PhD Student on ID10

The European Synchrotron, the ESRF, is an international research centre based in Grenoble, France.

Through its innovative engineering, pioneering scientific vision and a strong commitment from its 700 staff members, the ESRF is recognised as one of the top research facilities worldwide. Its particle accelerator produces intense X-ray beams that are used by thousands of scientists each year for experiments in diverse fields such as biology, medicine, environmental sciences, cultural heritage, materials science, and physics.

Supported by 21 countries, the ESRF is an equal opportunity employer and encourages diversity. 

Thesis Subject: Combination of X-Ray Photon Correlation Spectroscopy and Small Angle X-Ray Scattering to investigate Phase Separating Proteins 

Phase separations (PS) are revolutionizing biology [1]. However, the physics underlying PS even in simplified in vitro systems is poorly understood, requiring the development of new methodologies to probe PS formation, dynamics, structure and to develop predictive models governing its behaviour.

The proposed thesis project will use as a model the protein EARLY FLOWERING 3 (ELF3) from Arabidopsis thaliana, which has recently been shown to undergo PS in a temperature dependent manner. Recombinant ELF3 in the soluble, liquid condensed and hydrogel phases will be studied using a combination of X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy (XPCS) and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) in order to determine the structural and dynamic properties in the different phases. 

The project will be in collaboration between ESRF (Marco Cammarata and Mark Tully) and the Cell & Plant Physiology Laboratory in Grenoble (Chloe Zubieta).

It exploits different biophysical and structural techniques to characterise biological phase separation and will require to study a wide breadth of different techniques. This will also provide the student with extensive mobility opportunities. While the XPCS and SAXS experiments will be performed at the ESRF, we collaborate with the teams in Europe for molecular modelling and correlative microscopies. The student will have opportunities to visit and perform experiments with these collaborators. 

Further information may be obtained from Marco Cammarata (tel.: +33 (0)4 76 88 23-91, email: marco.cammarata@esrf.fr ) and Mark Tully (tel.: +33 (0)4 76 88 45-46, email: mark.tully@esrf.fr ). 

[1] https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-024-00547-1) 

- Master in Physics, Biophysics, Biology, or a related field

- Proficiency in Python or similar programming languages

- Self-motivated and self-driven

- A strong general interest in Biophysics

- Proficiency in English (working language at the ESRF)

The salary will be calculated on the basis of relevant qualifications and professional experience.

Do you recognize yourself in this description? Apply now for your next professional adventure!

What we offer:

- Join an innovative international research institute, with a workforce from 38 different countries

- Collaborate with global experts to advance science and address societal challenges

- Come and live in a vibrant city, in the heart of the Alps, and Europe's Green Capital 2022

- Enjoy a workplace designed to support your quality of life

- Benefit from our competitive compensation and allowances package, including financial support for your relocation to Grenoble For further information on employment terms and conditions, please refer to https://www.esrf.fr/home/Jobs/what-we-offer.html

The ESRF is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from disabled persons.