Offres d'emploi
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Subject:
Magnetotactic bacteria and their motion in complex tumor environments
The institute focuses on interdisciplinary research in the field of environmental biology, biofuel,
and health and environmental biotechnology (https://www.cite-des-energies.fr/biam/). In
particular, the team of molecular and environmental microbiology attempts to understand how
microorganisms interact with their environment and to develop new actuators and sensors. In this
context, the group working on biotechnology applications of magnetotactic bacteria invites
applications for a:
Post-doctoral research associate (2 years)
Magnetotactic bacteria are peculiar microorganisms that orient in magnetic fields with the help of
a dedicated organelle, the magnetosome chain, which acts as an intracellular compass needle. In
this way, their swimming, powered by their flagella, is guided by the magnetic field; the bacteria
can be understood as self-propelled compass needles. In a biomaterials context, magnetotactic
bacteria have been proposed as drug delivering microsystems. Guided by chemical, biological and
physical cues, they can be seen as microrobots specifically seeking tumor environments as they
would swim in their natural aquatic environment characterized by pores and obstacles.
In this project, we aim at implementing a microfluidic system simulating the tumor vascular
environment. We will study the magnetic guidance of magnetotactic bacteria in such microfluidic
chips filled with serum. We will also implement a flow to simulate a realistic blood flow in the
system. In parallel, we will develop and adapt a 3D, spheroid-like cellular model to study bacterial
targeting and penetration in a context mimicking the tumor environment.
The candidate will be responsible for all the experimental parts of the project. This will include
microbiology for growing the bacteria and cell biology for the spheroid part. She/he will develop
microfluidic devices and will use a custom-design microscope to study the swimming behavior in
controlled magnetic conditions. Special emphasis will be laid on interdisciplinary research so that
close collaboration with MRI scientists (S. Mériaux, Neurospin) and clinical colleagues (B. Cambien,
U. Nice) will be expected.