The Institute and the recruiting department
A pioneer in ocean science, IFREMER’s cutting-edge research is grounded in sustainable development and open science. Our vision is to advance science, expertise and innovation to:
– Protect and restore the ocean
– Sustainably use marine resources to benefit society
– Create and share ocean data, information & knowledge.
With more than 1,500 personnel spread along the French coastline in more than 20 sites, the Institute explores the 3 great oceans: the Indian, Atlantic and Pacific oceans. A leader in ocean science, IFREMER is managing the French Oceanographic Fleet and its dedicated scientists create ground-breaking technology to push the boundaries of ocean exploration and knowledge, from the abyss to the atmosphere-ocean interface.
Well-established in the international scientific community, our scientists, engineers and technicians are committed to advance knowledge about our planet’s last unexplored frontiers. They provide the science we need for informed decision-making and public policy and they transfer this knowledge and technology to businesses to fulfill public and private needs. Core to our mission is also to strengthen public awareness about the importance of understanding the ocean and its resources, and empowering future generations of leaders through education and outreach national campaigns.
Founded in 1984, IFREMER is a French public organization and its budget approximates 240 million euros. It is operating under the joint authority of the French Ministry for Higher Education, Research and Innovation, the french Ministry of the Sea, the French Ministry for the Ecological and Solidary Transition, and the French Ministry of Agriculture and Food.
General areas of responsibility
The Roscoff marine station (SBR) constitutes an ideal scientific and logistical environment for the research project of “Génomique des Vibrios” team thanks to the presence of technological platforms (bioinformatics, imaging, crystallography, aquariums) and basic research projects developed in the departments (ecology, biology of marine microorganisms). Conversely, the team roots its scientific questions and experimental models in the needs of applied research that Ifremer must conduct (pathogenic oyster bacteria).
The position is part of the ERC advanced DYNAMIC project, which aims to understand the role of phages in the eco-evolutionary dynamics of pathogenic hollow oyster vibrios. Under the supervision of the scientific leader of the project, he/she will work in close collaboration with a bioinformatician for the in silico analyses.
General areas of responsibility
He/she will be in charge of a specific axis of the ERC DYNAMIC project, which aims to understand i) the genomic basis of phage-vibrio coevolution in vitro (18 months) and ii) cooperation between phages (18 months). The ultimate goal is to identify coevolving phage-vibrio combinations and/or synergistic phage combinations and to elucidate some of their mechanisms.
Principal activities
- He/she will analyze the infection dynamics of model phages in a synthetic medium, oyster plasma and hemolymph treated/untreated with an antibiotic (presence/absence of microbiota).
- In the case of emergence of host resistance resulting from genetic modifications (e.g. mutation of the receptor), he/she will search for potential trade-offs on the fitness or virulence of the vibrio and will elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved.
- He/she will use this culture system to search for co-evolving phage-vibrio combinations
- He/she will study the effect of phage combinations on host infection, emergence of resistance and evolution of phage genomes.
- He/she will participate in the supervision of student(s) and lab duties (e.g. culture and preparation of media).
Collaborative work environment
- Internal collaborative relationship: Project team, (8 persons), from the LBI2M unit in Roscoff (100 persons) and from the station (350 persons) various meetings and seminars will promote interaction. Regular exchanges will take place with colleagues from the PFOM unit / Ifremer center Plouzané/Argenton.
- External collaborative relationship: Collaboration with the Pasteur Institute and the EPFL for molecular methods and tools.
Required Knowledge, skills, and characteristics
- PhD in molecular microbiology
Required knowledge, skills and characteristics
Knowledge, skills and abilities
- strong expertise in molecular genetics/synthetic biology (cloning, mutagenesis, CRISPR etc.)
- good knowledge in ecology and evolution
Human qualities
- passion for science, creativity, curiosity
- a high degree of enthusiasm for the advertised project
- organizational and rigor skills to perform several experiments in parallel
- adaptability and communicative skills
- a fondness for support of and interaction with other group members
Specific working conditions
- Lab work at the SBR
- Short stays in our collaborators labs
How to apply for this position
Deadline for applications: 15/11/2021
All applications are processed exclusively via our website. Interested candidates can apply by clicking the “Apply” button.
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