Description du sujet de thèse

Explore how bacteria degrade fatty acids (FAs) for energy and survival in diverse environments. This interdisciplinary project combines phylogenetic analysis, metabolic modeling, and experimental data to uncover the role of FA degradation pathways in bacterial lifestyles. Research will focus on Escherichia coli and Myxococcus xanthus to study predation and survival mechanisms under starvation.
You will conduct computational analyses including phylogenetic and structural modeling of FA-degrading enzymes and build and refine metabolic models using tools like FBA and DEMETER. You will also collaborate closely with experimental partners conducting lab-based studies and synthesize data to understand the functional roles of FA degradation pathways.
You should have a background in computational biology, bioinformatics, or related fields and experience or strong interest in phylogenetic analysis and/or metabolic modeling. You will also be team-oriented with excellent communication skills for interdisciplinary collaboration and be fluent in English

Contexte de travail

The IBDM, located on the Luminy Campus, comprises approximately 220 permanent researchers, lecturers, engineers, and technicians, as well as temporary staff on fixed-term contracts, postdocs, doctoral students, and interns, spread across 21 research teams and 11 technical platforms and services. The IBDM is a joint research unit under the supervision of the CNRS and AMU, which explores the field of developmental biology and associated pathologies. The activity will be carried out within the “Computational Biology” team led by Bianca HABERMANN. Our team is composed of 3 researchers, 3 doctoral students, and 1 engineer. As the laboratory is composed of several nationalities, proficiency in English is essential.

Contraintes et risques

There are no constraints or risks associated with this project.