Research Engineer (M/F) in Biochemistry and Structural Biology – 1-Year Fixed-Term Contract (Re[...]

Overview

A research engineer (ingénieur d’etudes) position is available in the "Viral Genome Stability" research group, led by Ashleigh Shannon . This group is part of the "Structure and Function of Replicases" team (led by Bruno Canard) at the Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques (AFMB) in Marseille, France .

The position will be fully funded by NidoRep (Project ), a European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grant led by Dr Ashleigh Shannon (principal investigator (PI)), with contracts managed by the CNRS. The engineer will provide direct technical support to the group, which currently consists of the PI and two PhD students, with a postdoctoral researcher joining in early 2027. The role involves assisting the team in various scientific tasks, including: Cloning and site-directed mutagenesis, recombinant protein production and purification, enzymatic activity characterization through biochemical and biophysical techniques, RNA analysis using diverse methods.

Project background:

The project aims to explore how distinct viruses of the order Nidovirales regulate viral replication on a structural and functional level. Nidoviruses represent an intriguing group of +RNA viruses, whose diverse genome sizes (11-41 kb) reflect a long history of adaptation to suit specific niches. They remain mostly neglected, with the exception of the large-genome Coronaviridae (CoV) family (32 kb), which includes the notorious human pathogen SARS-CoV-2. At the other end of the size-spectrum is the small-genome Arteriviridae (ArV) family (11 kb), an understudied group of prevalent, animal-infecting pathogens which pose a significant threat for spillover into humans. NidoRep aims to decipher how specific viral enzymes from the CoV and ArV families have structurally and functionally evolved. It will specifically focus on the viral replication transcription complex (RTC), at the core of which is the RNA polymerase and its unique N-terminal domain, known as the NiRAN.

Responsibilities

Activities: The Research Engineer will provide technical and scientific support to ensure the progress of the ERC project. Their responsibilities will include assisting team members in conducting experiments and contributing to the advancement of the project’s scientific objectives.

Specific Tasks:

• Production and purification of recombinant proteins in bacterial and insect cell systems
• DNA manipulation, including cloning, purification, PCR, site-directed mutagenesis
• Enzymatic assays (polymerases, nucleotidyltransferases, etc.) to evaluate activity and kinetics
• Biophysical methods (BLI, MST, fluorescence polarization) to study molecular interactions
• Preparation of protein and protein-RNA complexes for structural biology (SEC-SAXS, crystallography, or cryo-EM)
• RNA manipulation and analysis: purification via diverse techniques, sequencing gels, reverse transcription, and quantification
• Analysis of small molecules and proteins by mass spectrometry (LC/MS)

Profile

• Masters degree or equivalent (in the fields of structural biology, molecular biology, biochemistry or related)
• Strong enthusiasm for hands-on laboratory work and a collaborative approach in a scientific team environment, with a commitment to data and knowledge sharing
• Highly motivated with the ability to quickly become autonomous in assigned tasks

Technical Skills

• Molecular Biology: Cloning, PCR, site-directed mutagenesis, RNA manipulation (purification, amplification, quantification, reverse transcription)
• Protein Production and Purification: Experience with E. coli systems. ÄKTA purification systems (major asset)
• Biochemistry/biophysical techniques: Knowledge in techniques such as LC/MS, SEC-MALS, co-immunoprecipitation, crosslinking, western blots, ITC, BLI, MST, fluorescent polarization will be highly favoured
• Data and Project Management: Rigorous deadline management, traceability of results (archiving, reporting, quality assurance)
• Computational Skills: Familiarity with ChimeraX, PyMOL, Benchling, Python, or Linux command line (additional asset)
• Language: English mandatory (written and spoken), French (asset)

Position details

Position: 1-Year contract (Renewable), full-time, on-site (Remote work is not eligible for this position)

Salary: Remuneration between €2,742 and €3,312 per month (gross salary), depending on level of experience

Start date: From 1 September 2026

To apply: please send a CV, letter of motivation, and two reference letters to

Deadline: 1st July 2026

Interviews: for selected candidates will be conducted during July