M/F PhD contract in Life Sciences

Job Description

Thesis Subject

This project is based on the recent discovery of an operon, named atc (adaptation to cold), which is essential for low-temperature growth in the mesophilic aquatic bacterium Shewanella oneidensis. The atc operon encodes four proteins: a J-domain protein (AtcJ), a co-chaperone of the molecular chaperone DnaK, and three proteins of unknown function (AtcA, AtcB, and AtcC)¹. AtcB interacts with bacterial RNA polymerase, and certain interactions between proteins in the Atc system are also essential for cold growth in S. oneidensis. It is hypothesized that the Atc proteins play a role in recruiting DnaK to modulate RNA polymerase activity, enabling efficient transcription of key genes under cold conditions. This system would represent a novel mechanism for gene expression regulation, linking the DnaK chaperone to RNA polymerase, though its precise modalities remain to be elucidated.
The aim of this collaborative project at the Biology/Chemistry/Physics interface is to study the organization and structural dynamics associated with the functioning of this protein network. To this end, a multidisciplinary and integrative approach will be implemented, combining protein biochemistry with magnetic resonance spectroscopies—including electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)—based on the introduction of paramagnetic probes (nitroxides).

Your Work Environment

The research consortium brings together scientists from two different CNRS institutes (CNRS Biology and CNRS Chemistry), whose complementary expertise is essential for the detailed characterization of the Atc system's interaction network. The BIP laboratory will be responsible for producing the biological system (production and purification of Atc proteins, either alone or in complexes with various partners such as AtcJ, DnaK, etc.). The LISM laboratory will lead the local dynamics studies of the proteins and their interactions using a site-directed spin labeling approach with paramagnetic probes, analyzed by EPR. The ICR will handle the acquisition and analysis of ¹⁵N NMR spectra for resonance assignment, investigation of PRE (paramagnetic relaxation enhancement) effects, and peptide backbone dynamics.
The PhD student will be enrolled in Doctoral School 658 at Aix-Marseille University, which offers training programs in the life sciences.

Constraints and risks

Standard constraints associated with biological laboratory work. Travel may be required for collaborations and conference attendance. The PhD student will be based at BIP, on the CNRS Joseph Aiguier Campus (13009 Marseille), where biological , EPR, and NMR experiments will be conducted. Some NMR experiments may also be carried out at the Saint-Jérôme Campus (13013 Marseille).

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

The research professions