the identity of the receptor(s) involved, their cellular specificity and the signalling pathway involved. In a second phase, using a recently developed mouse model targeting peripheral BRCs, we will investigate the role of these BRCs in the humoral immune response using genetically modified mice in which these cells have been eliminated. The results will be extrapolated to humans using primary lymphoid tissues and organoid cell culture models.

Technical and methodological aspects: The project involves experiments on mice, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and the generation and analysis of transcriptomic data.

Facilities: The institute is equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation platforms for flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy and the creation of single-cell banks, as well as an animal facility. The laboratory comprises 9 principal investigators, 6 research assistants and 9 PhD students who study the molecular and cellular aspects of lymphoid cells and their environment, in both health and disease. The Institut de Recherche Saint-Louis (https://irsl.fr/) is situated in Paris’s 10th arrondissement, a bustling neighbourhood close to the Gare de l’Est and Gare du Nord railway stations. It houses research laboratories specialising in haematology, immunology and oncology, working in close collaboration with clinical departments.

Required skills: The successful candidate must be proficient in conducting experiments on mice, immunofluorescent labelling on tissues and in cell suspensions, and the necessary analysis software. Expertise in using R software for transcriptomic analyses would be a major asset.

Postdoctoral researchers (with a maximum of 1 to 2 years’ experience following their PhD), PhD candidates, and Research Engineers are invited to apply. The contract will initially be for one year and may subsequently be renewed. Interested candidates are asked to contact Christopher G. Mueller (c.mueller@ibmc-cnrs.unistra.fr), attaching their CV and a covering letter.

DEADLINE: November 30, 2026