Post-doctoral position: microfluidic-based sample handling

SOLEIL is the French national synchrotron facility, located on the Saclay Plateau in the Paris suburbs. It is a multi-disciplinary instrument and a research laboratory, whose mission is to run research programs using synchrotron radiation, to develop state-of-the-art instrumentation on the beamlines, and to make those available to the scientific community. SOLEIL, a unique tool for both academic research and industrial applications across a wide range of disciplines including physics, biology, chemistry etc., is used by over 5,000 researchers coming from France and abroad. It is based on a state-of-the-art synchrotron source, both in terms of brilliance and stability. The facility is a "public" company employing about 350 people, founded by the CNRS and the CEA, and partner of the Paris-Saclay University.

Postdoctoral position in life sciences: Microfluidic-based sample handling

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Researcher to work at the Synchrotron SOLEIL, within the Biology and Health scientific sections and the microfluidic laboratory for a 12 months, renewable.

The Synchrotron SOLEIL regroups several instruments applied to fundamental research as well as industrial applications. Within SOLEIL, the Health and Biology (HelioBio) scientific section makes use of specific approaches applying a large spectrum of the synchrotron light to tackle problematics relevant to life sciences in an integrated approach. Moreover, annex instruments are in place to favour sample preparation and characterisation, for a better understanding of the systems being studied.

For further information, please contact: Dr. Léonard CHAVAS - HelioBio scientific section responsible: leonard.chavas@synchrotron-soleil.fr

I. Missions

The postdoctoral duties will include coordinating most of the instruments, and more specifically the microfluidic laboratory and related equipments, provided by SOLEIL for studying the biology of oxygen sensitive samples in an integrated manner within the HelioBio team. The project involves developing specific tools for handling crystalline samples in oxygen-free environments. The overall project is in line with the scientific program of the HelioBio scientific section. In this context, the postdoctoral candidate will be involved in both the instrumental and scientific programs of different beamlines and laboratories within the section.

II. Qualifications and expertises

The postdoctoral candidate should hold a PhD degree in Physics, Materials Sciences, Life Sciences, or a relevant discipline, or have submitted his/her thesis prior to taking up the appointment. The candidate should have practical skills and experience in synchrotron facilities and resulting methodologies for imaging, sample characterisation and/or structure determination. Previous experience with microfluidic devices will be greatly appreciated.

The following aspects will be considered with the greatest attention:

• expertise in molecular and cellular biology
• proven knowledge of macromolecular crystallography
• capability in developing complex experimental equipment
• demonstrated experience in organizing the activity at shared experimental facilities

The candidate must be fluent in English (written and spoken). Knowledge of French is also desirable but not mandatory.