PhD student at ILL: studying Lipid Droplet-Dengue Virus Interactions by Neutron Scattering

PhD student at ILL: studying Lipid Droplet-Dengue Virus Interactions by Neutron Scattering

The European Synchrotron, the ESRF, is an international research centre based in Grenoble, France. Through its innovative engineering, pioneering scientific vision and a strong commitment from its 700 staff members, the ESRF is recognised as one of the top research facilities worldwide. Its particle accelerator produces intense X‑ray beams that are used by thousands of scientists each year for experiments in diverse fields such as biology, medicine, environmental sciences, cultural heritage, materials science, and physics.

Supported by 19 countries, the ESRF is an equal‑opportunity employer and encourages diversity.

Thesis subject: Lipid Droplets as Biophysical Models for Understanding Viral Replication: Molecular Mechanisms of Dengue Capsid Protein Binding Probed by Neutron Scattering (LYON). You will join the Large‑Scale Structures group at the Institut Laue‑Langevin (ILL), the world's leading neutron science facilities, located in Grenoble, France. The ILL provides the scientific community with access to the world's most intense continuous neutron flux, hosting a broad suite of instruments for structural biology, soft matter, and surface science, including small‑angle neutron scattering (SANS/USANS) instruments (D11, D22, D33) and the neutron reflectometers (D17, Figaro). These instruments exploit contrast variation, a powerful neutron technique, to resolve molecular‑scale structures at complex interfaces invisible to other probes.

The aim of the PhD project is to understand the molecular mechanisms by which dengue virus capsid proteins (DENV‑C) bind to lipid droplet (LD) surfaces, a process central to viral replication. Dengue fever infects over 400 million people annually across 100 countries, yet the molecular interactions underpinning DENV‑C recruitment to LDs mediated by the LD‑surface protein Plin3 still remain poorly understood. The novelty of the project lies in deploying quantitative neutron scattering techniques (SANS/USANS and neutron reflectivity with contrast variation) to directly probe the structure and interactions of DENV‑C and its peptide analogues with well‑defined artificial lipid droplet (ALD) models and Langmuir monolayers incorporating Plin3. This will disentangle specific protein‑Plin3 interactions, yielding mechanistic insights to inform future anti‑dengue strategies.

The student will benefit from a rich interdisciplinary collaboration with partners at the University of Bristol (ALD and liposome preparation), the University of Manchester (peptide synthesis), the Jerzy Haber Institute in Krakow, Poland (Plin3 expression), and the University of Galway, Ireland (molecular dynamics simulations).

Qualifications

• A background in biophysics, chemistry, physics or a closely related discipline is essential. Experience with soft matter, lipids, protein interactions, or surface science is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of scattering techniques (neutron or X‑ray), Langmuir monolayer methods, or structural biology would be a strong advantage, as would programming skills for data analysis.
• Strong laboratory skills, rigorous attention to detail, and an enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research spanning biophysics, structural science, and virology are essential.
• Degree allowing enrolment for a PhD (such as MSc, Master 2 de Recherche) in chemistry or a closely related science like physics, materials sciences, nanotechnology, etc.
• Proficiency in English (A proof of upper‑intermediate B2 level must be included in the application. Applicants originating from native‑English‑speaking countries can apply without the need for proof of level. An official degree conducted in English will also be accepted as proof).
• Compliance with the Marie Sklodowska‑Curie Actions mobility rule: candidates may not have resided or carried out their main activity in the host institute's country for more than twelve months in the three years immediately before the call deadline.
• The candidate must not already be working towards or in possession of a doctoral degree at the date of the recruitment, and must already hold a master's degree at the call deadline.
• Candidates must satisfy the conditions for enrolment in a doctoral programme.

Responsibilities

• Carry out neutron scattering experiments (SANS/USANS and neutron reflectivity with contrast variation) to probe the structure and interactions of dengue capsid proteins and lipid droplets.
• Prepare and characterise artificial lipid droplet models and Langmuir monolayers, and conduct related spectroscopy and imaging studies.
• Analyse experimental data using programming and statistical tools, comparing with molecular dynamics simulations.
• Collaborate with international partners at the University of Bristol, University of Manchester, Jerzy Haber Institute, and University of Galway.
• Prepare scientific manuscripts, presentations, and progress reports for the doctoral school and external conferences.

Benefits and Training

The successful candidate will be enrolled in the doctoral school at School of Chemistry, University of Bristol (UK) and based full‑time at the ILL (Grenoble, France). The program includes secondments of 1–2 months per year to the University of Bristol, University of Manchester, Jerzy Haber Institute, and potentially the University of Galway. A varied pedagogical training programme will be offered throughout the 3‑year PhD project.

Job Details

Title: PhD student at ILL: studying Lipid Droplet‑Dengue Virus Interactions by Neutron Scattering.

Location: Grenoble, France.