Missions

As part of our research on Drosophila glue, the candidate will :
- Use Drosophila genetic tools (RNAi, CRISPR, etc.) to obtain various glue mutants
- Characterize the adhesive properties of different glue proteins
- Characterize the diversity of glue genes within Drosophilidae flies by RNA-seq

Activités

- Perform molecular biology experiments (Gateway cloning, RT-qPCR, etc.)
- Perform microdissections of Drosophila larvae
- Perform adhesion tests with our force tensor machine
- Manage stocks and perform genetic crosses: plan and perform crosses required for experiments
- Write up and present results: update the laboratory notebook, analyze data, prepare experiment reports and present at team meetings.

Compétences

The candidate should have a good theoretical knowledge of molecular biology and genetics, and a general interest in animals. Practical laboratory experience, particularly in molecular biology or Drosophila handling, will be an asset but is not essential. The project will require good organizational and planning skills, as well as a real ability to communicate with the team and to present experimental data clearly. Fluency in scientific English (written, spoken and read) is desirable. Proficiency in basic IT tools (Excel, Word) will be particularly appreciated. Finally, we seek a person who enjoys continuous learning and collaborations, to fit in perfectly with the dynamics of the team.

Contexte de travail

The Institut Jacques Monod (IJM) is a world-renowned research institute dedicated to understanding the fundamental mechanisms of life. Our team is studying the glue produced by Drosophila larvae just before they enter metamorphosis. This glue enables the animals to remain attached to a substrate for several days while they undergo metamorphosis, and to resist predation by ants. Our team was the first to develop a technique to measure adhesion in Drosophila flies (Borne et al. 2020 JEB). We have shown that Drosophila glue is as adhesive as the most adhesive tapes that are commercially available. Our project aims to identify the genes involved in adhesion and understand how they have changed over the course of evolution, so that glue can adhere to different substrates under a variety of environmental conditions. In addition, we are exploring natural environments in the Paris region (rotten fruit, soil, etc.) to better understand the fascinating biomaterial that is Drosophila glue. Our ultimate goal is not only to better understand species adaptation, but also to develop new bioadhesives inspired by Drosophila glue.

The candidate will join a team of passionate researchers, in a dynamic research environment using cutting-edge techniques, in a modern building located in the heart of Paris (13th arrondissement; access: Métro 14, RER C, Tramway T3, buses 62 and 89).

You will work under the direct supervision of Dr Virginie Courtier, who has been a Team Leader at the Institut Jacques Monod since 2010. You will also benefit from the support of other team members, who are experienced in the techniques you will be using.

Contraintes et risques

Standard working hours. The job offer involves no particular constraints or risks.