Role of quorum sensing in intestinal co-colonization by Salmonella enterica and Campylobacter j[...]
Organisation/Company Université de Poitiers Department UMR CNRS 7267 Research Field Biological sciences » Biology Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 31 May 2026 - 12:00 (Europe/Paris) Country France Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 9 Sep 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description
The project aims to identify new solutions to prevent avian and human infections caused by the two bacteria most frequently reported in many countries as agents of foodborne gastroenteritis, Salmonella enterica (Sa) and Campylobacter (Ca)spp. Its main objective is to understand how these pathogens colonize the intestine and disrupt microbiota balance, focusing on the role of the bacterial intercellular communication system known as quorum sensing (QS). To this end, an avian microbiota cultivated in vitro will be used to identify the molecular mechanisms involved in colonization. In parallel, the project will explore new strategies to combat these pathogens by evaluating, both in vitro and in vivo (in chickens), the effectiveness of bacterial strains and molecules that inhibit QS (quorum quenching). Ultimately, this project aims to propose innovative approaches to control Salmonella and Campylobacter both at the farm level and during human infections.
Methodology
First, the project will investigate the impact of colonization by Sa and Ca, alone or in co-infection, on the composition and activity of the avian intestinal microbiota. Changes in the bacterial community will be analyzed by 16S sequencing, and associated metabolic variations will be explored using a global metabolomics approach. Second, the role of QS mechanisms in colonization will be examined. Mutant strains will be used to assess the importance of these systems for their ability to establish within an avian microbiota grown in vitro. Finally, control strategies based on the use of molecules that inhibit bacterial communication will be tested in this model. The most promising approaches will then be evaluated in vivo in broiler chickens to measure their effectiveness on bacterial colonization and their impact on the intestinal microbiota.
Where to apply
Requirements
Research Field Biological sciences » Biology Education Level Master Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
- Strong knowledge in general and molecular microbiology.
- Mastery of bacterial culture techniques.
- Familiarity with molecular biology techniques (PCR, qPCR, cloning; directed mutagenesis would be a plus).
- Basic knowledge of bacterial biochemistry and metabolism.
- Basics in metabarcoding (16S rRNA data analysis).
- Basics in metabolomics.
- Basic knowledge in biostatistics and data analysis.
Languages FRENCH
Research Field Biological sciences » Biology Years of Research Experience None
Additional Information
Work Location(s)
Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Laboratoire Ecologie et biologie des Interactions Country France State/Province Vienne City Poitiers Postal Code 86000 Street 3 rue Jacques Fort Geofield
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