Postdoctoral position in biophysics of horizontal gene transfer and phage infections in microbial communities

21 Mar 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Ecole Normale Supérieure

Department

LPENS

Research Field

Physics » Biophysics

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

France

Application Deadline

12 Apr 2024 - 23:59 (Europe/Paris)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

35

Offer Starting Date

1 May 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

We are looking for a physicist that will develop models for the ecological and evolutionary impact of horizontal gene transfer and phage infections in complex microbial communities. 

Inside the team 'Multiscale physics of living systems' the group led by Daniel R. Amor combines theoretical models with quantitative experiments to better understand the dynamics and functions of microbial communities. In particular, we aim to predict how horizontal gene transfer can impact the response to antibiotic exposure in experimental communities that contain a relatively high diversity of species. Similarly, we will explore non-linear responses to combinations of antibiotic and phages in order to eliminate target species from the community.

The prospective postdoc will address these topics through developing theoretical models that combine techniques from ecology, evolution and statistical physics. They will collaborate with experimentalists in our team. Although not required, willing to engage in experimental work will be appreciated, and the candidate will have the opportunity to receive experimental training.

Requirements

Research Field

Physics » Statistical physics

Education Level

PhD or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

Required skills and qualifications:

- PhD in statistical physics or biophysics is required.

- Experience working with the generalized Lotka-Volterra model and Consumer-Resource models.

- Excellent communication skills: the candidate will collaborate with a very interdisciplinary team including physicists, biologists and physicians. Curiosity and willing to learn from their collaborator's research fields is expected. Communication skills will be key to develop and maintain two-way collaborative interactions, where collaborators will also learn from the candidate.

Non-required, but strongly appreciated:
- Experience working with natural microbiota datasets.

- Experience modelling stochastic ecological processes.

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Excellent

Research Field

Physics » Biophysics

Additional Information
Benefits

- Working in a highly interdisciplinary team that includes theorists and experimentalists

- Excellent working environment at the Department of Physics at Paris city center (Latin Quarter), and also at Hôpital Bichat (18ème arrondissement) where the experimental lab is located.

Eligibility criteria

Candidates must have completed their PhD before applying.

Selection process

Candidates should send their CV and motivation letter via email to daniel.amor[at]ens.psl.eu

Based on their CV, motivation letter, and overall fit to the expected and required skills for the job, promising candidates will be invited to an online interview with the group leader, which will take place between April 17th and 22nd, 2024. 

The selected candidate will be notified within a week after all the interviews have taken place.

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

LPENS

Country

France

State/Province

Île de France

City

Paris

Postal Code

75005

Street

24 rue Lhomond

Geofield

Where to apply

E-mail

[email protected]

Contact

State/Province

Ile de France

City

Paris

Website

https://www.ens.psl.eu/en/ens/universite-psl

Street

45 rue d'Ulm

Postal Code

75230

STATUS: EXPIRED