Job Summary
The Institute of Research in Infectiology of Montpellier (IRIM) is recruiting a Postdoctoral researcher for a 24-month project focused on phage-mycobacteria interactions. The primary objective is to identify new receptors involved in phage recognition and bacterial genes that play a role in the late stages of the infectious process. This research aims to enhance the understanding of phage-host specificity and contribute to the development of optimized phage therapy strategies.
Key Information
| Institution | Institute of Research in Infectiology of Montpellier (IRIM) |
| Contract Type | CDD (Temporary Researcher) |
| Duration | 24 months |
| Location | Montpellier (Hérault), France |
| Gross Salary | Starting from €3,021.50 monthly (adjustable based on experience) |
| Application Deadline | November 13, 2026 |
| Start Date | February 1, 2027 |
Project Missions
The successful candidate will work on decrypting the interactions between phages and mycobacteria. This involves identifying determinants of host specificity and bacterial resistance mechanisms to improve the efficacy of phage cocktails.
Main Activities
- Characterize environmental phages and determine their host spectrum against clinical strains of Mycobacterium abscessus.
- Evaluate the efficiency and specificity of phage lysis in vitro, both alone and in combination with antibiotics, to identify synergistic interactions.
- Generate phage-resistant bacterial mutants from sensitive strains.
- Perform genomic analysis of these mutants to identify genes involved in phage resistance and bacterial genes necessary for early or late stages of infection.
Required Profile
Candidates must hold a Doctorate and possess the following qualifications:
- Molecular Biology: Mastery of PCR, cloning, transformation, and the construction of deletion mutants.
- Specialized Expertise: Solid skills in phage biology and mycobacteriology.
- Genomics: Strong experience in bacterial genomics and sequence analysis.
- Soft Skills: Problem-solving capabilities and the ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
Work Environment and Benefits
The project will be conducted primarily in a Level 2 containment laboratory (BSL-2). Most necessary equipment and platforms are available on-site at the IRIM laboratory in Montpellier.
- Annual Leave: 44 days of vacation and RTT.
- Remote Work: Remote work options and compensation available.
- Transport: 75% coverage of public transport costs and a sustainable mobility package of up to €300.
- Risks: Some experiments and infection monitoring may require occasional weekend work.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their application through the CNRS job portal before the deadline of November 13, 2026. This position is open to individuals with recognized disabled worker status.
