Project
In the context of an ERC-funded project, we developed a unique longitudinal cohort to study the evolution of commensal Escherichia coli. We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to analyze 500+ E. coli genomes isolated at several timepoints from 50 healthy volunteers to unravel the bacterial genetic determinants of colonization dynamics. E. coli is a major pathogen but little is known of its commensal lifestyle; this project represents a unique opportunity to make important progress on these questions.

Missions
Develop and use bioinformatic pipelines to clean and analyse bacterial genomes and their link with host phenotypes and epidemiological dynamics (gene content, phylogenetic inference, pangenome analyses, SNPs calling, Genome-Wide Association Study, etc.)
Communicate findings at conferences and seminars.
Publish results in scientific journals.

Skills
Experience in genomics and bioinformatics.
Experience or strong interest in studying bacterial genome evolution.
Strong analytical skills.

The postdoctoral researcher will join two research groups: one in Quartier Latin in the center of Paris (Centre Interdisciplinaire de Recherche en Biologie, UMR CNRS 7241, Collège de France) specialised in mathematical models to study evolution, the other on the Bichat Medical School campus in the North of Paris (Infection, Antimicrobials, Modelling, Evolution, UMR INSERM 1137) specialised in infectious diseases ecology & evolution. These groups offer opportunities for collaborations with mathematical modellers, bioinformaticians, medical doctors, and biologists.

Duration initially 12 months. Salary around 3000 € per month, depending on numbers of years of experience post-PhD.

To apply, please send a CV and letter of motivation to francois.blanquart@college-de-france.fr by 31st May.