Biology of giant viruses M/F

23 Feb 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

CNRS

Department

Direction des ressources humaines

Research Field

Other

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

France

Application Deadline

20 Mar 2024 - 23:59 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Other

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

35

Offer Starting Date

23 Feb 2024

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

The CNRS, through its IGS laboratory, has pioneered the discovery of giant viruses infecting amoebae, and is internationally recognized for its work. Analysis of the genomes of these viruses, some of which were found in permafrost samples dating back more than 30,000 years, revealed more than 1,500 genes, at least 80% of which resemble nothing known in either the cellular or viral world, opening up a new chapter in life science. These major discoveries call into question fundamental notions about the origin of proto-cells, the relationships between viruses and their hosts, and highlight new metabolic pathways rich in potential biotechnological applications.
To increase its visibility and maintain its lead in this highly original field, with its many discoveries and applications, CNRS Biologie is looking to strengthen its flagship unit in this field.

Over the past 20 years, the IGS has been a leader in giant virus research, discovering several families and characterizing their genome organization and evolutionary history in depth. Over the past three years, the laboratory has begun a second revolution in this field by establishing the genetics of these organisms, which contain genes never identified before in the cellular world. These genes of unknown function make a major contribution to the "dark matter" of the viral world. The scientist recruited will reinforce the genetic tools currently available, develop new ones and collaborate with other laboratory members to characterize the biological functions of these unknown proteins. In this way, the introduction of the junior professorship is in line with the laboratory's current objectives, which increasingly rely on genetic traceability to offer a global vision of the biology of these organisms and their evolution in the environment.

Giant viruses (GVs) code for thousands of previously unknown ORFans, which were virtually impossible to study due to a lack of genetic tools. The aim of this project is to shed light on the dark matter represented by these orphan viral proteins. In particular, the project proposes to study how new mimivirus genes have been modified during evolution to acquire "nuclear" functions to develop their viral factories (VFs), using liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) in particular. This study will involve 1) genome-wide loss-of-function screens to identify viral protein function and localization at the cellular proteome scale; 2) the combination of biochemistry, proteomics and cell biology to dissect the nature, functions and components of viral factories ; and 3) the reduction of viral factories to their minimum components, so that they can be used to improve production efficiency during in vitro transcription.
Impact of the scientific project: 1) transform the field of giant viruses by enabling the dissection of the molecular mechanisms behind viral phenotypes; 2) tackle the theory of viral eukaryogenesis by examining how VFs acquired nuclear-like functions; 3) shed light on the general mechanism of LLPS by studying VFs as membrane-less organelles; and 4) optimize in vitro transcription systems, which will impact mRNA-based therapeutics at the development and production level.

The majority of teaching hours will be devoted to the Virology teaching unit for the Master 1 in Microbiology (Heads: Sophie Bleves and Laurent Aussel) and the Master 1 in Environmental Biotechnology (Head: Christophe Laloi). This teaching unit, directed by Isabelle Imbert (LISM), includes hours of lectures and tutorials. The course will include an introduction to the basic principles of virology, such as viral cycles, virus classification, replication strategies, host-pathogen interactions and antiviral immunity. Additional teaching hours will reinforce other Master's requirements (parasitology, genetics, CrispR/Cas technologies).

The CNRS is developing a strong policy in favor of open science. Open science consists of making research results "as accessible as possible and closed as necessary". As such, the CNRS aims to make 100% of the texts of publications resulting from the work of its laboratories accessible , in particular through deposit in HAL. The data produced must also be made available and reusable, except for specific restrictions. In addition, the guiding principles of individual evaluation have been revised in accordance with the DORA declaration, to be more qualitative and to take into account all facets of the researcher's profession.

The dissemination of the results will be done through world-class scientific productions: publications, patents, software... In addition, the results will be communicated to various targets such as scientific communities, media, decision makers, general public, schools, etc., with an adapted calendar. Specific tools may be developed such as websites, newsletters, meetings, international symposia, summer schools and conferences.

The relationship between science and society is now recognized as a full dimension of scientific activity. The project will develop this dimension in synergy with all the partners. The resulting research work will contribute to informing public decision-making. Participatory science initiatives may be initiated with actors from the project's socio-economic and cultural eco-system.

Requirements
Additional Information
Eligibility criteria

holders of a doctorate or a PhD or equivalent degree or applicants who have gained scientific. There is no restriction on the age or nationality of applicants. All CNRS positions are accessible to people with disabilities, with special arrangements for tests made necessary by the nature of the disability.

Website for additional job details

https://emploi.cnrs.fr/Offres/CPJ/CPJ-2024-002/Default.aspx

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Direction des ressources humaines

Country

France

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://emploi.cnrs.fr/Candidat/Offre/CPJ-2024-002/Candidater.aspx

STATUS: EXPIRED