Research engineer position on the role of copper during gall formation upon infection by by root knot nematodes M/F

Job Description

Missions

The recruited engineer will use an X-ray fluorescence imaging technique coupled with transmission electron microscopy (TEM-EDX) to identify the cells in which copper is localized within galls formed by nematodes that parasitize crop plants. This approach will allow the localization of metals to be overlaid onto the ultrastructure of the gall at high spatial resolution, thereby providing a better understanding of the importance of copper in infection by gall nematodes.

Activity

The recruited engineer will implement an X-ray fluorescence imaging approach coupled with transmission electron microscopy (TEM-EDX):
- Collection and fixation of gall and root samples
- Preparation of samples for transmission electron microscopy: resin embedding and ultramicrotome sectioning.
- Acquisition of TEM and EDX data
- Data analysis, quantification, and statistical validation
- Formatting and presentation of data during meetings with project collaborators.

Your Profil

Skills

The candidate must hold a Master degree or equivalent in biology, have a basic understanding of plant molecular biology and microscopy, and be able to present her/his work in English. She/he must be motivated to work in an international team and collaborate with colleagues and technological core facilities. Previous experience in the field of metal biology would be beneficial but is not required.

Your Work Environment

Root-knot nematodes (RKN) are microscopic worms that parasitize plant roots and are one of the world's most important crop pests. The wide host range of these pests includes more than 5000 plant species, including most crops. Each year, root knot nematodes are responsible for more than 10 billion dollars in agricultural losses worldwide. Once inside the root, RKN induce the cell dedifferentiation and divisions to form the nematode feeding site. The formation of the feeding site leads to the appearance of root galls, which is the characteristic symptom of root knot nematode infection. Recent work revealed that galls mount a copper starvation response. Moreover, plants watered with copper display reduced susceptibility of plants to RKN infection.
In the framework of the CROWN project funded by the Agence Nationale de la Recherche, we found that RKN infection is associated with a decrease in copper in the gall cells. Moreover, X-ray fluorescence imaging revealed a specific pattern of copper and iron localization in galls. The recruited engineer will push forward this research line to identify the cells in which copper is localized
The candidate will work in the team « Integrated approaches to ion transport » (10 members, https://www.i2bc.paris-saclay.fr/spip.php?article673) which is part of the department of Cell Biology of the Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC: https://www.i2bc.paris-saclay.fr/spip.php?article312&lang=en) on the research campus of Gif-sur-Yvette. The project will be conducted in tight collaboration with the imaging core facility of Gif-sur-Yvette, which is equipped for TEM EDX (https://www.i2bc.paris-saclay.fr/bioimaging/electron-microscopy/).

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

gross monthly income between 3237 and 3505 € according to previous 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

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