Missions

We are seeking a motivated and creative postdoctoral researcher to join our team at the Mediterranean Institute of Oceanology (MIO) in Marseille, France as part of the project TRANSIVIR, which investigates virus–host interactions in marine microalgae under changing environmental conditions. Recruitment as part of an AMU-funded project, using AMU financial resources.

Project Overview

To advance our research, we aim to:

(i) explore the diversity and dynamics of the unicellular eukaryotic microalga Picochlorum and its associated viruses in natural environments, and
(ii) assess whether their interactions are modulated by environmental factors affected by climate change, such as salinity and temperature.

This position focuses on the experimental component of the project.

Activities

Isolation and cultivation of Picochlorum strains and their viruses from local Mediterranean lagoons (southern France).
Experimental testing of the impact of salinity and temperature on Picochlorum-virus interactions.
Experimental validation of pan-Picochlorum barcodes for metabarcoding applications

Skills

PhD in microbiology, virology, marine biology, or a related discipline.
Experience in algal culturing, virus isolation, and/or microbial ecology.
Background in molecular biology techniques (e.g., DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, metabarcoding).
Knowledge of virus–host systems and/or environmental microbiology is a plus.
Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Work Context

You will collaborate closely with a skilled Master's student in bioinformatics during the first semester of 2026. She will support the analysis of the barcode sequencing data. Recruitment as part of an AMU-funded project, using AMU financial resources.

Additional Information

Recruitment as part of an AMU project using AMU funds