Lab Intern: Microbiology & Pathogen Characterization (The EC Project) Phagos AI-Native Phage Therapy

AgFunder; Suresnes; Sur place; EUR 22 000 - 30 000; Temps partiel

Résumé du poste

AgFunder is looking for a laboratory technician in Suresnes, France, to work on phenotypic characterization of Enterococcus cecorum isolates. The role involves reviving and testing bacterial cultures, recording observations, and compiling data into a structured format. Candidates must be enrolled in a relevant technician-level program and have foundational bacteriology knowledge. The position emphasizes rigorous laboratory practices and teamwork in a dynamic research environment.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an appropriate technician-level programme in microbiology or related field.
• Basic knowledge of bacteriology, including aseptic techniques.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Responsabilités

• Revive and subculture all EC isolates from frozen stocks.
• Perform mannitol fermentation testing on MSA.
• Compile results into a structured database.

Connaissances

Attention to detail

Ability to work independently

Data management

Basic microbiology knowledge

Formation

Currently enrolled in DUT/BTS/Bachelor in microbiology or related field

Outils

Excel

Description du poste

Job description

Enterococcus cecorum (EC) is an emerging pathogen of broiler chickens and other poultry. It causes a range of severe conditions including bacterial chondronecrosis with osteomyelitis (BCO), spondylitis, femoral head necrosis, endocarditis, and hepatic granulomas, leading to significant welfare concerns and economic losses worldwide. However, EC is also a normal commensal of the avian intestinal tract, and not all strains are pathogenic.

Phagos has assembled a collection of EC isolates from diverse origins (clinical lesions, cloaca, intestinal contents, environmental samples). A recent literature review has identified a multi-tiered classification framework combining phenotypic assays, PCR markers, and genomic analyses to distinguish pathogenic from commensal strains. In this position, you will apply the phenotypic and microbiological tiers of this framework to the Phagos EC collection.

The main objective is to phenotypically characterise the Phagos EC collection and generate a structured dataset that classifies each isolate along a pathogenic/commensal axis. Specific objectives include:

Responsibilities

• Revive and subculture all EC isolates from frozen stocks onto appropriate media.
• Perform mannitol fermentation testing on mannitol salt agar (MSA).
• Determine lysozyme minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC).
• Record colony morphology.
• Assist the team in all routine laboratory tasks.
• Compile all results into a structured database and perform data analysis to assign each isolate a pathogenicity classification tier.

Competencies you will develop

• Bacterial culture, including revival from frozen stocks (−80°C glycerol).
• Phenotypic characterisation assays: biochemical testing and lysozyme resistance determination.
• Colony morphology assessment.
• Laboratory data management: structured recording of results, quality control, and traceability.
• Data analysis and visualisation.

Required

• Currently enrolled in a DUT, BTS, bachelor or equivalent technician-level programme in microbiology, biotechnology, biology, or a related life-sciences field.
• Basic knowledge of bacteriology (aseptic technique, culture media).
• Rigour, attention to detail, and ability to maintain a well‑organised laboratory notebook.
• Ability to work both independently and within a small team.

Desirable

• Previous laboratory experience.
• Familiarity with data entry and basic analysis in Excel.
• Interest in veterinary microbiology or avian health.