Postdoctoral Researcher (M/F) – Role of sugars in the establishment and maintenance of symbiosis between clownfish and sea anemones (ANR SUGARS Project)

Job Description

Missions

The recruited researcher will participate in the ANR SUGARS project, whose objective is to identify the molecular mechanisms enabling the establishment of symbiosis between clownfish and their host anemones by studying the role of surface carbohydrates (glycans). The project is based on an integrated approach combining glycobiology, evolutionary genomics, transcriptomics, functional ecology and in vivo experimentation.
The postdoctoral researcher will contribute to all three scientific work packages of the project:
• characterization of glycans present on the surface of clownfish and anemones;
• study of the genetic and transcriptomic mechanisms involved in their biosynthesis;
• functional validation of the role of these sugars in recognition between symbiotic partners.
They will also ensure the integration of data generated by the different experimental approaches and will actively contribute to their scientific dissemination.

Activity

The postdoctoral researcher will be expected to:
• conduct experiments aimed at studying the establishment of symbiosis;
• collect biological samples from fish and anemones;
• prepare samples for glycomic, transcriptomic and histological analyses;
• perform molecular biology techniques (RNA extraction, library preparation, qPCR if required);
• participate in the analysis of transcriptomic data, including single-cell RNA-seq;
• contribute to bioinformatics and statistical analyses;
• participate in enzymatic or metabolic glycan modification experiments and assess their effects on compatibility between fish and anemones;
• participate in experiments under controlled conditions as well as trials carried out in collaboration with the Japanese partner;
• manage, analyse and integrate data produced by the consortium;
• participate in ANR consortium meetings;
• present results at international conferences;
• write scientific publications for international journals;
• supervise students.

Your Profil

Skills

-Knowledge
• marine ecology;
• cell and molecular biology;
• host–symbiont interactions;
• animal physiology;
• transcriptomic analyses;
• statistical analyses.
Knowledge of glycobiology would be appreciated.
Technical skills
The candidate should master all or some of the following techniques:
• molecular biology;
• nucleic acid extraction;
• transcriptomic analyses;
• bioinformatics (R, Python, Linux);
• statistics;
• scientific writing in English.
Experience in animal experimentation on marine organisms would be an asset.
Interpersonal skills
The candidate should demonstrate:
• a high degree of autonomy;
• excellent organisational skills;
• an ability to work collaboratively within an international consortium;
• strong analytical and synthesis skills;
• good writing skills;
• excellent oral communication skills in French and English;
• scientific curiosity and initiative.

Your Work Environment

The postdoctoral researcher will be recruited within UMR BIOM (UMR 7232 CNRS – Sorbonne University), in Banyuls-sur-Mer, as part of the ANR SUGARS project coordinated by Laurence Besseau. They will work in a multidisciplinary research environment bringing together marine biologists, glycobiologists and evolutionary genomics specialists. The project involves three academic partners located in Banyuls-sur-Mer, Lille and Okinawa (Japan).
The laboratory has experimental facilities dedicated to the rearing of clownfish and anemones, as well as the molecular biology, imaging and bioinformatics platforms required to carry out the project.
The candidate will interact daily with the researchers, engineers and students involved in the project and will benefit from a particularly stimulating international scientific environment.

Constraints and risks

Occasional travel in France and abroad (consortium meetings, scientific conferences and possibly a mission to Japan).
Occasional work in an experimental aquarium facility.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

from 3041€ 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