Description du poste et Missions
Closure date for receipt of applications: 19/05/2025
Who are we?
The PhD student will be based at the Laboratory of Biology and Ecology of Deep-Sea Ecosystems (BEEP, Ifremer, Brest), an internationally recognized center for microbiology of hyperthermophilic archaea. The lab provides cutting-edge facilities for microbial genetics, proteomics and enzymology, including high-temperature and high-pressure bioreactors, anaerobic culture chambers, flow cytometry, HPLC and FPLC equipment. The student will be embedded in an interdisciplinary and collaborative research consortium (BIOC, École Polytechnique, Palaiseau, Emmanuelle Schmitt, expert in archaeal translation and structural biology; RNARCHAEA Group, Toulouse University, Marie Bouvier, specialist in archaeal RNA biology and omics approaches, EBMC, Pasteur Institute, Paris, Guillaume Borrel, expert in comparative genomics, phylogenomics) with opportunities for training, research visits to partner’s labs, conference attendance, and international collaboration.
What is the subject of the thesis ?
Protein synthesis is one of the most energy-demanding processes in the cell, and its regulation is crucial under stress conditions. In Archaea, ribosome hibernation—a reversible inactivation of ribosomes—remains largely unexplored. Our lab recently identified a novel hibernation factor, HIB, that connects translation regulation with energy metabolism by interacting with both ribosomes and metabolic enzymes. Preliminary data revealed that a ∆hib mutant strain of Thermococcus barophilus exhibits impaired growth resumption and altered ribosome profiles, suggesting a central role for HIB in stress adaptation.
This research focuses on deep-sea marine Archaea from the order Thermococcales, isolated from hydrothermal vent ecosystems. These microorganisms thrive under extreme conditions such as high temperature, pressure, and variable nutrient availability. As such, they offer relevant models to investigate stress responses, energy regulation, and the evolution of molecular adaptation strategies.
What will your mission be?
The recruited PhD student will contribute to advancing our understanding of how Archaea—microorganisms thriving in extreme environments—adapt their metabolism and protein synthesis machinery under stress conditions. By investigating the role of a newly identified ribosome hibernation factor (HIB) and its interaction with a key metabolic enzyme, this thesis aims to uncover fundamental mechanisms of biological regulation that remain largely unexplored. The project lies at the crossroads of microbiology, biochemistry, and systems biology, and seeks to shed light on cellular plasticity, stress adaptation, and the evolution of survival strategies across life forms.
What will your activities be?
This PhD project, hosted at the Ifremer BEEP laboratory, will focus on:
- The phenotypic characterization of the ∆hib mutant compared to wild-type strains under physiological and stress conditions (Growth kinetics, viability, luciferase assays, Western blotting).
- Comparative transcriptomic and proteomic analysis of wild-type, ∆hib, and mutants strains deleted from targeted metabolic enzymes to identify affected pathways.
- In vitro enzymatic assays to characterize the impact of HIB, on key metabolic enzymes, under varying energy charge (ATP/ADP/AMP).
How are your activities organised?
- 100%, teleworking possible
Profil recherché
Who are you?
- Master’s degree (MSc or equivalent) in microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related field.
You have the following skills, knowledge and experience:
- Practical experience in microbiology, microbial biology or molecular biology.
- Basic knowledge in protein biochemistry, enzymology, or omics analyses (transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics) would be appreciated.
- A genuine interest in archaeal biology and the regulation of cellular metabolism.
- Familiarity with data analysis tools (e.g., R, Python, Excel, or omics-related software) is a plus, but not mandatory.
You have the following qualities:
- Strong ability to work both independently and in a team, with curiosity, rigor, and motivation.
Informations utiles
- Localisation: Plouzané - 29, France - zone de déplacement : nationale
- Contrat: CDD - 3 ans
- Salaire: 2300,00 EUR par mois
- Niveau de qualification: Ingénieur/Cadre/Bac +5
- Expérience: 1 an
- Modalités de travail: Temps complet
- Fonction: Bureau d'Etudes/R&D/BTP archi/conception, Ingénierie - Chimie/Pharmacie/Bio.
- Secteur: Secteur Energie/Environnement, Service public autres
- Télétravail: Occasionnel
What are your benefits?
- Phd is a real opportunity to work on Ifremer's scientific and technological priority themes. It entitle the holder to a gross monthly salary of 2300 euros gross for a period of 3 years, which cannot be combined with other scholarships.
- We have a teleworking agreement and our staff have 12 comp time days and supra statutory leave.
- We allocate a significant budget to developing skills, through individual or collective training actions.
- We have a CSR policy inspired by the purposes of the institute (sustainable mobility allowance, etc.)
How to apply for this position?
Your application file must include:
- a curriculum vitae
- a covering letter
- a reference letter
- an academic transcript (Bachelor + Master 1 and first semester Master 2)
Your application must be compiled into 2 PDF files, up to 2 Mo for each file.
The deadline for applications is May 19th, 2025. Nevertheless, we strongly urge you to let us know as soon as possible of your intention to apply, by contacting the subject supervisor: Didier FLAMENT
In parallel, please submit your application to the doctoral school: EDSML
Link for application: https://amethis.doctorat.org/amethis-client/prd/consulter/offre/918
Doctoral students' contracts will start last quarter of 2025, subject to the submission of administrative documents authorizing Ifremer to recruit the doctoral student (certificate of completion of the Master 2 or engineering degree + visa for foreign doctoral students outside the EU).
What are the next steps?
After the selection of applications and a video interview, the selected candidates will be interviewed by the jury of the EDSML doctoral school.
Qui sommes nous ?
Ifremer1625 Route de Sainte Anne - 29280 Plouzané • 29280 Plouzané • France
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