Postdoctoral Position in Molecular Biology / Biochemistry / Microbiology

A postdoctoral position for a molecular biologist, biochemist or microbiologist is available in the group of Dr. Axel Innis (www.innislab.org) at the European Institute for Chemistry and Biology (IECB) in Bordeaux (http://www.iecb.u-bordeaux.fr). We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with a PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology or related field, an excellent track record and fewer than 2 years postdoctoral experience. Proficiency in molecular biology techniques for nucleic acids (DNA/RNA) is a must. Moreover, we are particularly interested in candidates with expertise in high-throughput sequencing techniques such as RNA-seq, ribosome profiling (Ribo-seq) or Term-seq. Candidates should speak English fluently.
 
During the translation of genetic information into protein by the ribosome, nascent peptides occasionally inhibit their own synthesis by interacting with the exit tunnel of the large ribosomal subunit. Known as nascent chain-mediated translational arrest, this process depends primarily upon the amino acid sequence of the ribosome-arresting peptide. However, it can also rely upon the sensing of a small molecule by the ribosome nascent chain complex, explaining its use for metabolite-dependent gene regulation in both bacteria and eukaryotes. Although a dozen or so ribosome-arresting peptides are known, there has not yet been a systematic attempt to identify arrest sequences that regulate gene expression in vivo in response to specific metabolites. As a result, the true involvement of ribosome-arresting peptides in gene regulation remains unknown.
 
The aim of this project will be to implement an experimental framework for the genome-wide identification of arrest sequences in bacteria, with an initial focus on E. coli, B. subtilis and H. pylori. The successful applicant will adapt our recently developed inverse toeprinting selection strategy (Seip & Innis (2016) J Mol Biol 428, 2217) to the screening of bacterial genome fragments, in order to identify metabolite-dependent arrest sequences and the biochemical pathways that are regulated by them. Ribosome-arresting peptides identified by this method will be further characterized through biochemical and structural means (cryo-EM), thereby revealing the range of mechanisms by which these unusual regulators control gene expression.
 
The Innis Lab is hosted at the IECB, a thriving interdisciplinary research institute located on the campus of the University of Bordeaux, in the southwest of France. It is equipped with state of the art facilities for molecular biology, biochemistry, structural biology (cryo-EM (Talos Arctica + Falcon III camera), X-ray, NMR and molecular modeling), mass spectrometry, imaging and other biophysical techniques. The Innis Lab provides a highly dynamic international environment, where cutting edge research on bacterial translation and its regulation by peptides and antibiotics is carried out using structural, molecular and computational biology approaches, including directed evolution techniques.

The start date is flexible, but no earlier than November 1st, 2017. The position is full time, 38.5 hours per week, with an initial fixed term of 1 year that can be extended up to 3 years. The initial gross salary will begin at 30,352 euros per year and will be dependent on the skills and experience of the successful applicant. Funding for this position will be provided through an ERC Consolidator grant (Project acronym: NascenTomiX).