Proposition de Thèse au Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris

Keywords: biochemistry, geomicrobiology, structural biology, mass spectrometry, electron microscopy

About the project

We propose an interdisciplinary thesis project in microbiology, geomicrobiology, biochemistry, and structural biology titled “S-layers of bacteria and archaea: Diversity and roles in biomineralisation and survival in extreme environments”.

A great diversity of prokaryotes (bacteria and archaea, mesophiles and extremophiles) possess a surface layer (S-layer) constituted by a single type of protein forming a rigid paracrystalline matrix at the cell surface through self-assembly. This surface layer plays important roles in maintaining cell integrity and protection against environmental stresses such as high pressures and high ion concentrations. S-layers are distributed throughout nearly all major phylogenetic groups of prokaryotes and are hypothesized to represent one of the first forms of cell walls in the origins of life on Earth, making them a key aspect in the evolution and adaptation of microorganisms in extreme environments.

Research focus

This thesis project will examine, at both molecular and cellular scales, two key aspects of prokaryotic S-layers:

• Their role(s) in the evolution of prokaryotes
• The chemical properties of S-layer proteins as biomarkers for detecting life and as nucleation sites for interactions with metals in the environment

Requirements

• Hold the equivalent of a European master’s degree in biochemistry or microbiology/cell biology
• Training in analytical chemistry and microbiology
• Interest in interdisciplinary projects
• Highly motivated and able to defend the thesis project during the competitive selection process for the doctoral school of the Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle

Practical experience in electron microscopy and/or mass spectrometry is advantageous.

Supervision and location

The thesis will take place at the Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris 75005, within the research unit MCAM (Molecules of Communication and Adaptation of Microorganisms), co-supervised by Dr Séverine Zirah and Dr Adrienne Kish.

Application details

Interested candidates should send a CV (including a list of laboratory internships, projects, and techniques mastered) and a letter of motivation to either supervisor by 22 May 2015. Prompt submission is encouraged.

Contact:

• Dr Séverine Zirah (szirah@mnhn.fr), Maître de conférences du Muséum, MCAM, MNHN
• Dr Adrienne Kish (akish@mnhn.fr), Maître de conférences du Muséum, MCAM, MNHN