Postdoc in Biophysics

Postdoc in Biophysics

Entreprise/Labo : Aix-Marseille University, INSERM / Marseille (France)

Description :

A postdoctoral position in biophysics is available for two years at DyNaMo (INSERM, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France). This is part of a funded ANR-NSF consortium that aims to decipher the nature of heterogeneity in biomolecular systems. The tasks involve the combination of novel theoretical developments and high-speed atomic force microscopy (HS-AFM) with improved control algorithms applied to various biomolecular systems, first, on purified model systems and, finally, on living cells.

We are looking for a motivated researcher with a PhD degree preferentially in Physics and a strong background in biophysics. Previous experience in AFM applied to diverse biological systems is beneficial.

The successful candidate will be integrated in a truly interdisciplinary and international group working on the development of new force microscopy nanotools to probe the mechanics of biomolecular systems (protein unfolding, receptor-ligand unbinding and lipid membrane piercing). Good level of English (oral and written) is requested. Women, non-binary, and other underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. Applications should include a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, a list of publications and the contact details of two references.

The BioHETER project

Every biological system, whether it is a protein, a lipid bilayer, a nucleic acid or a receptor-ligand bond, can exist in several different forms or states. Therefore, a biological system is heterogeneous in nature. The origin of this heterogeneity is still under debate. Single molecule techniques allowed us to directly explore and quantify this heterogeneity by observing molecules one at a time. The aim of this project is to decipher the nature of this heterogeneity. To reach this goal, we will measure the forces required to perturb individual biological systems. The force signature will provide information about the state of the system, allowing us to quantify heterogeneity. We will use nanotools to probe the forces required to unfold proteins, break bonds and punch membranes at high temporal resolution, first on isolated systems and then on living cells. This will require state-of-the-art nanotechnology with advanced control techniques and novel data analysis and mining algorithms. Theoretical modelling and simulations will allow us to interpret the results and re-configure the experiments to better understand the origins of the heterogeneity of each system. The expected results will shed light on almost all biological processes, from immune recognition during infection to pathologies involving protein aggregation.

Research group

DyNaMo is a recently created research laboratory specialized in AFM at the INSERM, Aix-Marseille University (AMU). The lab is one of the international leaders in the application of AFM, in particular of high-speed AFM, to biological samples, from single molecules to cells and tissues. The lab is attached to the Life Sciences and Physics doctoral schools of AMU. INSERM is a public institution devoted exclusively to human health and biomedical research. Aix-Marseille University is the largest French university and is dedicated to education and research. The lab is part of the Centuri Institute, an interdisciplinary consortium of 16 research groups, supporting collaborative research and mentoring projects within the labs through a common interest to quantitative biology. The Luminy campus provides access to multiple facilities and techniques such as electron microscopy, focused ion beam, and advanced optical microscopy among many others within an optimal academic environment.

Contact : Lorena Redondo-Morata , Felix Rico