PhD student in microbiology and molecular genetics (M/F)

Job Description

Thesis Subject

The optimization of antibiotic production still largely relies on empirical approaches based on trial-and-error cycles. To overcome these limitations, it is essential to develop standardized tools and systematic methodologies dedicated to the engineering of Streptomyces. Synthetic biology, for example, enables the cloning and rearrangement of silent (cryptic) biosynthetic gene clusters to activate their expression and thus facilitate the discovery of new metabolites. It also offers the possibility of generating "unnatural natural products" through combinatorial biosynthesis.
The goal of the ANR ArchiStrept project, within which this PhD will be carried out, is to establish a methodological framework for the optimized integration and engineering of specialized metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters (SMBGCs) in a panel of Streptomyces super-hosts. Our hypothesis is that the organization and chromosomal location of SMBGCs directly influence their expression levels. The PhD project will involve integrating selected biosynthetic gene clusters chosen for their diversity into various locations within the chromosomes of four Streptomyces super-hosts. The expression levels of the genes and the quantification of the metabolites produced will be determined and compared. This work should contribute to the construction of an optimized Streptomyces chassis for the production of metabolites of interest.

Your Work Environment

The I2BC is a very large joint research unit under the CNRS, CEA, and Université Paris-Saclay, established on January 1, 2015. Located on the CNRS site of Gif-sur-Yvette, the unit has an average staff of approximately 650 people, distributed among 5 scientific departments, 60 research teams, and 17 high-level technological platforms.
The "Molecular Microbiology of Actinomycetes" team focuses on the biology of actinomycetes. The PhD student's work will be jointly supervised by the Thesis Director and scientific leader of the ArchiStrept project team, as well as by a research engineer from the team (co-supervisor). Training in Streptomyces handling and any specific techniques not yet mastered by the recruited individual will be provided by one or more team members. The PhD student will be enrolled at Université Paris-Saclay, within the SDSV doctoral school (Structure et Dynamique des Systèmes Vivants).

Constraints and risks

The bacterial strains that will be handled are non-pathogenic strains, which can be manipulated in a Level 1 (L1) laboratory. Personal protective equipment will be provided by the team, and the PhD student will be trained in hygiene and safety regulations. Travel within France or abroad is expected as part of participation in conferences and congresses.

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