Researcher in cellular and molecular biology and cryo-electron microscopy (M/F)

Job Description

Missions

As part of an ANR project, the researcher will be responsible for conducting cell biology experiments (using insect and mammalian cells) and experiments on the expression of membrane proteins, in particular using recombinant viruses (baculoviruses or lentiviruses). The membrane protein of interest will be solubilised and purified using chromatography techniques. The quality of the sample will be verified using biochemical and biophysical methods. The structure will be determined by cryo-electron microscopy, and the researcher will process the images to reconstruct the structure of the protein of interest in complex with its interactants.
The researcher will be called upon to work in collaboration with the electron microscopy facilities at the institute and at partner institutes.

Activity

- Carry out the production of membrane proteins in insect and mammalian cells using baculoviruses or lentiviruses.
- Use, develop and adapt protocols for the solubilisation, purification and concentration of membrane proteins
- Carry out, whilst adapting the experimental conditions, a range of biochemical and biophysical techniques for the quality control of samples.
- Assist with the preparation and analysis of samples for cryo-electron microscopy.
- Analyse cryo-electron microscopy images to reconstruct the three-dimensional structure of membrane proteins in their apo and holo forms.
- Interpret and present the results of the analyses, ensuring their follow-up and quality
- Draft experimental reports and protocols
- Manage and organise technical resources and biological materials in coordination with partner platforms and laboratories
- Keep track of scientific and technological developments within their field of activity
- Contribute to the dissemination and promotion of results through oral presentations and publications

Your Profil

Skills

- Expertise in protein production in insect and mammalian cells.
- Expertise in the purification of membrane proteins.
- Expertise in biochemical and biophysical techniques for protein characterisation
- Expertise in cryo-electron microscopy and crystallography techniques
- Expertise in bioinformatics tools for analysing cryo-electron microscopy images
- Knowledge of molecular biology techniques (PCR, DNA purification)

- Manage relationships and the organisation of experiments with platform managers and staff at partner institutes.
- Be meticulous and organised
- Be able to interact easily with colleagues, line managers and collaborators in an international and interdisciplinary scientific environment

- English (written/spoken) at B1 level. The working language will mainly be French, but scientific documents and articles will be in English.

Your Work Environment

Located on the Grenoble Science Park (ESRF/ILL/EMBL/IBS), the Institute of Structural Biology (IBS) is a national and international player in the field of integrated structural biology. The IBS is a research center, a technical platform, a host site and a scientific training center. Its mission is to develop research in structural biology, a field of research that is crucial to the understanding of fundamental biological mechanisms. It is supported by 10 state-of-the-art platforms.
As a joint research unit (CEA-CNRS-UGA), the IBS is composed of 20 research groups, each of which proposes a multi-disciplinary approach, at the frontiers of biology, physics and chemistry, in coherence with 3 research axes. Nearly 320 people work there as researchers, PhD students, engineers and technicians in a multicultural and international environment.
The successful candidate will join the Membrane Group within the Moreau team, which has extensive expertise in the structure-function analysis and engineering of membrane proteins and comprises young, dynamic researchers (https://www.ibs.fr/ fr/research/membrane-proteins-and-glycobiology/membrane-transport-group-h-nury/moreau-team/). The successful candidate will have access to the numerous facilities within and near the institute (including an insect cell culture facility) and to the expertise of the managers responsible for their operation

Constraints and risks

- It is possible to work on maintaining cell cultures at weekends or on public holidays.

- Hepatitis B vaccination is compulsory for those working with mammalian cell cultures.

The research will be carried out in either French or English, however it is expected that the non-French speaking candidate will strive to learn the basics of French in order to facilitate communication and integration into the laboratory.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

between 3041 € et 3241 € (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