M/F Postdoctoral researcher in molecular biology and microbiology

Cnrs Inc; France; On-site; EUR 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

CNRS – Institut de biologie de l'Ecole Normale Supérieure seeks a First Stage Researcher to investigate how small RNAs direct post-transcriptional gene silencing in a phytopathogenic bacterium. The project combines molecular biology, proteomics and genetics within an international team.

The candidate will identify Arabidopsis factors taken up by Pseudomonas syringae during infection, and characterize RNA-binding proteins through biochemical and genetic approaches to illuminate AGS activity and

Qualifications

• Expertise is required in molecular biology and biochemistry.
• Genomics and cell biology techniques are essential.
• Experience with cloning, RT-qPCR, Western blot, and co-immunoprecipitation preferred.
• Experience with sequencing of small RNAs and mRNAs following protein IP.

Responsibilities

• Characterize mechanisms by which small RNAs direct post-transcriptional gene silencing in a phytopathogenic bacterium.
• Identify Arabidopsis factors taken up by a Pseudomonas syringae strain during infection via proteomic approaches.
• Use genetics and biochemical methods to study the function of RNA-binding proteins.
• Contribute to cross-kingdom RNAi research and gene regulation studies.

Skills

Molecular biology

Biochemistry

Genomics

Cell biology

Cloning

RT-qPCR

Tools

Western blot

Co-immunoprecipitation

Small RNA sequencing

mRNA sequencing

Northern blot

Job description

Organisation/Company CNRS Department Institut de biologie de l'Ecole Normale Supérieure Research Field Biological sciences Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Application Deadline 25 Nov 2026 - 23:59 (UTC) Country France Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 1 Dec 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

To characterize the mechanisms by which small RNAs direct post-transcriptional gene silencing in a phytopathogenic bacterium.

RNA interference (RNAi) is a conserved gene regulatory mechanism that promotes antiviral defense by repressing translation, accumulation and replication of viral RNAs. Intriguingly, sRNAs can also be exported outside plant cells and further transferred to interacting non-viral pathogens to direct cross-kingdom RNAi. Notably, we have recently described the existence of such gene regulatory phenomenon in the context of plant-bacteria interactions. Here, the recruited post-doctoral researcher will investigate the mechanisms underlying such Antibacterial Gene Silencing (AGS) regulatory process. In particular, She or He will identify the whole set of Arabidopsis factors that are taken-up by a Pseudomonas syringae strain during infection, through a proteomic-based approach. The recruited person will further select the most represented RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) inside bacterial cells and further used genetics and biochemical approaches to characterize their possible function in AGS activity. An in-depth characterization of the mode of action of one of these RBPs will be implemented. This project will not only advance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying cross-kingdom RNAi in host-bacteria interactions, but also lay the groundwork for innovative biotechnologies designed to selectively target bacterial pathogens while preserving beneficial bacteria

The candidate will work within an international research team investigating the molecular mechanisms of host-pathogen interactions and the post-transcriptional and epigenetic regulation of gene expression (using the following model systems: microalgae, plants and human cells). The candidate will have access to all IBENS platforms (imaging, genomics, plant-algae, etc.) and will be provided with a bench space and an office within the team.

Expertise is required in molecular biology, biochemistry, genomics and cell biology techniques (cloning, RT-qPCR, Western blot, co-immunoprecipitation, sequencing of small RNAs and mRNAs following protein immunoprecipitation, and low molecular weight Northern blot analyses).