Marie Curie Early Stage Researcher (PhD) positions are available with Prof. Nathalie Juge. These are available within the Sweet Crosstalk Network on understanding the molecular-level role of glycans at the human mucosa–microbiota interface
Sweet Crosstalk is a multidisciplinary European Training Network built to address the challenge of understanding, at a molecular level, how glycans are involved at the human mucosa–microbiota interface, and how this correlates with human well-being. The research strategy of the Sweet Crosstalk programme focuses on optimal synergy between chemistry and biology. In the network the expertise ranges from chemical synthesis, biochemistry, structural biology to microbiology and cell biology.
Studentships
Deciphering the intimate relationship between mucin glycosylation and gut bacteria
In this project, you will investigate the interaction between bacteria and mucins by profiling native mucin O-glycan composition from various cell lines and tissues in relation to microbiota composition and use advanced labelling approaches to visualize mucin O-glycans fluorescently in vitro (cell lines) or in vivo (mouse models).
During your PhD project you will receive training and acquire expertise in molecular microbiology (anaerobic growth assays, co-cultures; in vitro colon fermentation), mucin purification, mass spectrometry-based glycomics (MALDI-ToF MS & ToF/ToF-MS), experience in animal handling and tissue processing, advanced bioimaging techniques (fluorescence and confocal microscopy, imaging flow cytometry). mammalian cell and tissue culture.
Defining the molecular mechanisms underpinning host O-glycan recognition by gut bacteria
The overall aim of the project is to gain mechanistic insights into the receptors involved in the interaction between bacteria/probiotics and host glycans. Specific objectives include:
- to characterise the kinetics of interaction between major host O-glycan structures (mucin oligosaccharides, HMOs) and gut bacterial cell surface proteins (adhesins, lectins)
- unravel the metabolic pathways involved in mucin/HMO glycan degradation/utilisation by major gut symbionts.
During your PhD project you will receive training and acquire expertise molecular microbiology (anaerobic growth cultures, cloning and heterologous expression, mutagenesis); recombinant protein purification; in vitro binding assays such as Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR); Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC); in vitro activity assays and carbohydrate analysis (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H-NMR) or High-performance anion-exchange chromatography (HPAEC), metabolomics.
Requirements for all candidates
In accordance with the very strict EC Marie Skłodowska Curie Actions (MSCA) Sweet Crosstalk ITN rules you must meet the following two eligibility criteria for your ESR/PhD position(s) of interest (so, please do not respond if you are not eligible):
Eligibility criteria 1: Candidates did not reside or carry out their main activity (e.g. reside, work, studies) in the country of the PhD host institution for more than 12 months during the 3 years immediately prior to project’s application deadline (time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention, compulsory national service and/or short stays such as holidays are not taken into account).
Eligibility criteria 2: Candidates are in the first four years of their research careers upon the starting date of their appointment to an ESR/PhD position (full-time equivalent research experience, measured from the date when a researcher obtained the degree entitling him or her to embark on a doctorate) and have not been awarded a doctoral (PhD) degree.
