Organisation/Company: CNRS
Department: Microbiologie Moléculaire et Biochimie Structurale
Research Field: Chemistry » Biochemistry, Physics » Biophysics, Biological sciences » Biological engineering
Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)
Country: France
Application Deadline: 4 Dec 2024 - 23:59 (UTC)
Type of Contract: Temporary
Job Status: Full-time
Hours Per Week: 35
Offer Starting Date: 3 Feb 2025
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 type VI secretion system (T6SS) is a bacterial contractile nanomachine that uses a spring-like mechanism to deliver effectors into target cells, hence involved in competition and pathogenesis. The T6SS is composed of three different sub-complexes: a membrane complex, a baseplate, and the tail structure. The membrane complex is the first assembly onto which the baseplate is recruited. The baseplate acts as a platform onto which the tail (tube/sheath complex) polymerizes. The tail is an inner tube wrapped by a contractile sheath that is assembled in an extended conformation that stores mechanical energy necessary for its contraction and for propelling the inner tube into the target. The polymerization of the tail is regulated; however, how the system halts the elongation of the sheath and maintains this structure in the extended conformation before firing is not clearly understood.
The aim of this project is to investigate how the late stages of the assembly of the nanomachine are controlled by structural and molecular characterization (complex structure, PPI…).
Responsibilities Use biochemistry and molecular biology techniques, DNA and protein purification
Prepare and analyze samples for structural biology experiments (X-ray, SAXS, cryo-EM)
Prepare and execute interaction studies by SPR, Thermophoresis
Analyze and present results both orally and in writing
Write scientific manuscripts
Contribute to the overall functioning of the laboratory
The postdoc will join the "Structural Biology of Bacterial Macromolecular Complexes" team at the Molecular Microbiology and Structural Biochemistry Laboratory (MMSB, UMR 5086) located at the Institute of Biology and Protein Chemistry (IBCP, Lyon). Our research aims at deciphering the structural basis of key events of the Gram-negative bacteria infection process. Our expertise lies in the study of macromolecular complexes by integrative structural biology: X-ray crystallography, small angle X-ray scattering, cryo-EM, PPI, etc.
The project is funded by the French ANR Agency (ANR CO-6TER), with a national consortium involving five institutes: LISM in Aix Marseille, MMSB in Lyon, IECB in University of Bordeaux, BIP in Aix Marseille, and Institute Pasteur in Paris. It will be important to note that part of the post-doc will be done at IECB in University of Bordeaux to perform cryo-EM experiments.
Expected start date: February/March 2025 (some flexibility depending on the candidate's availability and administrative procedures)
Supervision: The post-doctoral fellow will work in close collaboration with Dr. Priscillia LAGOUTTE and Dr. Ester MARZA.
The application file must include: 1. CV 2. Cover letter 3. References
Additional information:
You will benefit from 44 days of leave/RTT per year, a financial contribution to mutual insurance costs, and training adapted to support you. The site is accessible by public transport. You can obtain a partial reimbursement of transport tickets (75%) or a sustainable mobility package of up to 300 euros/year. You will also have access to the CNRS economic and social action committee from 6 months of seniority.
Eligibility Criteria Molecular biology techniques
Production and purification of recombinant protein
Solid experience in structural biology
Knowledge in secretion systems will be a plus
Knowledge of cryo-EM will be appreciated
Ability to take initiative and work effectively with collaborators of the project
Autonomy, rigor, and organizational skills
Strong communication skills
Oral and written English.
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