PhD student at ILL: Studying Lipid Droplet-Dengue Virus Interactions by Neutron Scattering
The European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) in Grenoble, France, offers a fully funded PhD position in collaboration with the Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL), focusing on the biophysical mechanisms of dengue virus replication. The project, titled 'Lipid Droplets as Biophysical Models for Understanding Viral Replication: Molecular Mechanisms of Dengue Capsid Protein Binding Probed by Neutron Scattering,' aims to unravel how dengue virus capsid proteins interact with lipid droplet surfaces—a process central to viral replication and disease progression.
As a PhD student, you will join the Large-Scale Structures group at ILL, the world’s leading neutron science facility, and work with state-of-the-art instruments such as small-angle neutron scattering (SANS/USANS) and neutron reflectometers. These tools allow for the detailed investigation of molecular-scale structures at complex interfaces, using contrast variation techniques to probe interactions invisible to other methods. The research will deploy quantitative neutron scattering to directly study the structure and binding of dengue capsid proteins and their peptide analogues with artificial lipid droplet models and Langmuir monolayers incorporating the LD-surface protein Plin3. This approach will help disentangle specific protein-Plin3 interactions, providing mechanistic insights that could inform future anti-dengue strategies.
The project is highly interdisciplinary, involving collaborations with the University of Bristol (UK) for lipid droplet and liposome preparation, the University of Manchester (UK) for peptide synthesis, the Jerzy Haber Institute (Poland) for Plin3 expression, and the University of Galway (Ireland) for molecular dynamics simulations. The successful candidate will be enrolled in the doctoral school at the University of Bristol and based full-time at ILL in Grenoble, with annual secondments to partner institutions for specialized training and research activities.
Applicants should have a strong background in biophysics, chemistry, physics, or a closely related discipline. Experience with soft matter, lipids, protein interactions, or surface science is highly desirable, and familiarity with scattering techniques, Langmuir monolayer methods, or structural biology is a plus. Programming skills for data analysis and strong laboratory skills are expected. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in English (B2 level or equivalent), and comply with the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions mobility rule (not having resided in France for more than 12 months in the past three years). You must not already be working towards or in possession of a doctoral degree, and must hold a master’s degree at the application deadline.
The position offers full funding for three years, including stipend, tuition, travel for secondments, and a varied pedagogical training programme. The research environment is international and collaborative, with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge science and develop skills across biophysics, structural biology, and virology. The application deadline is March 6, 2027. For further information, contact Prof. D. Zákutná ([email protected]), Dr. S. Ayscough ([email protected]), or Prof. W. H. Briscoe ([email protected]).
To apply, submit your application online via the provided links, including your CV, cover letter, proof of English proficiency, and academic transcripts. Ensure you meet all eligibility requirements before submitting your application.
