Research scientist in molecular microbiology, CIRAD, Guadeloupe

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Source: http://www.cirad.fr/en/jobs/vacancies/researchers/research-scientist-in-...

The CMAEE (Control of Emerging and Exotic Animal Diseases), mixed CIRAD/INRA research unit - site de Duclos, Guadeloupe, recruits a research scientist in molecular microbiology to develop transformation and mutagenesis techniques for E. ruminantium , an intracellular bacterium transmitted by ticks to ruminant and to analyze the generated mutants in a mouse model. This work will be done in interaction with the research lead by the microbiologists, immunologists and entomologists.

Reference to remind : 2159 Place : Guadeloupe, Centre INRA Antilles-Guyane, Site CIRAD-Duclos, Petit-Bourg.
Publication date : 08/11/2013 Type of contract : 2 years position.
Ending date : 12/12/2013 Begining date : Starting immediately

Position description

In a favorable scientific environment, on a research center with more than 120 researchers, within the CIRAD team of 20 persons including 8 researchers, with high level facilities, the candidate will be responsible for the following:

  • Development of a transformation strategy for E. ruminantium to characterize the function of important proteins in vitro and then assess interesting mutants in vivo, by using a novel dynamic bio-imaging model in mouse
  • Construction of a mutant library by random mutagenesis with firefly luciferase cassette
  • Phenotypic analysis of the mutants (analysis of growth and development inside the host cell by microscopy and Q-PCR)
  • In vivo analysis in mice of E. ruminantium mutants that present the strongest defects in growth and infectivity in mammalian cells

This project will lead to the identification of new generation vaccine candidates and to a better understanding of E. ruminantium biology. In case of unsuccessful transformation of E. ruminantium, an alternative project is proposed, based on the role of some hypothetical membrane proteins in host cell invasion.

Profile

  • PhD in Molecular microbiology with a strong experience with obligatory intracellular bacteria.
  • The ideal candidate would have a solid background in classical molecular biology and biochemistry techniques, prior experience with transformation and genetics manipulation of obligate intracellular bacteria will be required.
  • Additional experience on proteomic analyses and pathogenicity tests on animals would be appreciated.
  • Team spirit and strong motivation to work within a multi-disciplinary context, particularly with the microbiologists, immunologists and virologists.
  • Taste for scientific and know-how divulgations and communications.

Position constraints

  • Controlled access to the laboratory