Postdoctoral Researcher (M/F) in Virology

Job Description

Missions

The successful candidate will join the Smyth laboratory to investigate the RNA structural mechanisms regulating HIV-1 genome packaging and replication. The project aims to elucidate how structural rearrangements within the HIV-1 5′ untranslated region (5′UTR) coordinate genome dimerization, selective packaging, reverse transcription, and exclusion of spliced viral RNAs. The work combines RNA structural biology, molecular virology, high-throughput sequencing, and bioinformatics to identify novel regulatory mechanisms and evaluate their potential as antiviral targets. The postdoctoral researcher will lead the experimental implementation of the project work packages, develop expertise in structural and functional analysis of viral RNA molecules and contribute to interdisciplinary collaborations in RNA biophysics and HIV molecular virology.

Activity

The postdoctoral researcher will:
• Design and perform RNA structural probing experiments
• Prepare RNA substrates, mutant libraries, and molecular clones for structural and functional analyses.
• Conduct high-throughput sequencing experiments and perform bioinformatic analyses of sequencing datasets.
• Characterize RNA structural dynamics in different HIV-1 strains, in unspliced and spliced viral RNAs, and in the presence of viral or cellular cofactors.
• Perform biochemical and biophysical assays, including RNA-protein interaction studies and Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC), in collaboration with partner laboratories.
• Carry out molecular virology experiments to validate RNA structural models using cell culture, viral production, genome packaging assays, reverse transcription analyses, and infectivity assays.
• Participate in data interpretation, manuscript preparation, presentation of results at scientific meetings, and dissemination of research findings.
• Contribute to the supervision of Master's students and interact closely with engineers, PhD students, and collaborating research groups.

Your Profil

Skills

• PhD in molecular biology, virology, RNA biology, biochemistry, structural biology, or a related discipline.
• Strong background in RNA biochemistry and molecular biology techniques.
• Experience with RNA structural probing, next-generation sequencing, or bioinformatics is highly desirable.
• Experience with molecular virology, cell culture, or protein-RNA interaction studies would be an advantage.
• Ability to analyse and interpret large sequencing datasets.
• Knowledge of scripting languages (R, Python, or equivalent) for data analysis is appreciated. Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English.

Your Work Environment

The successful candidate will join the CNRS UPR9002 - Architecture and Reactivity of RNA research unit, located at the Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology (IBMC) in Strasbourg, France. UPR9002 is a CNRS research institute comprising several interdisciplinary teams conducting internationally recognized research in RNA biology, molecular biology, structural biology, microbiology, and virology. The unit provides a vibrant and collaborative scientific environment, bringing together researchers, engineers, technicians, PhD students, and postdoctoral fellows.

The postdoctoral researcher will join the Genome Biology of Viruses team under the supervision of Dr. Redmond Smyth (CNRS Research Director). The team investigates how RNA structure and RNA modifications regulate viral replication and gene expression by combining molecular virology, high-throughput RNA structure probing, nanopore long-read sequencing, and computational analyses.

The project benefits from a strong network of local, national, and international collaborations involving experts in RNA biophysics, tRNA biology, sequencing technologies, and computational biology. The successful candidate will have access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure, including high-throughput sequencing platforms, advanced molecular biology facilities, computational resources, and established bioinformatics pipelines available within the laboratory and the institute.

The position offers an outstanding interdisciplinary research environment with extensive opportunities for scientific collaboration, professional training, career development, and participation in international conferences.

IBMC is located on the University of Strasbourg campus in a green setting that is easily accessible by public transport and cycling. As a CNRS employee, the successful candidate will benefit from a subsidized staff restaurant, partial reimbursement of public transportation costs, access to CNRS social benefits, and the possibility of teleworking in accordance with institutional policies, and an attractive annual leave package of 44 days (annual leave and RTT combined).

Constraints and risks

• The position requires handling potentially infectious HIV-derived biological materials in compliance with institutional biosafety regulations and standard laboratory safety procedures.
• Occasional travel may be required to attend scientific conferences or collaborate with partner laboratories.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

The gross monthly salary ranges from €3,071 to €3,500, depending on the candidate's 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