The post-doctoral researcher will study the molecular and cellular mechanisms used by bacterial viruses (bacteriophages or phages) to (i) selectively encapsidate their DNA into preformed viral procapsids and (ii) how errors in this process lead to the encapsidation of bacterial DNA in viral particles (transduction). The genetic cargo carried by such transducing particles is a major source of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) leading to rapid dissemination of antibiotic resistance, pathogenicity factors, and other genetic elements within bacterial communities.

Research will be carried out with bacteriophage SPP1 that infects the Gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis. The project builds on the extensive knowledge on bacteriophage SPP1 DNA packaging (Nucleic Acids Res 41, 340-354; J. Mol. Biol. 429, 1381-1395; Nat. Commun. 10, 4840; PNAS 118, e2018297118; Nat Commun 13, 7283) and on the recent finding that this phage can rapidly evolve to become a highly efficient gene transfer agent.

- Conduct research using molecular biology (cloning, construction of recombinant viruses, ChIP-Seq, NGS data analysis, transcriptomics), biochemistry (purification and characterization of proteins, characterization of protein-DNA complexes in vivo and in vitro) and possibly bacterial cell imaging approaches.

- Maintain an up-to-date register of research work and experimental data following the regulations of the Institute and ANR. Carry out data analysis. Writing and presentation of research results in English.

- Follow-up of scientific and methodological literature in the research field

The "Bacteriophages of Gram-positive bacteria" host team studies the assembly of tailed bacteriophages and the infection of Gram-positive bacteria by these viruses (https://www.i2bc.paris-saclay.fr/bacteriophages- of-gram-positive-bacteria/).

The team is hosted in the Department of Virology of the Institute of Integrative Cell Biology (I2BC) (https://www.i2bc.paris-saclay.fr/). I2BC offers an outstanding multidisciplinary environment for research in molecular and cellular biology in the CNRS campus of Gif-sur-Yvette (Paris-Saclay, Ile de France). The Institute hosts 60 research teams whose activity is supported by cutting-edge technological platforms of NGS, bioinformatics, proteomics, microscopy, biophysics and structural biology among others (https://www.i2bc.paris-saclay.fr /facilities/).