PhD Offer in biophysics (M/F)

Job Description

Thesis Subject

Multiscale molecular simulations of electrostatic interactions in biomolecular condensates

Your Work Environment

Scientific context:
Applications are invited for a three-year PhD position at the Centre de Biologie Structurale in Montpellier, focusing on the role of protein macrodipoles and electrostatic interactions in the formation and organization of biomolecular condensates.
In particular, the project focuses on the rabies virus phosphoprotein P and on the formation of Negri bodies, biomolecular condensates associated with viral replication.
The PhD student will develop and apply multiscale molecular-simulation approaches, combining coarse-grained and atomistic simulations with simplified physical models, to investigate how the interplay between electrostatic interactions and protein conformational properties determines oligomerization, clustering and phase separation.
The modelling activities will be closely integrated with experimental results generated within the consortium using a range of biophysical and structural techniques, with particular emphasis on small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). The interaction between simulations and experiments will be a central component of the project.
The PhD will be carried out at the Centre de Biologie Structurale in Montpellier under the supervision of the scientific managers of the ANR MACRODIPOLE project. The consortium brings together complementary expertise in molecular modelling, protein biophysics, structural biology and virology from the Centre de Biologie Structurale in Montpellier, the Institut de Biologie Structurale in Grenoble and the CIRI in Lyon.

Candidate profile:
We are looking for a motivated and ambitious candidate with a strong background in the physical sciences, such as physics, chemistry, applied mathematics or engineering, and a keen interest in studying biological systems.
Solid programming and scripting skills, together with an excellent ability to work in a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment, are required. Previous experience in molecular simulation, statistical mechanics, computational biophysics or related approaches would be an advantage.
A good command of English is required. Knowledge of French is not mandatory but may facilitate integration into the laboratory and daily life in Montpellier.

Working environment:
The Centre de Biologie Structurale (CBS) in Montpellier is an interdisciplinary research institute internationally recognized for its expertise in structural biology and biophysics. The institute brings together a broad range of biophysical and structural approaches, including NMR, X-ray scattering, cryo-electron microscopy, advanced microscopy, single-molecule methods, and molecular and cellular biology. The PhD student will also benefit from the computational expertise and high-performance computing resources available within the host team.
At the national level, the project is embedded in the collaborative ANR MACRODIPOLE consortium. The successful candidate will interact closely with experimental researchers across the partner institutions, ensuring continuous exchange between modelling and experiments.

Constraints and risks

Applications should include:
· a curriculum vitae;
· a motivation letter describing the candidate's background and research interests;
· academic transcripts;
· contact details of two referees.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

2300 € gross monthly

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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