Description of the thesis topic

Thesis topic

The thesis project aims to elucidate the structural details of the hepatitis D virus (HDV). The VHD antigen proteins (S-HDAg and L-HDAg) form a ribonucleoprotein complex (RNP) with viral RNA, about which very little structural information is known. Using a combination of solution and solid-state NMR, as well as other methods (ITC, SPR, AFM, cryoEM, etc.), we aim to explore the structure of the RNP and its interactions. This project will be carried out in collaboration with virologists.

The PhD student will be responsible for producing and purifying protein and RNA samples, and acquiring and analysing NMR spectra and other data collected on the complex.
The thesis will start in January 2025 and will last 3 years.


Activities

- Protein biochemistry (expression and purification)
- In vitro transcription of RNA
- Acquisition and analysis of NMR spectra (solution and solid state)
- Protein-protein and protein-RNA interaction studies
- Other biophysical methods


Expected profile

- Master's degree in biochemistry, chemistry, biophysics or structural biology
- Strong interest in protein structure and interactions
- Experience in biochemistry and/or NMR
- Scientific English
- Motivation, dynamism, good communication skills

Work Context

The successful candidate will join the Solid State NMR of Proteins team (http://mmsb.cnrs.fr/equipe/rmn-du-solide-des-proteines/recherche/), led by Anja Böckmann, and will be supervised by Lauriane Lecoq. The team is part of the MMSB (Molecular Microbiology and Structural Biochemistry) joint research unit housed at the Institut de Biologie et Chimie des Protéines (IBCP). The IBCP is located in the Gerland district of Lyon, close to the city centre.
The institute has a staff of around 180 and is equipped with all the biochemical and biophysical facilities required for the biochemistry part of the project. The MMSB unit brings together around ten teams whose common interests are to understand, on a molecular and cellular scale, how pathogenic micro-organisms multiply and cause disease.

The protein solid state NMR team is particularly interested in the structural and functional study of viral proteins, such as the hepatitis B, D and dengue viruses, as well as new emerging viruses. The research objectives are to gain a better understanding of how these viruses are assembled and how they function. The team has access to a range of high-field NMR instruments, including those at the CRMN in Villeurbanne (500-1000 MHz) and national platforms (1.2 GHz).
The team consists of around ten people working in a friendly atmosphere. The team has a 60 square meters biochemistry/molecular biology laboratory and separate offices. The person recruited will have a dedicated bench as well as office space and a Mac computer provided for the duration of the contract.

The position is located in a sector under the protection of scientific and technical potential (PPST), and therefore requires, in accordance with the regulations, that your arrival is authorized by the competent authority of the MESR.

Constraints and risks

Handling chemical and biological products.