Post-doctoral fellow (M/F) in DNA Computing and Molecular Information Processing

Job Description

Missions

The exceptional information density and chemical stability of DNA make it a highly promising medium for digital data storage, enabling the encoding of text, images, videos, and more into nucleotide sequences. While DNA data storage technologies are advancing rapidly, computation on large DNA-encoded databases remains largely unexplored and represents a fascinating frontier for molecular computing. The development of new methods will be necessary to enable the manipulation of data within complex molecular mixtures, including information retrieval, random access, approximate search, querying and filtering, encryption, compression, and many other information-processing tasks.

Our team is looking for a talented and motivated PhD student to contribute to the development of the next generation of DNA computers, capable of processing large molecular databases. The project will combine concepts from molecular programming, microfluidics, and engineering to design sophisticated algorithms for exploring and manipulating information encoded in DNA-based graphs.

The position is fully funded by a prestigious CNRS fellowship and will be based at ESPCI Paris (Université PSL), in the heart of the French capital. This project offers a unique opportunity to work at the interface of molecular biology, computer science, and engineering, within a dynamic and collaborative research environment.

We offer:

A stimulating international research environment at ESPCI Paris.
Guaranteed funding for the full duration of the PhD.
Opportunities to collaborate with leading experts in molecular computing and DNA-based technologies, in France and Japan.

Relevant publications: https://blog.espci.fr/guillaumegines/publications/

Activity

The successful candidate will focus on the design and experimental implementation of sophisticated biochemical circuits, capable of answering specific query (e.g. “What is the shortest path to go from the node X to the node Y). She/he will build on the strong expertise of the laboratory on the conception and assembly of molecular programs made out of DNA oligonucleotides and enzymes, and capable of information-processing.
Activities
- Literature review and data compiling
- Planification and realization of biochemical experiments (assembly of biochemical reaction networks)
- Data analysis and regular (weekly) reporting
- Scientific communication (writing of scientific publications, conference attendance)

Your Profil

Skills

Candidate profile
- PhD in computer science, molecular biology or related field with an appetence for interdisciplinary research.
- Strong background in at least one of the following: molecular programming, synthetic biology, computer science, microfluidics, or related fields.
- Motivation to work in an interdisciplinary bridging biology, computation, and engineering.
- Creativity, independence, and enthusiasm for tackling ambitious scientific challenges.

Your Work Environment

The job assignment will take place within the multidisciplinary environment of the Gulliver laboratory, at ESPCI Paris, located in the heart of Paris.
More information : https://www.gulliver.espci.fr/?-home-

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

3081 euros gross per month 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