Two-year Postdoc position in Biochemistry, Cellular Biology or Biophysics

RESEARCH FIELD(S)1 Biochemistry, Cellular Biology, or Biophysics  JOB DESCRIPTION  Context . A funded postdoctoral position (A*MIDEX) is available in the team of Elsa Garcin (Professor AMU, Chaire d’Excellence A*MIDEX ( ); Adjunct Associate Professor at UMBC: ) in the Laboratoire Information Génomique et Structurale (IGS), a CNRS/AMU laboratory located on the Luminy Campus of Aix-Marseille University. The IGS is a dynamic lab led by Chantal Abergel and a world-renowned expert in giant virus research ( ). Giant virus discovery was revolutionary for the field of virology, as they revived old debates about the concept of virus, their position in the tree of life, their biology, and the role they may have played in the emergence of life on earth. Characterizing new metabolic pathways in these viruses may therefore provide new clues about chemical and biological processes at the origin of life. Goals. The postdoctoral project aims at deciphering novel metabolic pathways in giant viruses and is focused on structure-function studies of giant virus proteins, involved in nucleic acids interactions and posttranslational modifications. The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary team of bioinformaticians, cell biologists, virologists, protein chemists, and structural biologists. The project will be carried out in close collaboration with partner labs (IBS Grenoble, spectroscopy; BIP, EPR) and groups and platforms at the Institut de Microbiologie de la Mediterannée (EPR, Proteomics, Microscopy, Biophysics). Contract duration: maximum of 24 months (contract will end on December 31, 2024). Salary : calculated based on the candidate’s experience.  QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS/EDUCATION & RESEARCH REQUIREMENTS We are looking for an enthusiastic, highly motivated, scientifically independent and creative fellow who can contribute to a collaborative environment. To be eligible for this postdoctoral position, candidates must have completed their PhD within the last 1-5 years at the start of the contract. A PhD in Biochemistry, Cellular Biology, Biophysics or a closely related discipline is required. Candidates should have a strong background in biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology, protein expression and purification. Prior research experience in at least one of the following areas would be a plus: giant virus, amoeba culture, protein or RNA biochemistry, x-ray crystallography, and electron microscopy. Candidates should have strong communication skills, the ability to conduct research independently, to prepare manuscripts and presentations, and the ability and willingness to work with engineers, graduate, and undergraduate students in the laboratory. Working language is English and/or French.  APPLICATION DEADLINE When the position is filled  STARTING DATE (Day/Month/YYYY) January 1st, 2023  JOB LOCATION IGS, UMR7256 AMU/CNRS, Parc scientifique de Luminy, 163 avenue de Luminy, 13288 Marseille, France  REQUESTED DOCUMENTS OF APPLICATION Interested applicants should send their application by email to Elsa Garcin (), including a  cover letter describing their current and future research interests and motivation for joining the team, and curriculum vitae with complete publication list. They should also arrange for three letters of recommendation to be sent directly by email to Elsa Garcin ().  CONTACT TO APPLY Interested applicants should send their application by email to Elsa Garcin ()