H/F Post-doctoral position in mycobacteriology

Biochemical characterisation of proteins, microbiology, genetics, cellular biology, zebrafish infection, imaging.

Mycobacterium abscessus is an emerging rapidly-growing mycobacterial species responsible for severe lung diseases, particularly in cystic fibrosis patients. Recent studies indicate that complex lipids unique to M. abscessus can act as potent immuno-modulators, playing key roles in virulence and conditioning the outcome of the infection. Like Mycobacterium tuberculosis, M. abscessus stores triglycerides in the form of Intracytoplasmic Lipid Inclusions (ILI) either within foamy macrophages or inside the granuloma caseum center. These lipid-overloaded bacilli can persist silently within the host and establish a latent infection. This project aims to identify and characterize host and mycobacterial proteins physically associated with ILI and participating in ILI formation and consumption and to address their role in mycobacterial survival and establishment of a chronic infection. The project is expected to inspire innovative therapeutic strategies in the fight against these difficult-to-manage mycobacterial diseases.

We offer a rich multidisciplinary environment, as well as access to different experimental approaches through our labs and core facilities to ensure the successful development of the research.