The HiTrac project funded by the French National Research Agency (ANR) aims to develop methods for adhesion force measurements to study quantitatively bacterial adhesion in its micromechanical environment. At the crossroad between biophysics, physico-chemistry and microscopy, our goal is to develop and use innovative adhesion substrates for traction force microscopy, a technique already well established to quantify adhesion forces of eukaryotic cells.
Building on preliminary results obtained in the lab, the successful candidate will design and use new adhesion substrates with controlled mechanical properties that will permit measuring adhesion forces with improved resolution and sensitivity compared to existing techniques. In collaboration with the physics department at ENS Lyon, she/he will use the substrates for proof-of-principle demonstrations and biophysical studies of the mechanical regulation of bacterial adhesion.
The successful applicant will:
- Design, synthesis and characterization of innovative substrates for TFM
- Integration in microfluidic devices for biophysics experiments, data analysis (in particular image analysis)
- Scientific watch and analysis of publication related to the project
- Preparation of regular advancement reports presented during regular meetings of the project partners
- Writing of one or several scientific papers, participation in national/international conferences in the field of biophysics/soft matter
Qualifications of the applicant
We are looking for a rigorous experimental soft matter physicist/chemist, or biophysicist, with a keen interest in multidisciplinary work. Experience in microscopy and/or image analysis will be greatly appreciated. Experience with biological samples, programming and/or microfluidic is a plus.
Working environment and practical details
Grenoble is a pleasant city in the French Alps. It is one of the most renowned scientific areas in France, providing a vibrant and collaborative scientific environment. The Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Physics (LIPhy) at the Grenoble Alpes University brings together researchers in soft matter physics, biophysics, physico-chemistry, biology and optics.
The successful applicant will be hosted in the research group Mechanics of Cells in Complex Media (MC2). He/she will work under the supervision of Dr. Delphine Débarre and Dr. Lionel Bureau, in close collaboration with Dr. Sigolène Lecuyer at the Ecole Normale Supérieure (Lyon, France). While close supervision will be provided a strong independence is expected.
The project is for 2 years, to start in January 2021. The gross salary is from 2648 euros to 3768 euros / month depending on the experience of the candidate.
Health and Safety
The bacterial model system is the opportunistic pathogen P. Aeruginosa which can cause health problem to immunocompromised people or in case of pregnancy. In such cases adjustments will be discussed to mitigate the risk. In all cases appropriate health & safety training will be provided.
Applications
Interested candidates should apply through the CNRS dedicated webpage:
https://bit.ly/36zaq3Jand include a motivation letter, CV, and contact information of two referees.
