Molecular Mechanisms Governing Viral RNP in Retroviruses and Coronaviruses

I propose to host a Postdoctoral candidate within the Viral RNP in Assembly and Restriction (ViRion) team, dedicated to deciphering the late stages of RNA virus replication, with a strong emphasis on retroviruses (including HIV-1 and related models) and coronaviruses such as SARS-CoV-2 and hCoV-OC43.

Our research aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms governing selective genomic RNA packaging, ribonucleoprotein (RNP) assembly, and the interplay between viral components and intrinsic host restriction factors. A central question is how RNA viruses specifically select their genomic RNA and assemble infectious particles. These issues are of broad relevance for major human and animal pathogens and align with a “One Health” perspective.

The newly oriented ViRion team strategically focuses on retroviruses and coronaviruses as model systems where our expertise in RNA biology, genome packaging, and host restriction can have maximal impact. We are integrating structural biology approaches to resolve high-resolution structures of viral protein–RNA complexes, providing unprecedented insight into the molecular logic of genome selection and the triggers of viral assembly. A distinctive aspect of our program is the investigation of how viral protein multimerization and liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS)–driven condensates regulate both viral replication and interactions with host restriction factors such as APOBEC3G.

The Postdoctoral candidate will be fully integrated into ongoing research activities, and encouraged to develop an original and ambitious research project within this framework in line with his/her scientific interests, benefiting from access to state-of-the-art methodologies. I am committed to offering close scientific supervision, regular feedback, and mentoring in career development, including support for publishing, networking, and funding opportunities. The host institution provides a stimulating academic setting, with access to infrastructures, and strong international connections. Particular emphasis will be placed on scientific independence, high-quality publications, and career development.

Who can apply?

• Researchers of any nationality who have completed a PhD or will complete it at the date of the call deadline (September 2026).
• Have a maximum of 8 years full-time equivalent experience in research at the time of the call deadline.
• Have not resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in France for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the call deadline.

Beware that applicants who have applied to the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship 2025 call and received an evaluation below 80% are not eligible for an application in 2026.

How to apply?

We encourage all motivated and eligible postdoctoral researchers to send their expressions of interest to the supervisor’s e-mail address before 24th April 2026.

Your application shall include:

• a CV (5 pages max)
• a cover letter outlining your research background and its synergies with the supervisor’s field and/or the proposed research topic.

Estimated timetable:

• Deadline for sending an expression of interest: 24th April 2026
• Selection of the applicant: May 2026 at the latest