Junior research engineer M/F (MSc degree or engineering degree) - Investigating the mode of action of rhamnolipids in plant protection: interactions with the plasma membranes of phytopathogenic fungi and plant cells

Job Description

Missions

In the current context of reducing agricultural inputs, it is essential to develop plant protection strategies that are environmentally friendly and safe for human health. Rhamnolipids, naturally occurring compounds secreted by bacteria, have the dual ability to stimulate plant defence responses and exert direct antifungal activity. These properties make them promising candidates for biocontrol applications aimed at reducing the use of synthetic pesticides.
Rhamnolipids interact with the lipid components of both plant and fungal plasma membranes, stimulating plant defence responses and exerting direct antifungal activity, respectively. Understanding the specific membrane determinants involved in these mechanisms of action is essential to facilitate their future application under crop production conditions.

Activity

The engineer will be responsible for growing mycelium of the phytopathogenic fungus Botrytis cinerea under in vitro conditions and in a controlled-environment chamber, to enable a project partner to analyse the lipid composition of its plasma membrane. As certain lipids have been identified as being involved in the antifungal mode of action of rhamnolipids, He/She will also perform targeted mutagenesis of the corresponding biosynthetic pathway in this pathogen using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Depending on project progress, lipid extraction and analysis will be carried out on the resulting mutants, and rhamnolipid-induced membrane permeabilisation will be investigated by confocal microscopy. Antifungal assays will also be performed, in particular to assess the efficacy of rhamnolipids with different molecular structures.
The lipid compositions identified will also be used to prepare liposomes mimicking plant or fungal plasma membranes, as well as lipid monolayers mimicking the outer membrane leaflet. These membrane models will be used for biophysical experiments to specifically investigate the parameters governing the interactions between rhamnolipids and membrane lipids. These experiments will include the characterisation of liposome membrane properties and structure using fluorescent probes and dynamic light scattering (DLS).
The engineer will also participate in meetings within the host laboratory and with project partners to present and discuss the results.

Your Profil

Skills

• Education: Master's degree (MSc) or engineering degree (equivalent to five years of higher education).
• Knowledge and an interest in plant biology, filamentous fungal biology, plant–microorganism interactions and biocontrol are an asset.
• Hands-on experience in some or all of the methodologies required for the project is essential. These include in vitro cultivation of microorganisms, microscopy, genetic engineering, analytical chemistry (HPLC, GC–MS, HPTLC), dynamic light scattering (DLS), data analysis and statistics.
• Excellent written communication and oral presentation skills are essential.
• The candidate must have excellent interpersonal skills and be able to work effectively both within a team and in collaboration with external partners. A proactive attitude is also expected.
• Rigour, methodical approach, reliability and the ability to meet deadlines are essential.

Your Work Environment

The engineer will join the Enzyme and Cell Engineering Laboratory (Laboratoire Génie Enzymatique et Cellulaire, UMR CNRS 7025). The work will be carried out at the University of Technology of Compiègne (UTC), with some experiments involving biophysical characterisation performed at the University of Picardy Jules Verne (UPJV).
The laboratory is internationally recognised for its research on bioresources, biomimetics and bioinspiration. In particular, the Plant Metabolism and Bioresources research theme focuses on the sustainable use of cultivated plant resources to address societal needs.
The project is funded through the 2025 Generic Call for Proposals of the French National Research Agency (ANR) (Rhapidli project).

Constraints and risks

Some experiments will be carried out in a Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) laboratory.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

€2,521 to €3,248 gross per month

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