Post-doctoral position available
INSTITUT DE BIOLOGIE MOLÉCULAIRE ET CELLULAIRE
STRASBOURG, France
STUDY OF HOST-PATHOGEN RELATIONSHIPS IN Drosophila melanogaster
A three-year post-doctoral position funded by the Agence Nationale de la Recherche is
immediately available for a BACTERIOLOGIST to work in the group directed by
Dominique FERRANDON in the UPR9022 of the CNRS in Strasbourg.
A better understanding of infectious diseases will be gained by the genetic analysis of both
host and pathogen, coupled with molecular biology, cell biology, and physiological techniques. The
model organism Drosophila melanogaster is ideally suited for this endeavor thanks to its ease of
rearing, the availability of potent genetic tools, and almost a century of research. In addition, the
absence of an adaptive immune response allows a relatively straightforward analysis of mutant
phenotypes at the organismal or at the cellular level. Our laboratory has so far focused on the systemic
innate immune response. We have recently developed an intestinal infection model of Drosophila by
the enterobacteriaceae Serratia marcescens. This potent entomopathogen kills flies within a day
following a septic injury. In contrast, S. marcescens slays its host in a week when fed to adult
Drosophila, even though it escapes rapidly from the gut into the insect’s body cavity. We are currently
characterizing the Drosophila host defense in this infection model. The aim of the project is to identify
and characterize the unique virulence factors that allow S. marcescens to traverse the intestine and to
resist the host immune response. A genetic analysis will be performed to this end in both wild-type
and mutant Drosophila.
The UPR9022 has become a renowned leader in the field of Drosophila innate immunity
under the guidance of Pr. J. Hoffmann. It is well funded and is equipped with state of the art
facilities. Strasbourg offers a rich intellectual environment, both scientifically and culturally. This
lively and picturesque city, capital of Europe, located in the center of the upper Rhine valley, provides
attractive living conditions.
We are looking for a highly motivated and gifted bacteriologist who will complement our
expertise in Drosophila immunity. No previous experience of Drosophila genetics is required.
Interested candidates should send their CV, a statement of research interests and the names and
coordinates of three referees to Dr. Dominique Ferrandon.
Dr. Dominique FERRANDON, Directeur de Recherche au CNRS
Equipe Fondation Recherche Médicale
Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire. UPR 9022 - Réponse Immunitaire et Développement chez les Insectes
15, Rue René Descartes - 67084 STRASBOURG CEDEX (FRANCE)
E-mail:
D.Ferrandon@ibmc.u-strasbg.fr
Live dissected intestine of a tubulin-GFP transgenic fly with ingested DsRed-labeled Serratia
