Postdoctoral researcher in Bioinformatics and Statistics (M/F)

Job Description

Missions

Develop bioinformatics and statistical tools for high-throughput transcriptomic data analysis and use these tools to quantify the impact of random mutations on gene expression plasticity in yeast.

Activity

To determine how random mutations contribute to the evolution of gene expression regulation, the team developed two complementary tools:
i) a high-throughput transcriptomics approach (microcolony RNA-seq) to quantify mRNA levels across thousands of S. cerevisiae yeast genotypes in various environments;
ii) an R package (HTRfit: https://gitbio.ens-lyon.fr/LBMC/yvertlab/vortex/plasticity_mutation/HTRfit) for simulating and analyzing large RNA-seq datasets using mixed models.

Your responsibilities will include:
- Implementing a statistical approach based on HTRfit to compare the distributions of the effects of random mutations on the expression of different genes across environments. A power analysis will be performed on simulated data, followed by the application of this approach to transcriptomic data generated by microcolony RNA-seq.
- Contributing to the dissemination of the developed tools, including participation in one or more scientific conferences and contributing to the writing of methodological articles, such as an application note describing the HTRfit software.

These tasks are central to the European eGRIDE project, which aims to understand the mechanisms of gene expression regulation evolution in response to environmental variation. The project seeks to determine how the evolution of gene regulation depends on: the effects of random mutations—"What is the range of possibilities?"
and selection—"What are the benefits and costs of regulation?"
The knowledge gained through this project will improve predictions of gene regulation evolution, whether during species adaptation to their dynamic natural environments or in certain pathological processes.

Your Profil

Skills

Knowledge
- Strong understanding of NGS (Next-Generation Sequencing) approaches, particularly RNA-seq.
- Basic knowledge of evolutionary genetics.
- Fluency in scientific English (spoken and written).

Skills
- Theoretical and practical expertise in programming and biostatistics (R, bash, Python), especially for using generalized linear mixed models.
- Proficiency in Unix/Linux environments.
- Proficiency in code versioning and collaborative development tools (Git).
- Knowledge of code portability tools (Docker, Singularity, or similar) is highly recommended.
- Experience with pipeline implementation using Nextflow.
- Ability to communicate and explain complex statistical simulations and analyses using visualizations and in writing.
- Ability to independently develop innovative solutions to statistical or bioinformatics challenges through literature review and expert discussions.

Soft Skills
- Ability to collaborate, discuss, and communicate effectively with experimental biologists, bioinformaticians, and biostatisticians.
- Ability to integrate into a team to successfully carry out an ambitious research project.

Your Work Environment

You will work under the scientific supervision of Fabien Duveau (Research Scientist) in the "Genetic Complexity of Living Systems" team (website) at the Laboratory of Biology and Modeling of the Cell (LBMC, UMR5239) at ENS de Lyon. The LBMC is a cutting-edge research institution dedicated to studying the fundamental mechanisms of cellular life. We combine experimental approaches in molecular, cellular, and genetic biology with mathematical and computational modeling methods to understand the complex processes that regulate cellular function.
You will benefit from the highly interdisciplinary environment within the team and the laboratory. In particular, you will interact with the LBMC Bioinformatics Hub, led by permanent scientists, whose mission is to provide training, resources (code and pipeline sharing), and advice for the statistical analysis of sequencing data.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

Starting from 3071 euros monthly depending on 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