Researcher in the field of genomic analysis of microbial-mineral interactions F/H

Updated: 3 months ago
Location: Orleans, CENTRE
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: 29 Feb 2024

9 Feb 2024
Job Information
Organisation/Company

UNIVERSITE D'ORLEANS
Research Field

Biological sciences » Biology
Chemistry » Biochemistry
Geosciences
Biological sciences » Other
Researcher Profile

Recognised Researcher (R2)
Country

France
Application Deadline

29 Feb 2024 - 12:00 (Europe/Paris)
Type of Contract

Temporary
Job Status

Full-time
Hours Per Week

37h30
Offer Starting Date

1 Apr 2024
Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

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

No

Offer Description
Description of Research Project

The ERC-funded project aims to investigate interactions of various metallophilic chemolithoautotrophic microorganisms with complex mineral materials. We examine laboratory and environmental microbial-mineral interactions at the micrometer and nanometer scale and characterise microbial fingerprints left on minerals of terrestrial and extraterrestrial origin (https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-021-00105-x#Ack1 ; https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2019.01492/full ).

We further aim to investigate the ecological distribution of metallophilic microorganisms in diverse extreme environments through metagenomic approach and characterise previously uncultivated microorganisms in laboratory conditions by studying their physiology, biochemistry, and probing novel microbial interactions with terrestrial and extraterrestrial minerals. This approach aims to reveal novel microbial species capable of living on, interacting with and utilizing metals from extraterrestrial material at the edge of living limits. We are currently looking for a highly motivated postdoc to examine microbial genomes and transcriptomes from diverse extreme ecosystems and laboratory cultures. The candidates with strong background in microbiology, microbial isolation, bioinformatic skills coupled to next-generation-sequencing methods for assembling and characterizing microbial genomes and phylogeny will be given preference.  Knowledge of microbial genomes, general biochemistry and physiology of metal-transforming microorganisms is equally expected.

 


Description of CBM

The Center for Molecular Biophysics (CBM, http://cbm.cnrs-orleans.fr ) is a research unit of the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), affiliated with the University of Orléans. At the Exobiology Group of the CBM in Orléans, PostDoc position is available in the field of microbiology, bioinformatics, bio(geo)chemistry, astrobiology, and the genomics-based study of microbial interactions with various minerals within the framework of a project funded by the ERC. The Exobiology Group at the CBM provides extensive supervision and expertise for cultivation and physiological characterisation of metallophilic microorganisms, biochemistry of extremophiles, molecular techniques, electron microscopy and analytical spectroscopy techniques, as well as participation in a continuously evolving scientific projects.

 

Activities

 

Domains of the research: microbiology, genomics, molecular biology, astrobiology, microbial bio(geo)chemistry.  

 

The activities of the recruited person:

- Participation and implementation of research projects with a focus on genomics and molecular biology of microbial-mineral interactions, including field campaigns and analysis of environmental samples from extreme environments;

- Supervision of students and participation in the administration of the laboratory, teaching and research;

-  Process and interpret experimental data;

-  Present and promote the results obtained (reports, publications, conferences);

-  Collaborate with team and consortium members, exchange and share knowledge;

-  Ensure compliance with milestones and deliverables.


Requirements
Research Field
Biological sciences
Education Level
PhD or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

Expected skills:

  • PhD in microbiology, bioinformatics, molecular biology, biogeochemistry, or related biology fields.
  • Fundamental techniques and computational tools of microbial ecology and microbiology.
  • Previous work experience in one or more programming languages.
  • A strong interest and a passion for science and research.
  • Excellent command of written and spoken English, French would be desirable.

 

Tools:

  • Genetics, genomics, and other microbial ecology tools.
  • Cultivation, microbial isolation techniques, molecular biology, and biochemistry tools.
  • Conventional laboratory techniques, such as spectroscopy and electron microscopy.

 

Qualities :

- Strong interest in experimental work;

- Autonomy and a taste for teamwork (6 other persons from our group are involved in this ERC project);

- English: excellent read, written and spoken;

- Know how to communicate and promote research;

- Spirit of initiative, analysis and synthesis;

- Organised, rigorous, respectful of safety instructions.


Additional Information
Selection process

Send your cover letter, your C.V., your list of publications and letters of recommendation.


Work Location(s)
Number of offers available
1
Company/Institute
Centre de biophysique moléculaire (CBM)
Country
France
City
Orléans
Postal Code
45100
Geofield


Where to apply
Website

https://jobaffinity.fr/apply/gd3x90rl3d0xwjg14k

Contact
City

Orléans
Website

http://www.univ-orleans.fr/
Street

Château de la Source, Avenue du Parc Floral
Postal Code

45067

STATUS: EXPIRED