M/F PHD contract

Job Description

Thesis Subject

Vanadium Hyperaccumulation in Sponge Holobionts: Bacterial Contribution and Physiological Role.

Your Work Environment

Hyperaccumulation of the metal vanadium (V) has recently been demonstrated in two homoscleromorph sponges. The objectives of this thesis are 1) to determine whether bacterial communities are themselves involved in hyperaccumulation and/or play a role in the process (metabolic pathways), 2) to identify the physiological role of this hyperaccumulation, 3) to contribute to the study of the molecular mechanisms involved, and 4) to evaluate the possibility of using these holobionts to sequester vanadium for bioremediation or recycling purposes. The thesis project is part of a larger project funded by the ANR involving four laboratories; the study will therefore take an integrative approach.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The doctoral student will be expected to participate in the preparation of biological samples and to conduct experiments using the various techniques employed to achieve the aforementioned objectives (bioinformatics, physiology, chemistry, cell biology: an integrative approach from the molecule to the ecosystem). He or she will be responsible for monitoring the literature and regularly presenting his or her results orally to the consortium. He or she will collaborate on writing articles based on his or her work, present his or her results at conferences, and write his or her dissertation manuscript.
ACTIVITIES
- Isolate bacteria from hyperaccumulating sponge cells using flow cytometry, then use ICP-MS to determine whether the symbiotic bacteria also accumulate vanadium
- Use metabarcoding to compare whether bacterial communities differ between closely related hyperaccumulating and non-hyperaccumulating species; if so, identify any bacterial families that may be involved in this mechanism.
- Contribute to characterizing the expression of candidate genes or the localization of proteins potentially involved in the hyperaccumulation mechanism
- Compare vanadium (V) levels between individuals exposed and unexposed to V
- Compare oxidative stress tolerance between accumulating and non-accumulating species
- Compare the chemical compounds emitted by accumulating and non-accumulating species
SKILLS
- Strong commitment to the project
- Rigor, scientific integrity, perseverance
- Communication and writing skills in French and English
- Adaptability
- Solid foundation in molecular and cellular biology and physiology: practical experience required
- Basic knowledge of environmental chemistry, microbiology, and statistics
- Basic knowledge of bioinformatics and metabarcoding
- Knowledge of sponges
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Co-directed by IMBE (E. Renard) and LCB (G. Brasseur), with co-supervision by A. Gelabert (CEREGE) and L. Miché (IMBE). Integration into the IMBE's Molecular Biology, Ecology, and Evolution (BEEM) team, with close collaboration with several IMBE shared services (SPOT, BMC, MSN, EMM). Some experiments or meetings may take place at partner sites (Marseille 13009, Arbois, Cadarache).
Work 5 days a week (occasional weekend work on-site may be required; personal work is necessary when working on a thesis outside of regular hours); schedules are dictated by experimental constraints and may therefore vary; occasional telework is possible depending on compatibility with ongoing experiments and subject to prior approval by the supervisors. Vacation days will be scheduled in accordance with experimental and laboratory constraints and in consultation with supervisors.

Constraints and risks

Travel between the participating laboratories (LCB, IMBE, CEREGE, BIAM) is expected: a Class B driver's license is recommended.
Occasional work on weekends or in the evenings
Travel abroad to attend international conferences

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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