Missions

The research project aims to develop innovative pathways for polymer biosynthesis by exploiting seawater-based reaction environments. In this perspective, two approaches will be considered: the use of sucrose-rich by-products from the sugar industry, and the conversion of atmospheric carbon dioxide into sucrose by exploiting marine cyanobacteria. This project thus aims to meet the growing demand for biosourced polymers with high added value, while minimizing energy and fresh water consumption, as well as carbon dioxide emissions. The successful candidate will implement the "push-block-pull" strategy to optimize sucrose production and/or express glycosyltransferases in marine cyanobacteria. The objective of this 12-month fixed-term contract (which can be extended for 12 months) will be to design, using metabolic engineering approaches, cyanobacteria intended to serve as a platform for the production of biosourced biopolymers in photobioreactors.

Activités

- The selected candidate will generate knock-out mutants using CRISPRCas9/Cas12 technology as well as strains expressing heterolocous proteins (e.g. glycosyltransferases). -He or she will assess possible stresses or viability problems during the design stages. - He or she will be responsible for writing experience reports and protocols, as well as transmitting the knowledge acquired as part of his or her mission. -He or she will also be involved in writing the research articles resulting from this project. - The management of stocks of biological reagents and consumables necessary for carrying out his experiments will also be his responsibility. - He or she must respect the health and safety rules in force

Compétences

The skills sought include: - A solid mastery of molecular biology tools (transformation, CRISPR/cas, etc.) applied to cyanobacteria. - In-depth knowledge of the physiology of cyanobacteria. - Experience with photobioreactors will be appreciated. - Have a doctorate in one of the following fields: microbiology, cyanobacteria, biotechnology - Essential skills in scientific and technical English necessary for understanding experimental protocols.

Contexte de travail

The staff will be assigned to the Structural and Functional Glycobiology Unit, UMR CNRS 8576, University of Lille, FST, under the direction of Professor Colleoni Christophe within the “microbial genetics” team. The candidate will have access to all research equipment via the various technological platforms of the University of Lille and the CNRS. The mission is part of a collaborative research project; travel to INSA Toulouse will be expected.