Missions

Filamentous phages are viruses that behave like bacterial symbionts. In some cases, they can contribute to antibiotic resistance and the virulence of human and plant pathogens. However, the process of host infection remains poorly understood at the molecular level. The fd phage, which specifically infects Escherichia coli, has been used as a model for studying these viruses. This phage interacts sequentially with at least two structures of the host envelope: a conjugative pilus and the Tol system involved in membrane integrity and cell division. However, it is unclear how fd binds to these structures to cross the bacterial envelope and ensure the injection of its genome into the host. This ANR-funded project aims to unravel the molecular events and dynamics of the infection process of these phages.

Activities

The candidate (M/F) will aim to characterize the molecular and dynamic parameters of filamentous phage infection, mainly using the E. coli bacterial model. To do this, the candidate will combine the use of fluorescence microscopy, biochemistry, molecular biology, and bacterial genetics approaches. In parallel with the research project, the candidate will participate in laboratory activities (shared tasks, inventory and order management, internal seminars, dissemination of results in the form of presentations and publications).

Skills

The candidate must:
- Hold a PhD in microbiology or cell biology
- Have significant experience in fluorescence microscopy: time-lapse, dynamic imaging, multi-channel, etc.
- Have skills in image analysis (segmentation, cell tracking, spatio-temporal quantification) and quantitative analysis of biological data.
- Familiarity with classical approaches in protein biochemistry and molecular biology would be a plus.
The candidate must also have:
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in French/English
- An aptitude for teamwork and collaboration
- A sense of organization

Work Context

The candidate will work in the Macromolecular Systems Engineering Laboratory (LISM, UMR 7255, CNRS-Aix-Marseille University). He/she will mainly be integrated into a team specializing in transport mechanisms through the bacterial envelope and filamentous phages. The team includes a CNRS researcher, two teacher-researchers, and two PhD students. He/she will work closely with a second LISM team with expertise in bacterial cell biology and fluorescence microscopy. The expected start date is January/February 2026, with some flexibility. LISM brings together eight teams working on topics related to bacterial membranes and the processes that take place within them. LISM is part of the Mediterranean Institute of Microbiology (IMM), which comprises several departments (approximately 300 people working in molecular and evolutionary microbiology) and technical platforms (proteomics, mass spectrometry, transcriptomics, microscopy, protein production, etc.).

Constraints and risks

The candidate may be required to work in a biosafety level 2 laboratory depending on the development of the project.