Missions

We are looking for a highly-motivated Post-doctoral Research Scientist to join the laboratory of “Chloroplast Biology and Light-sensing in Microalgae” directed by Dr. Angela Falciatore at the Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique in Paris – France. This laboratory is dedicated to the study of light-driven processes (photosynthesis, photoperception and light-dependent rhythms) and chloroplast biology. The laboratory addresses key questions on the biology, evolution and ecology of microalgae by focusing on different molecular model systems (e.g., Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum) and on ecological relevant phytoplanktonic species, investigated with approaches of eco-physiology, biophysics, biochemistry, genomics and genetics (http://www.ibpc.fr/UMR7141).

Activities

The post-doctoral fellow will be involved in a project aiming to characterize the molecular regulators orchestrating circadian rhythms in marine diatoms. The project is built on the recent discovery of the bHLH-PAS protein RITMO1 as the first regulator of circadian rhythms in P. tricornutum and of different photoreceptors (the Phytochrome DPH and Cryptochromes), possibly involved in circadian regulation. These proteins will be used as entry point to characterize the still unknown circadian clock system of diatoms, by integrating genome-wide molecular approaches with in-vivo analyses of light-dependent rhythmic processes. The planned research will also integrate other project aiming to address the physiological and ecological relevance of circadian clock in diatoms by characterizing rhythmic cell division and photosynthesis in wild-type and mutants and by analyzing circadian clock and photoreceptors in environmental metagenomic data sets.

Skills

A PhD and demonstrable experience in functional genomics and molecular biology techniques. Previous experience in microalgae physiology and/or photobiology (photoperception or circadian clock regulation) will be strongly appreciated. The level of his(her) CV and publication list will have to be compatible with the requirements of national and international post-doctoral programs.

Work Context

The Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique (IBPC), founded in 1930 by the Edmond de Rothschild Foundation, is dedicated to multidisciplinary research in all areas of biology. The candidate will join the “Chloroplast biology and light perception in microalgae” laboratory (UMR7141), headed by Dr Angela Falciatore. It comprises around twenty permanent members (researchers, teacher-researchers, engineers, technicians and administrative staff) and fifteen or so temporary collaborators, doctoral students and post-docs. The laboratory, dedicated to the study of light-induced processes (photosynthesis and photoperception) and chloroplast biology, addresses key questions on the biology, evolution and ecology of microalgae, focusing on various model organisms (Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and diatoms, including P. tricornutum) and ecologically important phytoplankton species, studied using ecophysiological, biophysical, biochemical, genomic and genetic approaches. The contract is a 5 month fixed-term contract, funded by Angela Falciatore's ANR ClimaClock. The position is available from August 01 2025. Applications should be submitted via this interface and addressed to Angela Falciatore (falciatore@ibpc.fr), Director of UMR7141, and Yves Choquet (choquet@ibpc.fr), Deputy Director, and should include a CV, a cover letter summarizing the candidate's current and future scientific research interests, and the contact details of 2 reference scientists.

Constraints and risks

Full time. No specific risk