Postdoctoral position in Grenoble Genetic and biochemical characterization of the early steps of coenzyme Q biosynthesis in yeast and humans

A 22 months post-doc position financed by the FRM (Fondation pour la Recherche Médicale) is available in the Laboratory of Chemistry and Biology of Metals (LCBM) in Grenoble, France. The LCBM (UMR5249) is located at CEA Grenoble and involves researchers from CEA, CNRS and Grenoble University. The laboratory belongs to the iRTSV institute which offers state-of-the-art core facilities and platforms in a highly dynamic and international environment. Description of the project: We are looking for a motivated Postdoctoral Research Scientist with knowledge of the fields of cellular metabolism, biochemistry and genetics to work under the supervision of Dr Fabien Pierrel in the Biocat team. The group studies the biosynthesis of coenzyme Q (Q), a redox lipid essential for the transfer of electrons in the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Through a combination of biochemical and genetic approaches on the yeast S. cerevisiae, we have recently characterized the function of several genes involved in Q biosynthesis (Pierrel et al, Chem. Biol 2010 and 2011, JBC 2012). The multistep synthesis of the precursor of Q is still not defined and we have identified a new gene involved in this pathway. The successful candidate will elucidate the function of this new gene via biochemical techniques, assess its conservation in human cells and identify the other genes involved in the pathway. The aim of the project is to obtain a detailed genetic and biochemical knowledge of the biosynthesis of the precursor of Q in yeast and human cells. Candidate’s profile: Candidates should have a PhD with a strong background in cellular metabolism and must be able to design and perform experiments using S. cerevisiae and human cell lines. Expertise in HPLC-MS or GC-MS is highly desirable. Period: 22 months starting September 2014 Application: deadline: April 25th 2014 Individuals who are interested in the post should email ([email protected] ) a Curriculum Vitae with a letter of motivation, research interests, technical skills and the name and email of three referees. http://www-dsv.cea.fr/instituts/institut-de-recherches-en-technologies-et-sciences-pour-levivant-irtsv/unites/chimie-et-biologie-des-metaux-cbm/equipe-biocatalyse/formation-descentres-binucleaires-a-fer-et-biosynthese-du-coenzyme-q#anchor_CoQ