Postdoctoral Researchers in Beta Cell Biology

The Montreal Clinical Research Institute’s (IRCM) Molecular Physiology Research Unit, headed by Dr. Mathieu Ferron, is seeking to recruit at least one postdoctoral researcher to carry out exciting projects on the role of the post-translational modification gamma-carboxylation in pancreatic beta cell function and in diabetes. 

Gamma-carboxylation targets glutamic acid residues, occurs in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and affects the function of secreted proteins. Our group recently discovered that gamma-carboxylation prevents beta cell dysfunction (Cell Reports 2023). We have identified endoplasmic reticulum Gla protein (ERGP) as a novel gamma-carboxylated ER-resident calcium-binding protein expressed in beta cells. Our findings suggest that gamma-carboxylated ERGP protects cells against calcium overfilling by restraining store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE).

Our current aim is to decipher the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which ERGP and its gamma-carboxylation regulate calcium flux and insulin secretion in mouse and human beta cells. In addition to ERGP, we have discovered several new gamma-carboxylated proteins in beta cells, which are possibly involved in protein folding and quality control in the ER. Therefore, we are also seeking to understand how gamma-carboxylation intersects with the protein folding machinery in the ER. Our long-term goal is to identify new potential targets for the treatment or prevention of type 2 diabetes.

This project is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). The Ferron laboratory has an internationally recognized expertise in the molecular mechanisms of metabolic diseases.

Recent key publications from our laboratory on beta cells and diabetes:

GAS6 and AXL promote insulin resistance by rewiring insulin signaling and increasing insulin receptor trafficking to endosomes. Diabetes. 2024. Online ahead of print. (PMID: 39046834)

Novel Function of Vitamin K-Dependent Carboxylation in Beta-Cells and Diabetes. Trends Endocrinol Metab. 2024. (PMID: 38429160)

Vitamin K-dependent carboxylation regulates Ca2+ flux and adaptation to metabolic stress in beta-cells. Cell Reports. 2023. (PMID: 37171959)

VKOR paralog VKORC1L1 supports vitamin K-dependent protein carboxylation in vivo. JCI Insight. 2018 (PMID: 29321368)

Proprotein convertase furin regulates osteocalcin and bone endocrine function. J Clin Invest. 2017 (PMID: 28972540)

Summary of responsibilities

The project will take advantage of a broad range of approaches to uncover the cellular, molecular, and physiological functions of ERGP and gamma-carboxylation in beta cells. The candidate will need to master and/or be willing to learn basic molecular and cell biology methods such as molecular cloning, cell culture, immunoprecipitation and immunoblot techniques, and microscopy (Ca2+ imaging, FRET, etc.). This project will also require proteomics analyses (e.g. BioID, post-translational modifications, etc.) and the use of genetically engineered mouse models. Important findings will be further validated using human pancreatic islets. The candidate will be responsible for independently designing and executing experiments, analyzing data, presenting results at laboratory meetings and conferences (local and international), writing manuscripts for publication in scientific journals, and participating in the preparation of funding applications. The candidate will also contribute to the supervision of laboratory students. In-person work is mandatory for this position.

Financial support and duration of contract

45,000 - 70,000 $ CAD. The duration of the contract will be discussed with the research director.

Qualifications required

PhD in Biochemistry or Molecular Biology (or related field);

At least one manuscript published or in preparation (e.g. bioRixv) as first author;

Independence, autonomy and productivity in laboratory experiments; ability to generate new research hypothesis to answer the project's scientific questions and to bring the project to fruition;

Fluency in English (written and verbal); 

The Ferron laboratory is a respectful, friendly, and non-discriminatory working environment. This behavior is required from the candidate.
 
How to apply :

Your curriculum vitae, a cover letter and contact details for three references should be sent to mathieu.ferron@ircm.qc.ca

The IRCM at a glance

The IRCM is located near downtown Montreal and the “Plateau Mont-Royal”. The IRCM is an autonomous, not-for-profit research institution, affiliated with the Université de Montréal and associated with McGill University. Located in the heart of Montreal's academic community, the IRCM attracts the best researchers. Every year, more than a hundred master's and doctoral students, as well as some fifty postdoctoral fellows, supervised by experienced researchers in various fields of biomedical research, come to improve and/or polish their scientific training at the Institute.  

The training of students, trainees and employees is an integral mission of IRCM and of Ferron Laboratory, and we aim to attract and retain the best scientists. IRCM's Code of Collegial Conduct clearly specifies that respect for people and gender equality is a core value of our institution, and we recognize diversity as a strength and a source of richness. IRCM and the Ferron Laboratory strives to provide an environment that promotes and supports the inclusion and fair representation of women, members of the LGBTQ+ community, people living with disabilities and people from ethnic, cultural, and religious minorities.