We offer a PhD position in plant molecular and cellular biology to follow, at different scales, the effect of histone mark dynamics on gene expression/transcription dynamics, chromatin landscapes and looping, nuclear structure, and finally on plant development (architecture, floral transition, flower and seed production).
With this project, the PhD student shall develop skills in molecular and cellular biology, microscopy, developmental genetics, and functional epigenetics. He/she will conduct a multi-scale approach that combines molecular, cellular and phenotypic analyses:
- Manipulation of CRISPR-dCas9 tools to precisely induce the deposition or removal of histone marks in an inducible system;
- Epigenetic and expression analyses (including ChIP and RT-qPCR);
- Microscopic in cyto analyses for dynamics of nuclear territories, chromatin structure and transcription (including DNA-FISH, immuno-FISH and smFISH approaches, visualized by high-resolution microscopy);
- Phenotypic analyses: measurement of flowering time under different light and temperature conditions, characterization of plant architecture, flower morphogenesis and quantification of progeny.
For this PhD project, the student will benefit the infrastructures provided in the institutes of the partners: plant culture and uLife platform of LPCV, ISBG microscopy platform of IBS.
The PhD student shall develop valuable skills in super resolution microscopy approaches (from his supervisor at IBS – ISBG platform, J-P. KLEMAN). He/she will also be exposed to research in the field of epigenetics through his/her participation in local, national and international congresses in which he/she will present his data (e.g. Local Epigenetic club in Grenoble, Transcription & Chromatin EMBL, Epigenetics & Chromatin CSHL, European Workshop in Plant Chromatin), and through his/her inclusion in the GDR EpiPlant (C. CARLES, supervisor at LPCV is scientific co-coordinator for the thematic axis “Chromatin Dynamics”).
Skills/Qualifications:
The candidate for the phD position should have experience in one or more of the following disciplines: molecular biology, cellular biology, microscopy, developmental genetics, functional epigenetics. Experience in plant biology is a plus but not mandatory.
Specific Requirements:
We are seeking highly motivated candidates with a strong will to get involved into their research projects. Effective oral and communication skills and strong ability to report and present data, as well as good skills in English (written and oral communication) are expected. Excellent collaboration skills, high capacity to take initiatives and to gain in autonomy are required.
Prior experience/expertise in the following fields or disciplines will be evaluated:
- Molecular biology (molecular cloning, gene expression and chromatin analyses)
- Basic knowledge in microscopy
- Developmental genetics
- Knowledge on plant development (not mandatory but will be a plus)
- Plant and cell culture (not mandatory but will be a plus)
Benefits:
The selected candidate will start his/her thesis in September or October 2023 (and no later than December 31, 2023). The PhD minimum monthly salary is set at 1,684.93 euros gross if the contractual doctoral student does only research; 2,024.70 euros gross if he/she does additional activities, such as teaching.
Eligibility criteria: The candidate must hold a Master degree in Biology or Plant Biology at the time of hiring.
Application process:
The candidates are encouraged to apply directly by contacting the co-supervisors (Pr. Christel Carles, Christel.carles@univ-grenoble-alpes.fr ; Dr. Jean-Philippe Kleman, jean-philippe.kleman@ibs.fr ) by June 30th 2023.
Your application should consist in a single pdf file containing a cover letter, a CV with contact names for recommendation, and a record of transcripts (Bachelor & Master degrees).
The applications will be reviewed by the co-supervisors and evaluated based on academic achievements (ranking in Master 1 and 2), motivation and professional project. Prior relevant research experience (Bachelor and Master internships) will also be taken into consideration.
Pre-selected candidates will be auditioned at the end of June – beginning of July 2023 (to be scheduled), by a jury composed of the project leaders (PhD co-supervisors), a representative of the scientific council of the Chemistry, Biology and Health (CBS) graduate school (EUR, écoles universitaires de recherche) [https://grad-chembiohealth.univ-grenoble-alpes.fr], a representative of the Doctoral School (EDCSV, UGA [https://edcsv.univ-grenoble-alpes.fr/en/] and a scientific expert designated by the graduate school.
Website for additional job details
https://www.lpcv.fr/en/Pages/ChromDev/Presentation.aspx
https://www.isbg.fr/cellular-analysis/cellular-imaging/
https://christelcarles.wixsite.com/chromdev-group
Website
https://www.cea.fr/drf/IRIG/english/Pages/Departments/DBSCI.aspx