Vanadium Hyperaccumulation in Sponge Holobionts: Bacterial Contribution and Physiological Role.

Offer Description

Hyperaccumulation of the metal vanadium (V) has recently been demonstrated in two homoscleromorph sponges. The objectives of this thesis are 1) to determine whether bacterial communities are themselves involved in hyperaccumulation and/or play a role in the process (metabolic pathways), 2) to identify the physiological role of this hyperaccumulation, 3) to contribute to the study of the molecular mechanisms involved, and 4) to evaluate the possibility of using these holobionts to sequester vanadium for bioremediation or recycling purposes. The thesis project is part of a larger project funded by the ANR involving four laboratories; the study will therefore take an integrative approach.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The doctoral student will be expected to participate in the preparation of biological samples and to conduct experiments using the various techniques employed to achieve the aforementioned objectives (bioinformatics, physiology, chemistry, cell biology: an integrative approach from the molecule to the ecosystem). He or she will be responsible for monitoring the literature and regularly presenting his or her results orally to the consortium. He or she will collaborate on writing articles based on his or her work, present his or her results at conferences, and write his or her dissertation manuscript.

ACTIVITIES

• Isolate bacteria from hyperaccumulating sponge cells using flow cytometry, then use ICP-MS to determine whether the symbiotic bacteria also accumulate vanadium
• Use metabarcoding to compare whether bacterial communities differ between closely related hyperaccumulating and non-hyperaccumulating species; if so, identify any bacterial families that may be involved in this mechanism.
• Contribute to characterizing the expression of candidate genes or the localization of proteins potentially involved in the hyperaccumulation mechanism
• Compare vanadium (V) levels between individuals exposed and unexposed to V
• Compare oxidative stress tolerance between accumulating and non-accumulating species
• Compare the chemical compounds emitted by accumulating and non-accumulating species

SKILLS

• Strong commitment to the project
• Rigor, scientific integrity, perseverance
• Communication and writing skills in French and English
• Adaptability
• Solid foundation in molecular and cellular biology and physiology: practical experience required
• Basic knowledge of environmental chemistry, microbiology, and statistics
• Basic knowledge of bioinformatics and metabarcoding
• Knowledge of sponges

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Co-directed by IMBE (E. Renard) and LCB (G. Brasseur), with co-supervision by A. Gelabert (CEREGE) and L. Miché (IMBE). Integration into the IMBE's Molecular Biology, Ecology, and Evolution (BEEM) team, with close collaboration with several IMBE shared services (SPOT, BMC, MSN, EMM). Some experiments or meetings may take place at partner sites (Marseille 13009, Arbois, Cadarache).

Work 5 days a week (occasional weekend work on-site may be required; personal work is necessary when working on a thesis outside of regular hours); schedules are dictated by experimental constraints and may therefore vary; occasional telework is possible depending on compatibility with ongoing experiments and subject to prior approval by the supervisors. Vacation days will be scheduled in accordance with experimental and laboratory constraints and in consultation with supervisors.

Where to apply

Website: https://emploi.cnrs.fr/Offres/Doctorant/UMR7263-KHEBOU-063/Default.aspx

Requirements

• Research Field: Biological sciences — Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
• Research Field: Environmental science — Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
• Languages: FRENCH — Level: Basic
• Research Field: Biological sciences — Years of Research Experience: None
• Research Field: Environmental science — Years of Research Experience: None

Additional Information

Website for additional job details: https://emploi.cnrs.fr/Offres/Doctorant/UMR7263-KHEBOU-063/Default.aspx

Work Location(s)

• Number of offers available: 1
• Company/Institute: Institut méditerranéen de biodiversité et d'écologie marine et continentale
• Country: France
• City: MARSEILLE 07

Contact

City: MARSEILLE 07