PhD Position in Microbiology – Exploring Bacterial Multicellularity and Morphogenesis

The Laboratory of Computational and Quantitative Biology (LCB) at Aix-Marseille Université is offering a fully funded Ph.D. position in the field of microbiology. The project aims to investigate the evolution of bacterial multicellularity and morphogenesis using a multidisciplinary approach involving environmental microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, structural biology, microscopy, biophysics, and omics analyses.

Project Overview:

The project focuses on a novel group of multicellular prokaryotes known as ellipsoidal magnetoglobules (eMMP). These magnetotactic prokaryotes possess unique characteristics such as magnetosomes for magnetotaxis and various intracellular compartments. The project aims to shed light on the mechanisms behind bacterial evolution towards multicellularity and morphogenesis.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Construction of mutants (molecular biology and genetics)
• Hetero-expression and purification of proteins (biochemistry)
• Phylogenetic analysis (genomics)
• Protein structure prediction analysis
• Microscopy analysis of protein location and cell morphology
• Immuno-blot with ultra-thin section for electron microscopy observation
• Preparing lipids and membranes
• In vitro complex formation

Offer:

• Duration: 36 months
• Good laboratory work conditions
• Euraxess Center support for administrative steps for foreign candidates
• Full-time job contract

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Qualifications and Requirements:

• University degree in life sciences, microbiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, genomics, and microscopy
• Practical experience in molecular biology, microbiology, and microscopy
• Enthusiasm for understanding bacterial multicell evolution
• Ability to develop and apply new concepts, formulate research questions, and write in English
• Creative problem-solving skills
• Soft skills: Autonomy, Teamwork, Analytical and critical thinking, Listening and observing

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit a motivation letter and CV to wu@imm.cnrs.fr. The selection process is primarily based on the application letter and CV, with potential interviews conducted on-site or online.

Important Dates:

• Application Deadline: October 10, 2023, 23:59
• Envisaged Starting Date: October 15, 2023
• Envisaged Duration: 36 months

Work Location:

LCB Lab – LISM Lab, IMM Lab, 31 chemin Joseph Aiguier, 13009 Marseille, France

For more information, visit the Aix-Marseille Université website.