A PhD position for three years is opened at the University of Lille to investigate the structure and composition of starch at the scale of single granules, contributing to artificial starch synthesis. Starch is a main storage form of carbon for plants and is composed by glucose residues linked together by a-1,4 O-glycosidic linkages and branched through a-1,6 bounds. The two polymers composing starch (ie., Amylose and amylopectin) form water insoluble granules ranging from 1 to up to 100 µm in diameter depending on their botanical origin. Furthermore, a wide range of granule morphologies also exists regarding to their origin (eg. plant species, organs, tissues, cells). In addition, starch granules contain minor fractions of proteins, lipids and phospholipids as well as covalently bound phosphate groups. To investigate starch heterogeneity, we developed miniaturized methods in previous projects funded by the ANR and the “Region Hauts-de-France”.
In the frame of a collaborative project funded by the French National Research agency, the PhD candidate will work at the MSAP (Miniaturisation pour la Synthèse l’Analyse et la Protéomique) Dpt of the University of Lille, in tight interaction with the UGSF (Unité de Glycobiologie Structurale et Fonctionnelle) Dpt of the University of Lille. The candidate will implement the single-granule approach to decipher protein stoichiometry and its relationship with starch structure and metabolism, phosphate contents and repartition, as well as lipidomics by: i. investigating the structure of starch polymers (glucan length distribution and phosphate groups) at the scale of single granules; ii. characterizing composition of single starch granules by proteomics and lipidomics; iii. determining the heterogeneity of these parameters within wild type and mutant starches and establish the relationships between their composition, structure and morphology.
We seek for highly motivated candidates with a a Master in biochemistry or any relevant field. Good knowledge in in omics approaches, mass spectrometry and micro-manipulation methods is required. Background in plant biochemistry and statistics will be a plus. Candidates are goal oriented and have good ability for team work in a multidisciplinary environment. They must be fluent in written and spoken English.
Référence : UAR3290-FABBRA-005
Lieu de travail : VILLENEUVE D ASCQ, MSAP UAR 3290 CNRS
Type de contrat : CDD Doctorant/Contrat doctoral
Durée du contrat : 36 mois
Date de début de la thèse : 1 septembre 2023
Quotité de travail : Temps complet
Rémunération : 2 135,00 € brut mensuel
Section(s) CN : Interactions, particules, noyaux du laboratoire au cosmos
Nom du responsable scientifique : Fabrice BRAY
https://emploi.cnrs.fr/Offres/Doctorant/UAR3290-FABBRA-005/Default.aspx