Missions

The researcher will be responsible for studying the molecular and structural mechanisms of enzymes and membrane transporters involved in cell wall decoration. He/she will participate in functional and structural characterization of these proteins using multidisciplinary approaches.

Activities

Participate in the research activities of the team. Design and establish experimental protocols for the production of target proteins and their characterization. Analyze proteins using biophysical techniques. Characterize protein using SPA cryo-EM, as well as other approaches (HDX-MS, RPE, …) in collaboration with our collaborators. Develop in vitro assays to validate structural data and for drug screening. Contribute to scientific writing, grant applications, and the development of experimental protocols. Ensure knowledge transfer to other team members and participate in guiding students. Present and communicate scientific results (meetings, conferences, …). Participate in the collective activities of the institute.

Skills

The candidate must hold a PhD (Bac+8) in Structural Biology or Biochemistry, with at least one first-author publication (or preprint). Some experience in SPA cryo-EM and with membrane proteins is desirable but not required. Proficiency in protein production using insect or mammalian cell will be highly appreciated. The candidate should be ambitious, demonstrate strong collaborative skills, and be able to take initiative and responsibility in their work to successfully carry out the project.

Work Context

The main objective of the Institute of Pharmacology and Structural Biology (IPBS) is the identification, characterization, and exploitation of new therapeutic targets in the fields of cancer, infection, and inflammation. The research thematic of the BSBMP team, led by Dr. Kien Lam Ung, is to study the molecular mechanisms of enzymes and transporters involved in cell wall decoration, which is essential for host-pathogen interactions and for the discovery of new molecules targeting these enzymes. This ambitious project is fully supported by the ATIP-Avenir 2025 and FRM Starting grant programmes.

Additional resources and conditions:
• Access to internal biophysics platforms: PICT (nanoDSF, Dianthus, MST, ITC, BLI, mass spectrometry, …), NMR, and mass spectrometry.
• Access to the local 200 kV Talos Arctica cryo-microscope (METI-Toulouse) and to 300 kV Titan Krios microscopes (national access).

Key references from past projects:
Ung et al, Nat Plants. 2025 Aug;11(8):1670-1680
Schulz*, Ung KL* et al Nat Plants. 2025 May;11(5):1049-1059
Ung et al. Nature. 2022 Sep;609(7927):605-610
Ung et al., FEBS J. 2019 Nov;286(21):4342-4355

The position is located in a sector under the protection of scientific and technical potential (PPST), and therefore requires, in accordance with the regulations, that your arrival is authorized by the competent authority of the MESR.

Constraints and risks

Chemical risks and biological risks (class 2 microorganisms). The project will be defined with the selected candidate. Applicants must submit their application via the CNRS portal, including a CV and a cover letter describing their research interests, career plan, as well as two letters of recommendation and the contact details of 2 references, to Kien Lam Ung (kien-lam.ung@cnrs.fr).