Postdoctoral position in evolutionary genomics of mobile genetic elements and antibiotic resistance

The Microbial Evolutionary Genomics  unit (head Eduardo Rocha) at the Institut Pasteur in Paris (CNRS UMR3525) is inviting applications for a postdoctoral position in comparative genomics, computational biology, and molecular evolution. The researcher will work within a multidisciplinary international team (both computational and experimental biologists), that focuses on understanding the future evolution of antibiotic resistance particularly through the action of mobile genetic elements. The project aims at characterizing gene flow among bacteria, its mechanisms, and how it can accelerate or retard the evolution of novel antibiotic resistance. It will be done in interaction with a group of labs around the world with expertise in synthetic biology, antibiotic resistance, epidemiology, and genomics. 

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with a PhD in genomics, microbiology, bioinformatics, or a related field. The candidate should have expertise in evolutionary genomics or computational biology, and some experience on the analysis of bacterial genomes. Knowledge of horizontal gene transfer, mobile genetic elements, or antibiotic resistance are important. He/she should be proficient in programming languages commonly used in genomics research (e.g. Python or R) and have experience in working with bioinformatics software. Good knowledge of English is necessary. The successful candidate will be able to influence the direction of the project depending on his/her profile and strengths. 

Institut Pasteur has a dynamic and diverse scientific environment at the center of Paris. It has a service to provide support for postdocs in career development. The unit has an excellent track record of subsequent career develoment for young researchers.

The position is funded by the JPIAMR. The monthly salary corresponds to the standard in the institute (3300€ to 3900€ before taxes, depending on experience post-PhD), including extended health coverage. The contract will be for 24 months, renewable at least for one further year. The position is available from June 2024, but the exact starting date is negotiable. To apply (or request information) please send to Eduardo Rocha  an email with [Postdoc call] in the subject line and a single PDF document with: (1) a detailed CV including the full publication list, (2) a cover letter explaining motivation, research interests, skills and experience relevant to the position (1-2 pages), and (3) up to three names and contacts of researchers that can be references of your work. First round of applications’ evaluation will take place the 22nd of April 2024.