Missions

The “SCALE-DNA” research project, supported by the INRIA Quadrant (PIQ) program, aims to develop new simulation methods for bacterial DNA folding with the goal of integrating them into digital twins of bacteria. To achieve this, it relies on a new type of physical model: double-folded circular polymer chains. The recruited candidate will be responsible for developing and validating the proposed methods.

Activités

The recruited candidate will be responsible for defining, implementing, and testing new simulation methods for double-folded polymer chains. These methods will be based on Markov Chain Monte Carlo and Event-Chain Monte Carlo approaches. The candidate will also analyze Hi-C data produced by our experimental collaborators, with whom they will maintain constant communication. Additionally, they will ensure the dissemination of methods and knowledge.

Compétences

The expected skills include statistical physics, polymer physics, and expertise in numerical simulation.

Contexte de travail

Ivan JUNIER, the scientific lead of the project, works to rationalize the “tinkering” that has shaped the content, organization, and structure of bacterial genomes. To this end, he is developing quantitative and biophysical models of DNA in interaction with various fundamental proteins and molecular machineries crucial for gene expression, chromosome replication, and chromosome segregation. His research is part of the computational biology group of the TrEE team at the TIMC laboratory.

TIMC is a CNRS/Université Grenoble Alpes mixed research unit that brings together scientists and clinicians through the development and use of computational science and computational biology to understand and control normal and pathological biological and health processes. The unit is based in Grenoble, one of the largest student and academic cities in France, located near the Alps.

Within TIMC, the TrEE team combines experimental and in silico interdisciplinary approaches to understand the evolutionary mechanisms of microorganisms adapting to their environment or the host they inhabit or infect, and to develop biotechnological applications. The computational group of TrEE (compbio@tree) develops methods and tools to analyze, interpret, and decrypt biological data and processes, with a focus on the evolution of prokaryotes. To achieve this, the group brings together expertise in biophysics, comparative genomics, and machine learning.

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.