Master 1 / Master 2 Internship : Nuclear architecture and melanoma cell plasticity

About this position

Context

Melanoma is a highly heterogeneous cancer characterized by a remarkable capacity to adapt to environmental and therapeutic constraints. Beyond genetic alterations, cellular architecture, nuclear organization and physical forces are increasingly recognized as important contributors to tumour cell behaviour and plasticity.

Internship project

The aim of this internship is to investigate how changes in nuclear morphology, nuclear organization and cellular mechanics are associated with melanoma cell plasticity and adaptation.

The student will work in an interdisciplinary research environment combining cancer biology, molecular and cellular biology, fluorescence microscopy and quantitative approaches .

Techniques and training

Depending on the progress of the project, the student will have the opportunity to gain experience in:

• melanoma cell culture and experimental cell biology,
• siRNA/shRNA-based gene modulation,
• real-time proliferation and viability assays,
• migration and invasion assays,
• fluorescence and confocal microscopy,
• immunofluorescence,
• quantitative analysis of cell and nuclear morphology,
• RNA extraction, RT-qPCR and Western blotting,
• chromatin-based approaches,
• quantitative image and data analysis.

Candidate profile

We are looking for a motivated Master 1 or Master 2 student with a background in cell biology, molecular biology, cancer biology or related life sciences. Curiosity, scientific rigour, autonomy and an interest in microscopy, quantitative biology and interdisciplinary research are particularly valued.

• Location: C3M – Inserm U1065 / Université Côte d’Azur, Nice, France
• Starting period: 2027, flexible according to the Master programme
• Duration: according to the university programme
• Supervisor: Dr Mickaël Ohanna

Application

Please provide a CV, short motivation letter, latest academic grades/transcript and class rank if available .