Missions

The researcher will be involved in Tasks 3, 4 and 5 of the project:
Task 3 – Stability and interactions of phages with hydrogels
Characterization of the physicochemical properties of phages (surface charge, hydrophobicity, aggregation).
Long-term viability studies of phages embedded in hydrogels or polyelectrolyte matrices.
Selection of stable, safe, and non-transducing phage candidates.
Task 4 – In vitro antimicrobial validation
Evaluation of the bactericidal activity of phage-loaded hydrogels using time-kill assays and viability tests (e.g., Live/Dead staining).
Application of hydrogels on bacterial biofilms formed on glass or pig skin explants colonized with C. acnes or S. epidermidis.
microscopic analysis of bacterial/phage activity.
Task 5 – Preclinical validation
Participation in animal model testing (porcine or murine skin models) in collaboration with Spartha Medical.
Assessment of topical gel tolerance, therapeutic efficacy, and performance optimization.
Contribution to proof-of-concept studies, publications, and intellectual property (e.g. patents).

Activités

Culture of Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis
Isolation, formulation, and physicochemical characterization of bacteriophages
Preparation of Layer-by-Layer (LbL) hydrogels and phage loading
Execution of microbiological and molecular biology assays (e.g., time-kill, microscopy)
Data analysis and participation in the drafting of scientific publications, reports, and patent applications
Coordination and regular communication with project partners in Strasbourg and Nancy

Compétences

PhD in microbiology, virology, biotechnology, biophysics or biomaterials, with relevant research experience
Strong background in microbiology, phage manipulation, and antimicrobial testing
Desirable: knowledge of hydrogel formulation, encapsulation, or surface chemistry
Experience with AFM, confocal microscopy or related biophysical tools is a plus
Autonomous, rigorous, team-oriented, and capable of working in a multi-partner environment
Proficiency in written and spoken English (French is a plus but not mandatory)

Contexte de travail

This position is part of a European FEDER-funded interdisciplinary project aiming to develop an innovative topical therapy for severe acne using bacteriophage-based hydrogels. The project brings together academic teams (LCPME, Inserm UMR_S 1121) and an industrial partner (Spartha Medical) in the fields of microbiology, virology, biomaterials, and bioengineering.
The recruited researcher will contribute to the development and preclinical validation of a hydrogel capable of targeted phage delivery, with the ultimate goal of treating acne while tackling antibiotic resistance.
Working conditions :
21-month fixed-term contract split between Strasbourg (80%) and Nancy (20%)
Travel between sites covered by the project
Multidisciplinary and translational research environment
Interactions with academic labs and industrial partner (Spartha Medical)

Contraintes et risques

Work under biosafety level 2 (BSL-2) conditions with non-pathogenic bacteria and bacteriophages
Adherence to biological and chemical safety protocols
Occasional travel between Strasbourg and Nancy