- Scientific background – Host organization :
The engineer will join the Architecture and Function of Biological Macromolecules Laboratory (AFMB), a joint research unit (UMR 7257) of Aix-Marseille University (AMU) and the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS). The AFMB is located in Marseille, on the Luminy campus of the University of Aix-Marseille. The laboratory comprises 5 research teams and 3 scientific-technical platforms. The core of AFMB’s work is to describe the architecture of proteins, or macromolecular structures, at the molecular level in order to determine their functions.
The engineer will join the glycogenomics team involved in the development of the CAZy (Carbohydrate-Active enZymes) database and the CAZy bioinformatics platform. CAZy is the international reference for the classification of carbohydrate-active enzymes. Updated monthly, the CAZy database provides a detailed classification of enzymes into families based on their sequence similarity. It also provides functional information, making it a key reference point for glycobiology and enzymology research.
The glycogenomics team, led by Nicolas Terrapon, consists of 5 permanent members and 4 non-permanent members. In the context of this vacancy, the engineer recruited will report to Vincent Lombard, CNRS research engineer in charge of the CAZy platform and the technical development of the CAZy database.
- Tasks and activities :
The research engineer will be involved in a collaborative research project with the Sorbonne University, funded by the French National Research Agency (ANR). He/She will be in charge of the bioinformatics analysis of the CAZyme families involved in the DEFINE project (Deep Learning for the functional classification of carbohydrate-active enzymes). He/She will set up analysis datasets to implement an artificial intelligence pipeline for functional prediction of CAZyme families and sub-families. The results will be stored in a database linked to the project that he/she will create.
Main activity
The person recruited will :
Be responsible for carrying out part of the analyses by developing scripts in R or Python, in close collaboration with the glycogenomics team.
Manage large-scale data organisation.
Ensure data deposit in public databases.
Attend DEFINE project meetings.
Secondary activity
Assist a trainee in the creation of a website for CAZy.
- Qualifications :
A 5 year degree in bioinformatics, computational biology, genomics or related fields is required. We’re looking for a motivated, organised and rigorous team player with solid programming skills (R, Python, etc.).
Experience in artificial intelligence and database construction is highly appreciated. Knowledge of protein sequence analysis and enzyme biology would also be an advantage.
An acceptable level of English (TOEIC score) and good communication skills are required.
Administrative framework :
Workplace : Marseille, Luminy Campus, located in the Parc National des Calanques.
Type of contract : 18-month fixed-term contract managed by the AMU.
Start date : by 01 January 2025 at the latest
Working hours : Full-time (100%)
Educational level required : 7 (Bac +5 / Master)
To apply, please send your CV + cover letter to : [email protected]