Job siteWelcome

The Institut de Biologie Structurale is located within the Grenoble Science Park (ESRF/ILL/EMBL/IBS), and is a major national and international player in the field of integrated structural biology. Its mission is to drive forward research in structural biology, key to understanding fundamental biological mechanisms. It is a research center that offers access to state-of-the-art technical platforms, provides scientific training and creates opportunities for collaboration. As a joint research unit (CEA-CNRS-UGA), the IBS comprises 20 research groups, each of which offers a multidisciplinary approach to study the frontiers of biology, physics and chemistry. The IBS is home to nearly 300 staff members, comprising researchers, doctoral students, engineers and technicians, working together in a dynamic and multicultural environment.

https://www.ibs.fr/

The “Dynamics and Kinetics of Molecular Processes” (DYNAMOP) group, headed by Dr. Martin Weik, studies the structure and dynamics of proteins using X-ray diffraction and scattering, and neutron spectroscopy. The group is divided in two teams: “Structural Protein Dynamics” (SPD, led by Dr. Martin Weik) and “Serial NanoCrystallography” (SNaX, led by Dr. Jacques-Philippe Colletier). The group comprises approximately 15 members, including permanent researchers, postdoctoral researchers, PhD students and technicians. The group strives for a mix of nationalities and attaches great important to gender equality and personal well-being.

The engineer position is available in the SNaX team, which specializes in in-vivo crystallization and serial (time-resolved) crystallography. The team is also actively involved in developing software for time-resolved X-ray crystallography (NanoPeakCell and Xtrapol8). The project will be conducted under the supervision of and in close collaboration with Dr. Elke De Zitter, a permanent member in the SNaX team.

https://www.ibs.fr/en/research/assembly-dynamics-and-reactivity/dynamics-and-kinetics-of-molecular-processes-group-m-weik/

The engineer will be responsible for producing high-quality protein samples and optimizing micro-crystallization protocols. The candidate will be involved in time-resolved crystallography experiments, where he/she/they will aid in sample preparation.

• Protein expression and production in coli, protein purification using various biochemical techniques
• Optimization of macro- and micro-crystallization protocols
• Sample preparation for time-resolved serial crystallography at synchrotron beamlines
• In silico protein design based using artificial intelligence-based software tools
• Time-resolved serial X-ray diffraction data processing and structure determination

The work will be carried out at the IBS (Grenoble, France) during regular working hours, with the exception of X-ray diffraction experiments, during which work may require evening or weekend extensions.

Teleworking may be permitted for a maximum of two days per week, provided that it can be effectively combined with laboratory work.

Short visits to the collaborator’s laboratory in Brétigny-sur-Orge are anticipated. The European synchrotron radiation facility (ESRF) is located on the same campus as the IBS, however trips to other European synchrotrons or world-wide XFEL facilities can be included.

The research can be conducted in English or in French. Non-French-speaking candidates are expected to acquire a basic proficiency in French to facilitate communication and integration into the laboratory. English training can also be provided to enhance international communication.

• Une expérience préalable en clonage, expression et production de protéines dans E. coli est indispensable
• Avoir une expertise en purification de protéines par chromatographie liquide (p.e. IMAC, filtration sur gel) sur systèmes automatisés (p.e. AKTA) ainsi qu’en contrôle qualité standard (p.e. SDS-PAGE)
• L’expérience en cristallisation des protéines serait un atout
• Savoir travailler en étroite collaboration avec les membres de l’équipe et de manière autonome
• Avoir de bonnes compétences en communication
• Avoir un grand sens du détail et une capacité à atteindre les objectifs du projet avec rigueur
• Bac+5 en biologie, biochimie, biophysique, biologie structurale ou dans un domaine connexe souhaité
• Une expérience dans la fonction publique serait appréciée
• Maîtrise du français et de l'anglais

• Prior experience with protein cloning, expression and production in E.coli is mandatory

• Additionally, the candidate should have experience with protein purification via liquid chromatography (e.g. IMAC, gel filtration) on automated systems (e.g. AKta) and standard quality control essays (e.g. SDS-PAGE)

• Experience with protein crystallization would be advantageous

• High level of motivation and a keen eye for detail to effectively achieve the project’s objectives
• Be capable of working independently
• Effective communication skills are therefore essential