Post-doctoral Offer: DNA nanostructures and protein designs for biomedical applications (M/F)

Job Description

Missions

By integrating DNA as a structural framework with proteins as dynamic functional modules, we aim to create hybrid nanostructures for nanomedicine applications.
Our laboratory develops DNA nanostructures nanodevices for medically relevant applications, including smart drug delivery, precision immunomodulation and responsive diagnostic platforms.

Activity

The successful candidate will contribute to several interconnected projects, including:
1. Design and assembly of DNA-based nanostructures interacting with cells for biomedical applications
2. De novo protein design and production for the construction of hybrid DNA–protein molecular systems
3. Structural characterization of DNA origami and cell-associated assemblies using single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and cryoFIB-SEM

The position offers substantial opportunities to develop independent ideas and contribute to the scientific direction of the projects.

Your Profil

Skills

We are looking for highly motivated recent PhD graduates with expertise in areas such as:
- DNA nanotechnology or nano-engineering
- Structural biology or biophysics
- Protein engineering or computational protein design
- Cryo-EM or advanced imaging methods.

We are looking for persons that can bring their own ideas and actively contribute to the team's scientific progress.

Your Work Environment

The position is funded by the French National Research Agency and will be carried out under the supervision of the scientific leader of the project. This project is conducted in collaboration with the head of a team from the Microfluidics hub within the P.A.S.T.E.U.R. joint research unit (CNRS/ENS-PSL/UPMC). The team has developed for the first time a strategy for the spontaneous self-assembly of DNA nanostructures at physiological temperature, enabling the structures to reach their target shapes without thermal cycling. Building on our advancements in DNA and protein de novo design, the project focus on the development of hybrid DNA-protein nanostructures. DNA nanostructures can be approximated as a scaffolding molecular system offering structural precision for nanoscale engineering. In contrast, de novo protein design provides a diverse repertoire of tailored functionalities, including molecular recognition and catalysis, making proteins key functional elements.

The work will be carried out within the collaborative and interdisciplinary environment of the Centre de Biologie Structurale. The laboratory hosts recently installed cryo-EM infrastructure, including: a Glacios cryo-electron micro-scope, a cryoFIB-SEM instrument and a cryoTEM 1400 Flash microscope.

The lab will provide opportunity for creative persons to strongly influence the direction of their projects.

Scientific References:
- Algorithm-driven DNA nanostructure design for advanced functionality – Nicolas Levy, Julie Finkel et al. (en révision, Nature Nanotechnology)
- Isothermal self-assembly of multicomponent and evolutive DNA nanostructures – Caroline Rossi-Gendron et al., Nature Nanotechnology (2023)
- A modular spring-loaded actuator for mechanical activation of membrane proteins – A. Mills et al., Nature Communications (2022)

Constraints and risks

Initial 12 month contract, renewable for an additional 12 months (24 months total).

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

Gross monthly between €3072 and €4258 according to experience

Annual leave and RTT

44 jours

Remote Working practice and compensation

Pratique et indemnisation du TT

Transport

Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€

About the offer

About the CNRS

The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.

CNRS

The research professions