Missions

We are interested in understanding how bacteria coevolve with their viruses (phages). Recent studies discovered an impressive number of new “anti-phage” defence systems in bacterial genomes. These defence genes are thought to be very mobile, as they are often encoded on mobile genetic elements (MGE), such as prophages or plasmids. This project aims to explore the idea that MGE may be important vehicles of the spread of resistance against other MGE. The successful candidate will develop molecular, genomic and evolutionary approaches to better understand how MGE mediate resistance against, and coevolve with, virulent phages in Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Activités

- identify prophage-encoded defence genes (functional screening, computational approaches, genetics)
- measure the selection and horizontal transmission of prophage-encoded defences in bacterial communities (infection assays, genetic engineering)
- characterize the long-term coevolution between prophage and virulent phages and their underlying genetic bases (experimental evolution, sequencing, population genomic)
- take a central role in the management of collaborations
- present the results during international and national conferences
- literature monitoring and analysis
- participate to team activities (lab meetings, seminars, common tasks)

Compétences

The candidate should hold a PhD in microbiology or molecular biology with strong experience in experimental microbiology.
Expertise in computational biology (e.g. comparative genomic) will be strongly appreciated. Knowledge of phages and evolutionary biology will be a plus.
The candidate should be able to work autonomously and appreciate to work on an interdisciplinary project
Rigour, creativity and motivation are essential qualities for this project.
Competencies in scientific writing and oral communication
Fluency in English is required for this position

Contexte de travail

The candidate will join the Molecular Microbiology and Structural Biology (MMSB) unit (UMR 5086 CNRS, Université de Lyon) which gathers 11 research teams.
This position is funded through the program ATIP-Avenir to join a recently created research team headed by Anne Chevallereau.

Le poste se situe dans un secteur relevant de la protection du potentiel scientifique et technique (PPST), et nécessite donc, conformément à la réglementation, que votre arrivée soit autorisée par l'autorité compétente du MESR.

Contraintes et risques

Work in L2 biosafety laboratory