Summary:
The microbiome is considered a key biotechnological reservoir, and numerous research efforts aim to harness its potential in agriculture. A deeper understanding of the most structuring microbial interactions within the microbiome would allow us to steer its composition to promote beneficial microbial communities for plant health. An important step forward today is to move beyond mere observations and dissect the molecular mechanisms underlying microbiome composition variations. A groundbreaking approach is to use highly specific CRISPR-Cas technologies to genetically edit a host’s native microbiome and disrupt its assembly to identify the most structuring microbial interactions.
In this PhD project, we will deploy genetic editing of the bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) seed microbiome using VcDART-based genome editing technologies. A crucial first step for achieving effective editing will be to experimentally generate an atlas of essential functions for survival within the seed-seedling ecosystem using the RB-TnSeq method in synthetic communities of increasing complexity. We will then screen the most promising identified functions by editing the microbiome in situ within synthetic microbial communities, followed by experiments on the native seed microbiome. We will assess the consequences of inserting/inactivating these functions on microbiome composition and seedling phenotype.
You will join the EmerSys team at the INRAE Institute of Research in Horticulture and Seeds (IRHS) in Angers, France. Our team conducts multidisciplinary research on plant-bacteria interactions, phytopathology, and microbiome dynamics. You will be part of a dynamic team of 35 people, including 6 PhD students and 4 postdoctoral researchers, with strong technical support in molecular biology, microbiology, and plant physiology.
Supervisors : Florian Lamouche, Marie Simonin
Candidate Profile: We are looking for a candidate with a Master’s degree in microbiology, with a strong interest in bacterial genomics, genetics, and molecular biology. Experience in molecular cloning techniques, bacterial culture, and sequencing library preparation (DNA extraction, PCR, etc.) is required.
Skills in microbial ecology (metagenomics and bioinformatics) are appreciated but not mandatory.
Proficiency in English is essential due to ongoing international collaborations.
To apply, please send the following documents: Cover Letter, CV Internship reports and academic transcripts/rankings from your Master’s degree (if available).
NB : Eligibility requirement for the VAAME doctoral school: The candidate must be ranked in the top half of their Master’s cohort.
Send your application to: florian.lamouche@inrae.fr and marie.simonin@inrae.fr
Deadline : 31st of March 2025
Commentaires récents