Postdoc (M/F) in structure-function anaylsis of proteins

Unist; Montpellier; Hybride; EUR 38 000 - 52 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

CRBM – Centre de Recherche en Biologie Cellulaire de Montpellier invites a postdoctoral researcher to explore how lipid transfer proteins regulate lipid gradients in yeast. You will investigate PS distribution and interactions with Osh6 and Ist2 to deliver PS to the plasma membrane, using diverse cellular and biochemical approaches.

The project combines protein structure analysis, lipid biochemistry, microbiology and fluorescence imaging in a collaborative environment on the Montpellier campus.

Qualifications

• PhD with strong publication record required.
• Practical expertise in protein structure, bioinformatics, lipid/protein biochemistry and yeast genetics.
• Experience with fluorescence imaging and cellular biology preferred.
• Excellent written and oral English communication skills.

Responsabilités

• Investigate how PS gradients are established in yeast cells.
• Study Osh6 and Ist2 interactions to deliver PS to the plasma membrane.
• Perform protein structure analyses, lipid analyses and related biochemical experiments.
• Collaborate across teams on cellular and biochemical models.

Connaissances

Protein structure

Bioinformatics

Biochemistry

Microbiology

Yeast genetics

Fluorescence imaging

Formation

PhD

Description du poste

Organisation/Company CNRS Department Centre de Recherche en Biologie cellulaire de Montpellier Research Field Chemistry Physics » Biophysics Biological sciences » Biological engineering Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Application Deadline 23 Oct 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

Lipid transfer proteins mediate the distribution of lipids within an eukaryotic cell. For this, they need to interact with cellular membranes in a highly controlled and selective manner to extract specific lipids and transport them another membrane to create lipid gradients. For example, phosphatidylserine is a negatively charged phospholipid whose distribution is highly uneven within eukaryotic cells. In healthy cells, it is highly concentrated in the cytosolic leaflet of the plasma membrane, where it is essential for regulating cell polarity and signaling reactions. The goal of this project is to investigate how the PS gradient is established in cells through exchange with phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate, using the budding yeast model, where we have shown that the PS transfer protein Osh6 cooperates with the membrane contact site protein Ist2 to deliver PS to the plasma membrane.

Protein structure analysis, molecular and cellular biology, genetic manipulation of yeast, fluorescence imaging, biochemistry, lipid analysis

The Montpellier Cell Biology Research Center – CRBM (UMR 5237 between CNRS and the University of Montpellier) is organised in 16 research teams, technological platforms and common services, and counts about 150 people (researchers and teacher-researchers, engineers, technicians and administrative staff, PhD students and post-doctoral fellows). CRBM ( https://www.crbm.cnrs.fr/ ) offers an exciting scientific environment that is shared with other institutes on the same campus (IGMM, IRIM). Work at the institute is supported by cutting-edge technical platforms of BioCampus Montpellier ( https://www.biocampus.cnrs.fr/index.php/en/ ), including the MRI imaging platform equipped with the most advanced microscopes and dedicated staff. The postdoc (M/F) will join Alenka Copic's team, “Cell biology of lipid storage and transfer”. We use various cellular and biochemical models to understand how proteins interact with membranes to control the distribution and storage of lipids in eukaryotic cells.

Research Field Biological sciences » Biological engineering Years of Research Experience 1 - 4

Additional Information

Eligibility criteria

Ph.D. degree with a strong publication record; practical expertise in the following areas: protein structure and bioinformatics analysis, lipid and protein biochemistry, microbiology, eukaryotic cell biology, yeast genetics, fluorescence imaging and analysis; excellent organizational skills; and strong written and oral communication skills in English.