Postdoctoral Position In Biochemistry- Molecular Biology- Biophysics Of Dna Replication Protein Complexes In Archaea M-F H/F - Ifremer

Join Ifremer, an ally of planetary well-being, to gain a better understanding of and better protection for the ocean.

From the abyss to the surface, from the coast to the open SEA, Ifremer is the French research institute that is wholly dedicated to the Ocean. Its teams carry out research, innovate and produce expert reports to protect the ocean, exploit its resources in a responsible manner and shares marine data.

Ifremer contributes its scientific expertise to throw light on public policies and develops solutions drawn from the ocean to meet the challenges of the ecological transition. Ifremer is the operator of France's oceanographic fleet with its shipbuilding subsidiary Genavir, and imagines, designs and deploys leading edge technological means to solve the ocean's mysteries.

Join our teams, made up of 1500 scientists and research support staff, present all along the coastal areas of France and French overseas territories.

www.ifremer.frDeadline for applications : 01/09/25

Who are we?

The Laboratory of Microbiology of Extreme Environments is part of the joint research unit between Ifremer (French national institute for ocean science and technology) and UBO (University of Western Britanny) UMR BEEP (Biology and Ecology of deep SEA Ecosystems) in association with EMR Biomex CNRS (Biology, Interactions and adaptations of Organisms in EXtreme Environments)(https://www.umr-beep.fr/en). Research focuses on the adaptation and response of living organisms in the deep ocean, using integrated and multidisciplinary techniques. Dr Ghislaine Henneke's team is conducting studies to understand the biological roles of nucleic acid hyperthermophilic enzymes on the genome stability of archaeal model organisms, P. abyssi and T. barophilus. Her work is fuelled by interest to understand how genome integrity, a mechanism central to cellular life, is maintained in such unusual microorganisms. Her topic is based on array of in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo experimental approaches (e.g., Biochemistry, Physics, Chemistry, Genetics, Bioreactor cultutures, physiology), having access to local biological platforms and facilities.

Keywords : #protein #biochemical ensemble assays #single-molecule spectroscopy #Archaea #DNA replication and repair

What will your mission BE?

A 30-month position for a postdoctoral scientist is available in the Laboratory of Microbiology of Extreme Environments (LMEE) at Ifremer, Plouzané (France). Highly motivated scientists interested in biochemistry and single-molecule biophysics to investigate the functional interplay between the components of the archaeal replisome are sought to apply. Research in the Dr Ghislaine Henneke's team centers on the functioning of DNA repair and replication proteins in anaerobic hyperthermophilic Archaea from qualitative and quantitative perspectives both in vivo and in vitro. Combination of molecular biology, biochemical, biophysical and spectroscopic techniques to characterize protein complexes from Archaea are used. The goal of this study is to advance our understanding of DNA replication in Archaea, which possess an interesting blend of bacterial and eukaryotic features and constitute the most unexplored domain of life. This work is part of a project funded by the National Research Agency (ANR ARCHAREP, ANR-24-CE11-4405-02; 2025/01/06-2028/01/03).

What will your activities BE?

The purpose of the position is based on multidisciplinary approaches in Biochemistry (protein expression and purification, fluorescence-based methods in enzymology); Biophysics (steady-state fluorescence spectroscopy, single-molecule fluorescence microscopy); Molecular Biology (design of DNA templates and plasmid encoding proteins). The candidate will also BE involved in the preparation of high-quality samples for structural studies in collaboration with the team of Dr L. Sauguet (Architecture and Dynamics of Biological Macromolecules) at Pasteur Institute (Paris), and will BE associated to protein structure analyses. Other responsibilities include coordination of own research and numerous aspects of work to meet deadlines, reporting of data and some administrative tasks. Regular presentations of the work are expected during group meetings in team seminars and ANR project meetings. This position also provides unique opportunity to learn cutting-edge bioreactor cell culture techniques.

The postdoctoral work involves internal collaborative relationship at LMEE particularly in the team of stability of archaeal genomes in the theme of Responses and adaptations of deep-sea organisms in the UMR BEEP (Plouzané). The postdoc might contribute to structural analyses of replisome complexes in the team of Dr L. Sauguet (Architecture and Dynamics of Biological Macromolecules) at Pasteur Institute (Paris). Local collaborations at research facilities in the University of Western Brittany (UBO, Brest) are also envisaged

Who are you ?
- PhD defended within the last 3 years.

You have the following skills, knowledge and experience :

You will have, or BE close to the completion of a PhD in relevant domain of protein biochemistry (production and protein expression, western-blot, fluorescence anisotropy, Surface Plasmon Resonance, functional assays with DNA replication/repair proteins is strongly desired).

Experience in molecular biology techniques (Design of plasmid construction for protein expression, Design of DNA templates for replication/repair assays, qPCR, gel electrophoresis) would BE appreciated.

Experience with one or more of the following is desired : protein/protein or protein/DNA interactions, biophysical characterization of proteins, proteomics.

Expertise in bioinformatic analysis of proteins (nucleic acids) and knowledge of pertinent softwares (MS office, Statistics) are required.

You have the following qualities :

The candidate will also demonstrate ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team, excellent communication skills both written and verbal, drive and initiative, track record of valuable research outcomes, good problem-solving skills and, wish to BE involved in the mentorship of students.