Postdoc M/F: Development of AI methods to obtain and interpret biomolecular conformational landscapes at atomic scale from cryo electron microscopy (cryo-EM) images

Job Description

Missions

MDSPACE is a pioneering method for obtaining the full conformational landscapes of biomolecular complexes at atomic scale from cryo electron microscopy (cryo-EM) images. It has been shown that MDSPACE analyzes conformational heterogeneity in cryo-EM images more extensively and finely than classical methods (discrete classifications), and reveals rare conformational states that can be difficult to detect in 3D reconstructions from classes [1,2].

This postdoctoral position will primarily focus on the development of AI tools to accelerate MDSPACE, enabling rapid atomic-scale determination of complete conformational landscapes of large biomolecular complexes, such as the human 80S ribosome (~250,000 atoms) and the human ATPase p97 (~37,000 atoms), bound to their interacting partners. The postdoc will also be involved in the analysis of images collected within the project to validate the new tools, in collaboration with cryo-EM practitioners. Additionally, the postdoc will work on developing new tools for the analysis and interpretation of conformational landscapes obtained by MDSPACE and its AI extensions.

[1] Vuillemot R (FR), Mirzaei A (FR), Harastani M (FR), Hamitouche I (FR), Frechin L, Klaholz BP, Miyashita O, Tama F, Rouiller I (AUS), Jonic S (FR). MDSPACE: Extracting Continuous Conformational Landscapes from Cryo-EM Single Particle Datasets Using 3D-to-2D Flexible Fitting based on Molecular Dynamics Simulation. J Mol Biol. 2023;435:167951. https://hal.science/hal-03929029

[2] Valimehr S (AUS), Vuillemot R (FR), Kazemi M (AUS), Jonic S (FR), Rouiller I (AUS). Analysis of the Conformational Landscape of the N-Domains of the AAA ATPase p97: Disentangling the Continuous Conformational Variability in Partially Symmetrical Complexes. Int J Mol Sci. 2024;25. https://hal.science/hal-04519643

Activity

- Programming in Python and C++
- Development of AI tools
- Development of data analysis tools
- Analysis of cryo electron microscopy (cryo-EM) images
- Collaboration with cryo-EM experimentalists
- Communication of results internally and at scientific conferences

Your Profil

Skills

‒ PhD in computer science, bioinformatics, physics, applied mathematics, or a related field
‒ Strong theoretical foundations and practical skills in AI and image processing
‒ Strong experience in Python and C++ programming
‒ Strong organizational skills, autonomy, and efficiency
‒ Commitment to quality and rigor in work
‒ Analytical thinking and conceptualization skills
‒ Excellent oral and written communication skills in English
‒ Good interpersonal skills and team spirit
‒ Strong interest in interdisciplinary research bridging computer science and biology

Your Work Environment

The Institute of Mineralogy, Materials Physics and Cosmochemistry (IMPMC–UMR 7590, Sorbonne University, 75005 Paris) is a joint research unit affiliated with the CNRS, Sorbonne University, and the National Museum of Natural History, bringing together around 200 members. IMPMC is a multidisciplinary laboratory composed of researchers, faculty members, and engineers from various fields (physics, Earth sciences, biology, chemistry, computer science, etc.). It addresses a wide range of experimental and theoretical research topics, such as elucidating the structure of materials and macromolecular assemblies, investigating their dynamic properties, and studying interactions between living organisms and minerals, among others.

This two-year postdoc offer allows to join IMPMC as part of a project funded by the French National Research Agency (ANR). The team to integrate is engaged in the continuous development and improvement of cryo-EM image analysis software for structural biology. The project is a collaboration with IGBMC Illkirch, Nagoya University, and University of Melbourne.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

Between 2,991 € and 4,757 € 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