Postdoc position to study bacteria-neuron interactions in Drosophila – Royet team, IBDM, Marseille, France
Posted by Delphine Dauga, on 27 January 2020
Closing Date: 15 March 2021
A postdoctoral position is opened in the laboratory of Dr. Julien Royet, at Aix- Marseille University, France. The lab is part of the IBDM Institute, providing a highly rich and international scientific environment, and is integrated into the Centuri excellence network.
Our team is interested in understanding the mechanisms by which bacteria are interacting with the nervous system of their eukaryotic host and how this interaction affects their behavior. We have recently shown that some neurons of the Drosophila central nervous system are expressing proteins that sense some bacteria metabolites. Using genetics and imaging techniques we have demonstrated that the direct sensing of gut-bacteria derived metabolites can directly impact the activity of theses neurons and, as a consequence, of that of their host (Kurz et al, eLife, 2017; Charroux et al, Cell Host and Microbes, 2018, Masuzzo et al, eLife, 2019). The postdoctoral project will aim at further dissecting the molecular and functional picture of these bacteria-neuron interactions.
Applicants must have completed a PhD thesis in the neurobiology field using the Drosophila model. They should be highly motivated, with good interpersonal and communication skills. Fluency in English is mandatory but ability to speak French is not required. Projects are funded by a grant from the FRM (Equipe FRM) for 2 years. Salary will depend on previous experience.
Applications should contain a CV, a letter of motivation with a description of research accomplishments and the contact information of two references to Julien.royet@univ-amu.fr.