PhD position in structural biology and biochemistry – Filled.

PhD Position Structural biology and Biochemistry

A PhD position is available in the Viral replicase structure and Function team at the AFMB lab (https://www.afmb.univ-mrs.fr/en/) laboratory (Aix Marseille Université and CNRS), in MARSEILLE France. The position will be fully funded by NidoRep, a European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grant lead by Dr Ashleigh Shannon (principal investigator (PI)), with contracts managed by the CNRS. The candidate will be co-supervised by structural biologist, Dr François Ferron.

The project will explore how distinct viruses of the order Nidovirales regulate viral replication on a structural and functional level. Nidoviruses represent an intriguing group of +RNA viruses, whose diverse genome sizes (11-41 kb) reflect a long history of adaptation to suit specific niches. They remain mostly neglected, with the exception of the large-genome Coronaviridae (CoV) family (32 kb), which includes the notorious human pathogen SARS-CoV-2. At the other end of the size-spectrum is the small-genome Arteriviridae (ArV) family (11 kb), an understudied group of prevalent, animal-infecting pathogens which pose a significant threat for spillover into humans.

NidoRep aims to decipher how specific viral enzymes from the CoV and ArV families have structurally and functionally evolved. It will specifically focus on the viral replication transcription complex (RTC), at the core of which is the RNA polymerase and its unique N−terminal domain, known as the NiRAN.

About the laboratory and team

The AFMB lab is a structural biology and proteomics research center, comprised of five distinct research teams, and supported by state-of-the-art technical platforms and various services; including parallel and robotized cloning, expression, purification and crystallization, Cryo-EM, bioinformatics, antiviral screening, and drug design and synthesis.

Candidates will form a team comprised of two PhD students, a postdoc, research technician (engineer) and the PI (Ashleigh Shannon), as part of the larger Viral Replicases: Structure, function and drug-design team of Dr. Bruno Canard. As such, they will have access to additional, specialized equipment dedicated to the study of viral enzymes required for the planned research including a radioactivity lab, sequencing devices, and diverse biochemistry-based facilities/equipment for measuring enzyme activity.

The project represents a exciting research opportunity, in a highly productive, dynamic and collaborative research setting. Candidates will be well-supported, in a team with an excellent track-record for publications, patents and conference presentations. PhD candidates will finish with extensive biochemistry and structural biology experience, and have the opportunity to attend workshops and (international) conferences to improve both their practical and presentation skill-sets.

Your role

We are looking for highly self-motivated and collaborative individuals with a strong desire to improve their knowledge in the fields of structural biology and biochemistry.

The project will involve cloning, mutagenesis, expression and purification of proteins and functional activity studies with purified proteins, as well as structural characterization using either crystallography or CryoEM (platforms available on-site). Functional studies may include some work with radioactivity (H3, P32), which is performed in a type L2 laboratory, subject to restrictions (medical examination and prior authorization).

Specific Requirements

• Masters degree or equivalent (in the fields of structural biology, molecular biology, biochemistry or related).
• Background knowledge and experience in either crystallography or CryoEM (or SAXS)
• Experience in DNA/RNA manipulation (cloning, mutagenesis, PCR)
• Experience with protein expression and purification, preferably using a bacterial system (E.coli)
• Knowledge of other chemistry/biochemistry techniques; such as LC/MS, SEC-MALS, co-immunoprecipitation, crosslinking, western blots, ITC, BLI, MST will be highly favoured
• Well-developed verbal and written communication skills in English and/or French.

Position Specifics

Position: 3-years, full-time, on-site

Salary:   Remuneration of €2,135 per month (gross salary)

Start date:  From 1 January 2025 (additionally time will be allowed for candidates requiring visas)

To apply, please send a CV, letter of motivation, and two reference letters to ashleigh.shannon@univ-amu.fr

Deadline: 8^th November 2024

Interviews for selected candidates will be conducted during the end of November/start of December.