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

About this position

The hosting structure

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.

Job description

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.

Candidate 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 :

job-ref-8w1gag0zx7@emploi.beetween.com

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

https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/sites/default/files/brochures/eur_21620_en-fr.pdf