The proposed project aims at identifying all the actors involved in Staphylococcus aureus natural transformation, a new model organism in the field, as well as understanding the temporal and spatial interplay between these actors, in vivo, to perform horizontal gene transfer.

References relevant to the project:
– N Mirouze, C Ferret, C Cornilleau and R Carballido-lópez. Antibiotic sensitivity reveals that wall teichoic acids mediate DNA binding during competence in Bacillus subtilis. Nat Commun. (2018).
doi:10.1038/s41467-018-07553-8.
– N Mirouze, C Ferret, Z Yao, A Chastanet and R Carballido-lópez. MreB-dependent inhibition of cell elongation during the escape from competence in Bacillus subtilis. PLoS Genet. (2015). Jun
19;11(6):e1005299.
– Morikawa, K. et al. Expression of a cryptic secondary sigma factor gene unveils natural competence for DNA transformation in Staphylococcus aureus. PLoS Pathog (2012). 8, e1003003

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate (with a PhD in microbiology) to take on this exciting project in a collegial, interactive and international environment. Candidates with a background in S. aureus genetics as well as microscopy, image analysis and microfluidics are encouraged to apply. A very good level of spoken and written English is required.