Université Grenoble Alpes in France has opened a full professorship in microbiology. The selected candidate will develop their research program on quantitative approaches in microbiology in the Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire de Physique

Laboratory presentation:
The Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Physics (LIPHy) is a joint unit of CNRS and Université Grenoble Alpes (UMR5588), conducting research at the interface between physics and other disciplines. In particular, the axis of Living Physics is strongly represented at the laboratory and involves close collaboration between biologists and physicists. Research in this field ranges from the development of innovative biotechnology and instrumental techniques to the study of fundamental biological questions such as the understanding and control of genetic circuits, cellular and intracellular organization, biological flows, tissue organization, and Darwinian evolution.

Scientific profile:
The successful candidate will conduct their research at LIPhy where they will play a coordinating role. The position focuses on quantitative approaches in microbiology. They will work closely with the laboratory’s physicists and mathematicians to develop their research on existing topics, such as:
– The study and quantitative, predictive modeling of genetic circuits in model bacteria;
– The genetic engineering of E. coli to produce molecules of interest, based on the aforementioned modeling or on computational RNA folding (RNA switches);
– The study of the role of stochasticity and non-genetic individuality in bacteria;
– The study and engineering of bacterial communities.

They may also develop new topics on related subjects (e.g., cell death, Darwinian evolution, microbial communities, etc.) and it Is expected that they have strong experience in one or more of the following areas:
– Bacterial genome engineering;
– The study of bacterial physiology (transcriptomics, proteomics…);
– The development of single-cell approaches;
– The dynamic study of gene expression and associated technologies (quantification of proteins, RNA) and control of their expression (e.g., optogenetics).

The successful candidate should be capable of setting up and managing collaborative research projects and securing research funding through responses to project calls.

Expected skills:
Applicants must show a strong interest in teaching as well as a high-level scientific record in accordance with UGA’s ambitions. They must identify with UGA’s values, that is, being open to the world, emphasising ethics and scientific integrity, showing an interest in teamwork and being committed to the community. They should also have a sense of responsibility, in particular with regard to environmental and social issues.

Context and educational objectives:
The recruited professor will teach microbiology in various programs within the Chemistry and Biology Department (UFR de Chimie et de Biologie), from Bachelor’s (licence) to Master’s level, through lectures, tutorials, and practical lab sessions. At the Bachelor’s level (L1 to L3), teaching will be delivered within existing course units such as Bacterial Genetics, Cellular Microbiology, Molecular Microbiology, or in interdisciplinary modules that include microbiology. At the Master’s level, the successful candidate will be expected to participate in the evaluation of internship modules (M1 and M2) as a bacteriology expert and to propose new educational content related to their research activities. They must have solid teaching experience in microbiology/bacteriology, be able to integrate into multiple teaching teams, and implement innovative
teaching methods. Finally, they are expected to contribute actively to the development and evolution of the microbiology curriculum.