RESEARCH TECHNICIAN IN EXPERIMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTION MODELS - M/F

Description:

The recruited technician will join the project funded by the European Research Council (ERC) "Reconstructing the environmental, biological and societal drivers of plague outbreaks in Eurasia between 1300 and 1900 CE - Synergy-Plague".

Their mission will be to contribute to the experimental work of the project, at the interface between microbiology, molecular biology and infection models, with a significant part dedicated to the breeding and handling of fleas and lice in regulated environments by conducting the following activities:

Main activities:

• Ensure the breeding, monitoring and handling of insects (fleas and lice)
• Perform bacteriology experiments: cultures, counts and sample preparation
• Participate in infection experiments, particularly in insects, according to project protocols
• Implement molecular biology techniques according to experimental needs: nucleic acid extraction, PCR/RT-PCR, cloning, mutagenesis and sample preparation for sequencing
• Collect and format experimental results; report on the progress of activities

Associated activities:

• Manage stocks and orders related to the project.
• Ensure the proper functioning of laboratory spaces dedicated to the project and report any malfunctions.
• Ensure first-level maintenance and upkeep of the materials and equipment used.
• Participate in organizing the usage schedule for equipment and specific rooms.

Profile sought:

Expected technical skills:

• Practical experience in bacteriology and mastery of routine laboratory techniques: bacterial culture, counting and handling of biological samples
• Mastery of common molecular biology techniques, notably nucleic acid extraction and PCR; experience in cloning or mutagenesis is an asset

• Ability to use common laboratory equipment and software associated with experiments and the presentation of results
• Ability to work according to defined procedures, to ensure the traceability of activities and to strictly respect safety and security rules

English: written and oral comprehension allowing for the following of protocols and common scientific exchanges

Desired skills and experience:

• Experience working in a biological containment laboratory (P2 or P3) or in a regulated environment
• Specific training in animal experimentation. Practical experience is an asset

• Experience in the breeding or handling of arthropods and/or rodents is appreciated

Professional qualities:

• Experimental rigor, organizational skills and reliability in the execution of protocols
• Ability to work in a team, ability to communicate on the progress of experiments and to quickly report deviations or malfunctions

• Autonomy in routine activities and ability to adapt to the experimental constraints of the project

Environment and job constraints:

• Work in a confined environment or in a protected zone: P2/P3 laboratories, A3 animal house, A2/A3 insectarium and ZRR
• Work with microorganisms subject to ANSM MOT regulations and GMOs

• Handling of animals
• Occasionally shifted hours depending on experimental constraints