PhD in Molecular Biology (M/F)

Job Description

Thesis Subject

All living organisms cope with a multitude of stressors throughout their life cycle. The DNA Damage Response (DDR) and Target of Rapamycin (TOR) signaling orchestrate DNA repair and cell growth respectively. However, the cooperative action between these pathways remains contradictory. Our laboratory studies the factors and pathways involved in translation reprogramming under genotoxic stress in plants. This PhD project aims to uncover the role of TOR in translational reprogramming in response to nucleic acid damage induced by ionizing radiation. We use a unique model of genetically modified plants that lack the core components of the DNA Damage Response (DDR) pathway. This enables us to study with no health risk how radiation activates TOR independently of DNA damage. The research will integrate proteomics and ribosome profiling with chemical assays to map translational changes induced by genotoxic stress including exposure to ionizing radiation in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana.

Your Work Environment

The selected candidate will join the Laboratory of Molecular Mechanisms of Genotoxic Stress Response in the Institute of Plant Molecular Biology (IBMP), University of Strasbourg, France. The PhD thesis, under the supervision of Mikhail Schepetilnikov (IBMP), is a part of an interdisciplinary project financed by CNRS MITI80 initiative to bring together expertise in molecular biology and radiochemistry. We offer a creative and supportive international environment in a friendly and well-equipped laboratory with full access to advanced technologies in plant cell and molecular biology. The PhD candidate will join the Doctoral School of Life and Health Science (ED414), University of Strasbourg.

Candidate profile:
• Master degree in RNA biology relevant disciplines
• Expertise in molecular biology and biochemistry
• Basic bioinformatics skills
• Proficiency in English (B2/C1 level)
• Ability to work both autonomously and in a team
The application must include a CV, a Cover Letter, Academic transcripts and two to three references.

Working conditions and benefits:
• IBMP is located on the Esplanade campus in Strasbourg centre, easily accessible by public transport (tram and bus).
• Partial reimbursement of public transportation costs
• Access to an on-site university canteen
• Annual leave and RTT (working time reduction) days

Constraints and risks

• Working in a standard molecular biology laboratory requires wearing general protective equipment (lab coats, gloves, glasses, etc.).
• Working with plants may provoke allergy.
• The work project includes the manipulation of genotoxic agents, including ionizing radiation, which requires careful safety risk assessment.

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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