Missions

The recruited candidate will perform experimental work related to the PUI FITInnovE project “PEPTAFLU.” This postdoctoral project aims to characterize inhibitory peptides developed through engineering using phage display technology and to prepare them for preclinical studies in collaboration with the Institut Pasteur. The work will combine molecular biology methods with the implementation of antiviral and toxicity assays in human cells and tissues.

Activités

1. Perform research, from experimental design and implementation to the writing of results:
• Analyse the scientific literature for the project.
• Design and optimize DNA constructs for preclinical testing.
• Perform cellular assays of influenza virus function, and ex vivo assays on bronchial epithelial tissue, in collaboration with project partners.
• Collaborate with project partners on the design and evaluation of lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulations.
• Prepare results for monthly reports and oral presentations in English.
• Proactively contribute to the development and improvement of experiments.
• Write protocols and research articles in English for publication of the results.

2. Participate in laboratory life:
• Participate in the collective life of the research group (contributing to logistics, monitoring reagent stocks, tidying, etc.).
• Take part in the Institute's scientific events.
• Actively interact with partner groups in the framework of the consortium involving written and oral presentation of project results.

Compétences

1. Fundamental knowledge

• PhD in virology, molecular biology, or structural biology.
• Strong knowledge of structural biology and protein–protein interaction methods.
• Mastery of DNA/RNA manipulation techniques and design of expression constructs.
• General knowledge of in vitro antiviral validation methods (assays on human cell lines).
• Understanding of LNP-based approaches.
• Experience in translational research and participation in clinical trials considered an asset.
• English: C1 level desired (according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).

2. Technical know-how

• Solid experience in molecular biology (cloning, mutagenesis, vector design) and protein biochemistry.
• Experience in biophysical analysis and structural biology.
• Experience in mammalian cell culture and cellular assays.
• Strong skills in experimental data analysis, bioinformatics tools, and statistical analysis.
• Knowledge and compliance with current health and safety regulations in laboratories, in particular P2-level labs.

3. Behavioural and interpersonal skills

• Strong autonomy.
• Proactivity in research and scientific curiosity.
• Open-mindedness and active listening.
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to integrate and adapt within a team.
• Strong organizational skills and rigour.
• Strong communication skills (written and oral) and ability to report on work performed.
• Ability to place experimental results into a translational and therapeutic development perspective.

Contexte de travail

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 centre, a technical platform, a host site and a scientific training centre. 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 12 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 at IBS as researchers, PhD students, engineers and technicians in a multicultural and international environment.

The recruited candidate will join the Hart team of the Viral Replication Machines (VRM) group, which investigates the molecular mechanisms of influenza virus replication using integrated structural and cellular biology approaches. The team develops novel antiviral peptides targeting viral replication through high-throughput screening technologies such as phage display and directed evolution, combined with protein design. These areas of expertise are required for the PEPTAFLU project, which aims to validate antiviral peptides.

https://www.ibs.fr/en/research/microbiology-infection-and-immunity/viral-replication-machines-group-m-jamin/team-hart/

Contraintes et risques

Occasional travel to Paris and Orléans for collaborations (Pasteur, Inserm). Work under P2 laboratory conditions.
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.