Modeling and Learning from Protein Function to Microbial Communities (MicroFunML)
keywords : modeling, machine learning, genomics, protein function and structure, metabolism, microbial communities
The Genomic Metabolic research unit at Genoscope, specialized on environmental genomics and biotechnological applications, is seeking candidates for a CNRS Tenure-Track position (Junior Professor Chair) in computational biology. The hired researcher will create her/his own team to develop modeling and deep learning approaches to tackle fundamental biological questions, such as the relationships between protein sequence, structure and function, or the dynamics of microbial communities and their adaptation to environmental changes.
Research project may focus on, but are not limited to, the following topics:
- Structural analysis and protein language models for uncovering functions of enzymes and investigating their dynamics in protein design
- Genome-scale metabolic modeling of microorganisms and their interactions
- Modeling of microbial communities, integrating environmental genomic data with physicochemical parameters.
Beyond the fundamental understanding of biological systems, this research is expected to pave the way for innovative approaches in biotechnology, particularly in the areas of biocatalysis and synthetic biology.
The successful candidate will work in a highly interdisciplinary environment, benefiting from expertise in genomics, bioinformatics, molecular biology, metabolic engineering, microbiology, and biochemistry. In particular, our strong involvement in Tara Oceans and ATLASea projects enables exploration of oceanic ecosystems and comprehension of symbiotic or mutualistic relationships in relation to environmental pressures. He/She will also have access to large-scale datasets produced by environmental genomics projects, in vivo long term evolution experiments (GENEMAT devices) or functional screening efforts on hundreds of enzymes (FunDivEx platform). The Genomic Metabolic research unit is a leading European center in environmental genomics for combining computational analyses with experimental validation, fostering integrative biology strategies.
A starting package will offer substantial support to help establish the researcher’s activities, including funding for personnel and operational costs. The researcher will also benefit from IT support (storage and computing resources) and dedicated administrative assistance to facilitate access to national and international funding opportunities.
Profile
- A PhD degree with several years of experience in bioinformatics or computational biology
- A strong publication track record in the field.
Location
Genoscope, Evry, France (30 km south of Paris)
Contact
For further information, please contact Véronique de Berardinis and Patrick Wincker by sending your CV and a brief statement of interest to CNRS-CPJ2025@genoscope.cns.fr. Details about the official application process will be provided in due course on the CNRS website for the 2025 Chair recruitment campaign.