Missions

The candidate's main task will be to analyze metagenomic datasets in order to study the diversity, abundance, and dynamics of mobile genetic elements (MGEs) in different environments, and to identify the ecological and environmental factors influencing their spread.

Activités

-Assembly and analysis of public metagenomic datasets using existing bioinformatics tools
-Identification, annotation, and characterization of mobile genetic elements (plasmids, transposons, integrons, and phages)
-Analysis of the abundance and prevalence of mobile genetic elements in different environments and ecological conditions
-Statistical analysis and correlation between mobile genetic elements and environmental parameters derived from metadata (bacterial diversity, spatial structure, presence of antibiotics, heavy metals, and toxins)
-Study of the link between bacterial competition (α diversity) and the dynamics of mobile genetic elements
-Integration of computational and experimental results (conjugation rates, etc.)
-Interpretation of results
-Drafting of reports and scientific publications
-Presentation of work within the team and at scientific meetings

Compétences

Essential skills
Experience in metagenomic analysis, including quality control, assembly, binning, and annotation, using public data collections
Experience in comparative genomic analysis and phylogenomics
Experience in analyzing microbial communities and associated mobile genetic elements
Proficiency in Linux/Unix environments and command line tools, as well as scripting or programming languages (e.g., Python, R, Bash) for data analysis and statistics
Ability to formulate original research questions
Excellent organizational and communication skills
Excellent command of English, both spoken and written

Desirable skills
Training or experience in microbial ecology or host-microbe interactions
Experience in integrating experimental and computational data

Contexte de travail

The CBI is a dynamic and modern multidisciplinary research center located in Toulouse, in southwestern France, on the main campus of Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier University. The CBI currently has 400 scientists working on fundamental aspects of the structure and function of complex biological systems. Research at the CBI covers all scales, from individual molecules to groups of animals, and combines a wide range of fields such as structural biology, biochemistry and biophysics, genetics, genomics and epigenetics, as well as cell biology, developmental biology, neurobiology, collective animal behavior, and computational and systems biology. The CBI is home to nine microbiology groups recognized for their research in bacterial biology and physiology, including the organization and evolution of microbial genomes, the assembly and dynamics of molecular machinery, collective bacterial behaviors, adaptation, and stress responses.

Toulouse offers a dynamic and stimulating environment, with a large student population, internationally renowned research institutes, and a strong culture of innovation. Combined with an excellent quality of life, a rich cultural scene, and easy access to nature (beaches, ocean, and mountains), it is a particularly attractive city to live and work in.

Contraintes et risques

The successful candidate will be expected to work with a high degree of independence, taking full ownership of their projects from data analysis to interpretation and dissemination of results, while actively engaging with the broader research team.