Mots-Clés
multi-omics
feather keratins
structural color
iridescence
spatial proteomics
functional genomics
comparative evolutionary biology
Description
The Position:
The successful candidate will study bird feather keratins responsible for non-iridescent structural coloration, using existing and de novo generated -omic and tomographic datasets to map out structure-function relationships.
The activities include the analysis of comparative -omics datasets from developing feathers (both those already published and those generated de novo).
More specifically, the candidate will be responsible for:
• conducting comparative genomic analyses to identify key motifs associated with nanostructural transitions in feathers
• performing spatial -omic studies of various feather tissues across bird species
• assisting with synchrotron tomography of developing feathers.
She/he will also participate in activities to disseminate and popularize the results. Short stays with collaborators at the University of Southern California (developmental genetics) and the University of Tokyo/RIKEN (biophysics) are expected as well as plenty of opportunities to work closely with Phd students and supervise master interns.
Your Profile:
The successful candidate should be a specialist, in general, in comparative -omics studies. Prior knowledge of birds or feather keratins is not a requirement. Candidates must have a strong command of comparative methods and functional -omics approaches in order to identify and refine structure-function relationships based on large datasets. Required scientific skills include proficiency with laboratory equipment as well as computer skills (Unix, R, etc.). Skills in supervised and semi-supervised machine learning, including deep learning are a plus. She/he is also expected to have a good command of English, both spoken and written, must show strong capacity to work independently and as a team member with a keen ability to prioritize tasks and take initiative.
Your Work Environment:
The successful candidate will be hired by the CNRS to work at the Research Institute for Insect Biology (IRBI) within the INOV team (INteractions Organisms-EnVironment), as part of the PHASESEP project funded by a research grant from the Human Frontiers Science Project (HFSP). She/he will also collaborate with members and collaborators of the Saranathan group which studies the intracellular self-assembly of photonic nanostructures, primarily in insects and birds. They combine various experimental and computational approaches—ranging from evolution and development to soft matter physics—to better understand the biogenesis of hierarchical integumentary architectures, particularly photonic crystals, with the goal of synthesizing them in vitro for biomimetic applications. The contract is initially for a one-year term and renewable up to three years total.
IRBI is dedicated to analyzing the interactions between insects and their biotic and abiotic environments. IRBI has a vibrant and dynamic team of permanent researchers and faculty members. The institute also draws on the expertise of numerous postdoctoral researchers, contract researchers, and doctoral students, bringing the total staff to approximately 100 people. The IRBI regularly organizes scientific seminars on a variety of topics related to insects. For more information, please visit the IRBI lab website: https://irbi.univ-tours.fr/
Constraints and risks:
Risks associated with working in biology and biochemistry laboratories and with computer-based work. Some travel is expected within France, as well as abroad (Los Angeles, Tokyo).