An integrative structural study of the tRNA import protein of Plasmodium pathogens

Organisation / Company CNRS Alsace Laboratory Architecture et réactivité de l’ARN (ARN) – UPR 9002 Is the Hosting related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Our team studies tRNAs and their protein partners using integrative structural biology to characterize their properties and interactions. tRNAs are central actors of the translational machinery playing the role of adapter molecules in mRNA decoding by the ribosome. They also participate in other cellular processes such as gene regulation, amino acid and cell wall biosynthesis, initiation of reverse transcription of viral genomes, etc.

We have a long experience of various tRNA interacting enzymes including aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, protein-only RNAse P or CCA-adding enzymes. We use classical techniques of molecular biology and biochemistry, as well as more advanced approaches such as RNA mapping in solution and biophysical techniques for structural biology (X-ray crystallography, cryEM, SAXS, DLS, nanoDSF, AUC, ITC…). In paralell, the team is involved in the development of innovative approaches in biocrystallogenesis and time resolved crystallography, with the objective of applying them to tRNA:protein systems.

We currently concentrate our efforts on systems originating from pathogens, with enzymes and tRNAs involved in the formation of the cell wall of Staphyloccus aureus, as well as the tRNA import protein of Plasmodium. The MSCA postdotoral project will focus on the integrative study of the latter membrane protein called tRip in complex with tRNA ligands and cellular partners by cryo electron micoscopy and tomography in a membrane context or inside the parasite. The goal is to determine the structural organization of tRip, its dynamics of interaction with tRNA and Plasmodium tRNA import mechanism. The latter could then be repurposed to develop RNA-based drug delivery to combat the pathogen.

Who can apply?

Researchers of any nationality who:

• Have completed a PhD or will complete it at the date of the call deadline (September 2026).
• Have a maximum of 8 years full-time equivalent experience in research at the time of the call deadline.
• Have not resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in France for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the call deadline.

Beware that applicants who have applied to the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship 2025 call and received an evaluation below 80% are not eligible for an application in 2026.

How to apply?

We encourage all motivated and eligible postdoctoral researchers to send their expressions of interest to the supervisor’s e-mail address before 24th April 2026.

Your application shall include:

• a CV (5 pages max)
• a cover letter outlining your research background and its synergies with the supervisor’s field and/or the proposed research topic.

Estimated timetable:

• Deadline for sending an expression of interest: 24th April 2026
• Selection of the applicant: May 2026 at the latest