POST-DOC in Microbiology
A propos de nous
The AFIM team (Food, Fermentation, Interactions, and Microbiota), part of the Joint Research Unit for Food and Microbiological Processes (UMR PAM), conducts research in the fields of food microbiology, fermentation, microbial interactions, and the relationships between the microbiota and health.
The team's research aims to gain a better understanding of the role of microorganisms in complex food ecosystems, their interactions with their environment, and their potential effects on host health. The team brings together researchers and academic staff with complementary expertise in microbiology, microbial physiology, and the study of microorganism–host interactions.
The team's scientific activities are structured around four complementary research areas :
Microbial Functionalities and Fermentation Optimization : Characterization of the functional properties of microorganisms and improvement of fermentation processes
Microbial Adaptation and Fermentation Control : Investigation of the mechanisms underlying microbial adaptation to food environments and the control of fermentation ecosystems
Microbial Signaling and Host Responses : Investigation of microbial communication mechanisms and interactions between microorganisms and host cells
Microbiota Modulation and Its Impact on Health: Exploration of the relationships between the microbiota, diet, and health
Through its complementary scientific expertise and interdisciplinary approach, the AFIM team provides a stimulating research environment that supports the development of innovative research projects, the training of early-career researchers, and the dissemination and valorization of scientific findings.
Mission proposée
THE RESEARCH PROJECT
is structured around three complementary work packages (WPs) aimed at investigating the mechanisms underlying the antagonistic activity of Metschnikowia pulcherrima against food spoilage microorganisms.
WP1 – Pulcherriminic Acid Production and Antifungal Activity
Evaluation of M. pulcherrima strains for pulcherriminic acid production and antagonistic activity against food spoilage microorganisms to identify the most effective biocontrol strains.
WP2 – Characterization of Antagonistic Molecules
Purification and characterization of bioactive compounds, including potential killer toxins, and assessment of their inhibitory activity against target microorganisms.
WP3 – Microbial Interactions Using Microfluidics
Development of microfluidic and imaging approaches to investigate direct and indirect microbial interactions and identify cellular mechanisms involved in growth inhibition.
Together, these approaches will provide insights into the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the antagonistic activity of M. pulcherrima and help distinguish contact-dependent from diffusible molecule-mediated inhibitory effects.
POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH PROJECT – Main Responsibilities and Scientific Objectives
The postdoctoral research project aims to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the microbial antagonistic activity of the yeast Metschnikowia pulcherrima against food spoilage microorganisms. In particular, the project will focus on characterizing the molecules involved in this antagonistic activity, especially pulcherriminic acid and potential killer toxins, as well as deciphering microbial interactions at the single-cell level using microfluidic approaches and real-time imaging techniques.
Within this framework, the postdoctoral researcher will be responsible for the following main scientific activities :
Mission 1 : Investigate the Diversity of Pulcherriminic Acid Production and Evaluate the Antifungal Potential of M. pulcherrima Strains
Characterize the diversity of pulcherriminic acid production among a collection of M. pulcherrima strains
Evaluate the antagonistic activity of the different strains against three selected indicator food spoilage microorganisms
Investigate the relationship between pulcherriminic acid production and the observed antifungal activity
Identify strains exhibiting the most promising antagonistic properties for further investigation
Mission 2 : Identify and Characterize the Molecules Responsible for the Killer Activity of M. pulcherrima
Implement methods for the concentration, fractionation, and purification of proteins present in culture supernatants
Purify candidate molecules using protein precipitation, dialysis, ion-exchange chromatography, and size-exclusion chromatography
Assess the purity of the resulting protein fractions using SDS-PAGE electrophoresis
Characterize the killer activity of the purified fractions against the selected indicator microorganisms using both solid and liquid culture assays
Contribute to the identification of the molecules involved in the antagonistic activity and to a better understanding of their biological effects
Mission 3 : Decipher the Mechanisms of Microbial Interactions Using Microfluidic Approaches and Cellular Imaging
Develop and implement microfluidic devices suitable for investigating interactions between M. pulcherrima and the selected indicator microorganisms.
Investigate both direct cell-to-cell interactions and indirect interactions mediated by diffusible molecules.
Perform real-time monitoring of microbial interactions using microscopy and fluorescence imaging techniques.
Analyze changes in cellular behavior, including growth, budding, morphology, and cell viability.
Evaluate the effects of culture supernatants and purified antagonistic compounds on the physiology of target microorganisms.
Identify the cellular mechanisms associated with the inhibition of growth of the indicator microorganisms.
The postdoctoral researcher
works in close collaboration with the project's principal investigator, as well as with researchers, academic staff, research engineers, and technicians from the AFIM team within UMR PAM
also interacts with staff from technical and analytical platforms, particularly in the fields of microbiology, protein purification, microfluidics, and cellular imaging
collaborates with the project's scientific partners, participates in project progress meetings, and presents research findings at team meetings, seminars, and national and international scientific conferences.
Notre profil idéal
Candidate holding a PhD in microbiology, biotechnology, or microbial biology obtained less than 3 years ago. The PhD degree is mandatory at the time of taking up the position.
Proficiency in yeast cultivation and characterization, quantitative microbiology and molecular biology techniques, as well as experimental design and data analysis. Skills in genomics, omics approaches, or metabolite analysis would be an asset.
Knowledge of wine microbiology and microbial interactions would be appreciated. The position requires scientific rigor, independence, critical thinking, the ability to develop and optimize experimental methods, and the capacity to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
LANGUAGE
• French: Good — B2 minimum (daily interactions in the laboratory)
• English: Basic
POST INFORMATION AND WORKING CONDITIONS
Working conditions and particular constraints : No particular conditions.
Geographical location : IUVV, PAM Laboratory — University of Burgundy Europe (UBE), Dijon (21000), France.
Rights and obligations, including ethical and intellectual property obligations : The beneficiary (postdoctoral researcher) will be bound by professional secrecy with respect to third parties, not only regarding the laboratory activities related to the field of study and research, but also regarding any other laboratory activities of which they may become aware. They may not make any publications or written or oral communications relating to their research without the prior agreement of the Scientific Manager of the project. The postdoctoral researcher's publications and communications must necessarily be co-signed by the scientific supervisor of the research, who is a full member of the laboratory. The results of the research, whether "patentable" or not, will be the full and entire property of the laboratory, which may file patents in its name to protect the inventions made.
CONTRACT
Category A fixed-term contract
Anticipated contract start date: 23/11/2026
Contract duration: 12 months
Full time
Remuneration: From €2,417 to €2,550 gross monthly
APPLICATION – RECRUITMENT
The application file includes :
A complete CV (educational background, certifications, professional and academic experience, most significant publications, internships completed…),
A motivation/application letter
Application deadline : 19/11/2026
Information :
The recruitment process timelines may be impacted by the candidate's nationality (administrative procedures with prefectures and consulates) as well as by the context of the assigned laboratory (restricted access zone ZRR, sensitive unit, etc.) which may require the prior opinion of the Defense and Security Officer (DSO).