Biological sciences » Biological engineering
Organisation/Company: University of Lille
Department: IEMN CNRS
Research Field: Physics » Biophysics, Biological sciences » Biological engineering
Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)
Positions: PhD Positions
Country: France
Application Deadline: 31 Jan 2025 - 12:00 (Europe/Paris)
Type of Contract: Permanent
Job Status: Full-time
Hours Per Week: 35
Offer Starting Date: 29 Oct 2024
Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme
Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description The DNASTRIX project aims at investigating and quantifying how nuclear mechanics can be altered by forces issued from the cellular environment, and what are some key genomic implications of such mechanical processes, potentially involved in many human diseases from the cellular down to the molecular scale.
To reach such challenging objectives, we are pushing the limits of an ensemble of innovative techniques based on micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) devices, under active development in our laboratories, by which we can apply controlled forces to both molecular aggregates and to whole living cells, while performing real-time fluorescence and confocal imaging.
In parallel, we leverage a theoretical and computer modeling program of all-atom and coarse-grained molecular dynamics (MD) of the key proteins participating in the mechanical actions transmitted to the nucleus and chromatin from the cellular environment, and whole-cell micro-mechanical modeling, to elucidate the multi-scale details of mechanical stress transfer to the nuclear constituents.
Therefore, the aims of this project are twofold and parallel:
In a first part of work, we will focus on observing and quantifying the mechanical link between extranuclear cell structures and nucleus.
In the second part, we will track chromatin reorganization, and identify possible damage to chromatin and DNA from mechanical forces.
The main subject of this PhD grant is centered on the theory and modeling part of the work. The candidate will develop molecular models of the main cytoskeletal and nucleoskeleton proteins involved in stress transmission to the nucleus, and in transmitting forces to the DNA. DNA damage resulting from mechanical stresses will be investigated. A parallel modeling program involves the development of a coarse-grained model of the cell and nucleus to describe the response to mechanical deformation, with redistribution of the internal constituents.
Find more background information in the following references:
Perret, G., et al., Microsys. Nanoeng. (Nature) 2, 16062, DOI: 10.1038/micronano.2016.62 (2016)
Pekin, D., et al., IEEE 33rd Int. Conf. on MEMS, 62-65, DOI: 10.1109/MEMS46641.2020.9056362 (2020)
Cleri, F., Giordano, S., Blossey, R., J. Mol. Biol. 435, 168263, DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168263 (2023)
Where to apply E-mail: ******
Requirements Research Field: Physics » Computational physics
Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Research Field: Biological sciences » Biological engineering
Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications:
The successful PhD candidate should have a background in physics, chemistry, biology, with a basic knowledge of biophysics. Computer programming skills (Fortran90, C, C++, Python, MatLab) and fluency in Unix/Linux OS are desirable. English language mandatory; French language desired.
Requested profile: candidates with a Master degree in physics, chemistry or biology will be considered. Good attitude to theoretical developments and computer modelling is important. Programming skills (Fortran, C/C++, Python) constitute a preference title. Working language is English; French is not required; however, the University program provides free language courses. The candidate will enroll in the Engineering Doctoral School, Specialty Micro and Nanotechnology.
Languages:
ENGLISH Level: Good
FRENCH Level: Basic
Additional Information The e-link in "additional job details" gives a VR presentation of the DNASTRIX project.
Eligibility criteria The candidates must submit a complete CV; motivational statement; course title and grades of their last 2 (master) years; a one-page summary of their internship (if applicable); professional contacts and/or recommendation letters.
Selection process The position is continuously opened and will be filled as soon as the best candidate available is identified for the recruitment. Selection proceeds by examination and screening of the CV and recommendation letters. The selected candidates will be interviewed (remotely, by zoom). A progressive ranking of the candidates will be announced, in order to fill the position with the best candidate. Gender equality is assured.
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