PhD Offer: Design of nanorobots based on DNA and proteins (M/F)

Job Description

Thesis Subject

Design of nanorobots based on DNA and proteins

Your Work Environment

Applications are invited for a full-time PhD positions (36 months) at the Centre de Biologie Structurale in Montpellier. The position is funded by MSCA and will be carried out under the supervision of Gaëtan Bellot and Emmanuel Margeat. This PhD project aims to investigate how DNA nanostructures with novel functional geometries can replicate key biochemical and mechanical features that support adaptability in living systems. Building on recent advances in DNA origami the project will explore novel nanoscale architectures capable of mechanical actuation. The goal is to build robot-like DNA assemblies with mechanically responsive behavior. Structural and dynamic properties of the constructs will be characterized using cryo-electron microscopy and fluorescence-based approaches, including single-molecule FRET providing real-time insights into conformational changes.
This project offers the opportunity to contribute to the rational design of responsive biomi-metic systems to help advancing our understanding of mechanical signaling at the nanoscale and for designing future biohybrid devices.

The successful candidate will contribute to several interconnected projects, including:
1. Design and assembly of DNA-based nanostructures
2. Structural characterization of DNA origami and cell-associated assemblies using single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and cryoFIB-SEM

The work will be carried out within the collaborative and interdisciplinary environment of the Centre de Biologie Structurale. The laboratory hosts recently installed cryo-EM infrastructure, including: a Glacios cryo-electron microscope, a cryoFIB-SEM instrument and a cryoTEM 1400 Flash microscope.

Scientific Reference:
Algorithm-driven DNA nanostructure design for advanced functionality Nicolas Levy & Julie Finkel et al, in revision, Nature Nanotechnology.
A modular spring-loaded actuator for mechanical activation of membrane proteins. A. Mills, et al, Nature Comm. 2022. doi.org/10.1038/s41467-022-30745-2

Constraints and risks

We are looking for highly motivated recent Master 2 students with expertise in areas such as:
- DNA nanotechnology or nano-engineering;
- Structural biology or biophysics;
- Cryo-EM or advanced imaging methods.

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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