Research Engineer (M/F) in Biochemistry and Structural Biology – 1-Year Fixed-Term Contract (Renewable)

Job Description

Missions

The Study Engineer will be integrated into the research group "Viral Genome Stability" (led by Ashleigh Shannon), which is supported by an ERC Starting Grant (NidoRep, project 101162788). This group is part of the "Structure and Function of Replicases" team (headed by Bruno Canard) at the Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques (AFMB, Marseille).
The Study Engineer will provide direct technical support to this group, which currently consists of the team leader (PI) and two PhD students, with a postdoctoral researcher set to join in early 2027. They will assist the group in various scientific tasks, including: cloning, site-directed mutagenesis, production of recombinant proteins, characterization of enzymatic activities, and RNA analysis using different methods.

Activity

The Study Engineer will provide technical and scientific support to the research group to ensure the progression of the ERC project. Their responsibilities will include assisting group members in conducting experiments and contributing to the advancement of the project's scientific objectives.
Specific tasks:

Production and purification of recombinant proteins in bacterial and insect cell systems, including protocol optimization to obtain active and pure proteins.
Cloning and site-directed mutagenesis for generating variants.
Enzymatic assays (polymerases, nucleotidyltransferases, etc.) to assess activity and kinetics.
Biophysical methods (BLI, MST, fluorescence polarization) to study molecular interactions.
Preparation of protein or protein-RNA complexes for structural biology (SEC-SAXS, crystallography, or cryo-EM).
RNA manipulation and analysis: RNA polymerization, purification, reverse transcription, and quantification.
Analysis of small molecules and proteins by mass spectrometry.

Your Profil

Skills

Profile:
Master's degree or equivalent (in structural biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related field).
Strong enthusiasm for hands-on laboratory work ("bench work") and for teamwork in a collaborative scientific environment, with a commitment to sharing data and knowledge.
Motivation and ability to quickly become independent in assigned tasks.

Specific Technical Skills:
Molecular Biology: Cloning, PCR, mutagenesis, RNA manipulation (purification, amplification, quantification, reverse transcription).
Protein Production and Purification: Ideally experienced with E. coli systems. Experience with ÄKTA purification systems is a major advantage.
Additional Biochemistry/Biophysics Techniques: Knowledge of LC/MS, SEC-MALS, co-immunoprecipitation, crosslinking, Western blot, ITC, BLI, or MST is a strong asset.
Rigorous Time Management and Traceability: Meticulous record-keeping, reporting, and adherence to quality standards.
Safety and Hygiene: Compliance with good laboratory safety practices.
Computational Skills: Familiarity with ChimeraX and/or PyMOL, Benchling, Python, or Linux command line is a plus.
Languages: Fluent English (written and spoken).

Your Work Environment

The Study Engineer will be employed as technical support for the project: NidoRep, a grant from the European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant) led by Dr. Ashleigh Shannon (Principal Investigator, PI), with contracts managed by the CNRS.
The project investigates how distinct viruses of the order Nidovirales regulate viral replication at the structural and functional levels.
Work Location: Marseille, Luminy Campus
Contract Type: Fixed-term contract (CDD) for a duration of one year, renewable.

Constraints and risks

A portion of the screening platform's equipment is located in a L2-type laboratory, where radioactivity (H3, P32) is handled, and access is subject to restrictions (medical clearance and prior authorization required). The laboratory is also authorized for GMO/MOTs (Genetically Modified Organisms/Microorganisms, Organisms, or Toxins).
The Study Engineer must be able to meet these authorization criteria. Due to the specific equipment required for the role, remote work is not eligible.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

between €2,742 and €3,312 per month (gross salary), depending on level of 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