2-year Postdoc position on Candida albicans helical hyphal growth at Institut Pasteur (Paris, France)
A 2-year Postdoc position on Candida albicans helical hyphal growth will be available from January 2024, in the Fungal Biology and Pathogenicity Unit, in the frame of an interdisciplinary ANR-funded project.
Our laboratory is looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow, eager to interact with different groups to explore host-pathogen interactions and helical growth in microphysiologic systems (gut-on-chip). We will first identify genes involved in this type of growth by screening mutant libraries in an in vitro setting, with the aim to establish a regulatory network governing helical growth. We then will assess the efficiency of translocation of selected mutants through the epithelium in gut-on-chips. This project will be pursued in close collaboration with biophysicist Dr Catherine Villard (LIED, Université Paris Cité), whose team will characterize the hyphal invasion of selected mutants in custom-made microfluidic devices.
The project:
The yeast Candida albicans is a benign member of the human gut microbiota that can turn into a deadly pathogen in immunocompromised individuals. A distinctive and striking feature of C. albicans is the ability to adopt different morphologies in response to variation of its environment. The yeast-to-hypha transition plays a central role in virulence, as the yeast cells contribute to mucosal colonization and dissemination in the bloodstream, while the hyphal forms play an important role in barrier crossing, tissue invasion and biofilm formation.
It has been observed that C. albicans filaments can exhibit oscillatory growth, and preliminary results show physical confinement influences filament growth (helical, coiled or straight). In this project we will address the role and mechanisms of helical growth of C. albicans filaments.
Expected profile:
The applicant should have a recent PhD in microbiology or host/pathogen interaction area.
Previous experience in pathogenic yeast/fungi and/or molecular biology and/or microscopy would be appreciated.
Teamwork, independent thinking, and good communication skills are also required.
Contact:
please send your CV, a motivation letter, and three letters of recommendation to Dr. Sophie Bachellier-Bassi (sophie.bachellier-bassi@pasteur.fr).