Microbiology and Molecular Biology Intern
Eligo Bioscience
Eligo Bioscience develops a new class of biotherapeutics called Eligobiotics® that enable precision-editing of the microbiome. These phage-derived particles deliver synthetic DNA payloads into bacteria in situ. Eligobiotics® are developed for three types of applications:
1. Sequence-specific Antimicrobials: Eligobiotics® deliver a DNA payload into specific bacteria, which then express a CRISPR-Cas complex. An RNA guide the CRISPR-Cas complex to a specific complementary DNA sequence (target sequence),causing double-strand breaks and the subsequent death of the bacteria. Only bacteria carrying the specific target DNA sequence are killed, while other bacteria remain intact.
2. Gene Editing: Eligobiotics® deliver a DNA payload into specific bacteria, which then express a Base editor complex. An RNA guide steers the Base editor complex to a specific complementary DNA sequence (target sequence), leading to the
substitution of a selected nucleotide with another. Specific mutations can be introduced without killing the bacteria.
3. Function Addition to the Microbiome: Eligobiotics® deliver a DNA payload into specific bacteria, which then express one or multiple transgenes of interest. The protein of interest is typically a therapeutic protein.
— YOUR MISSION —
During the internship, you will develop and optimize Eligobiotic production using Microbiology and Molecular Biology techniques. This will involve:
- Cloning plasmids to perform phage genome engineering and/or bacterial genome engineering (deletions, insertions, modifications)
- Cloning DNA payloads to be packaged into phage-derived particles.
- Manufacturing of Eligobiotics including small scale fermentation, lysis, purification and titration of Eligobiotics.
- Testing the ability of produced Eligobiotics to deliver DNA, kill or base-edit target bacteria.
Microbiology techniques used throughout the internship include sterile isolation and growth, work in conditions of anaeroby, colony forming unit assay, plaque forming unit assay, transduction assay, fluorescence spectroscopy, flow cytometry, genomic DNA extraction, and RNA extraction. Molecular biology techniques used throughout the internship include Gibson assembly, Golden Gate assembly, gel electrophoresis, PCR, digital droplet PCR, colony PCR, sequence verification, and analysis by Sanger, nanopore and illumina sequencing.
You will be supervised by the VP Technology of Eligo Bioscience and will work as part of an international team
— APPLICANT PROFILE —
- Engineering or Master’s student in Microbiology, Genetics, Synthetic Biology, or related fields (from EU country)
- Proficient and comfortable speaking and writing in English with a multi-national team
- Ability to communicate across disciplines
- Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail
- Hard working and passionated
- Autonomy, initiative, adaptation, and team spirit
- General tech-savviness and nerdiness
What you will find at Eligo
- A team that is passionate, creative, driven, and at the top of their game
- A fast-paced, international, interdisciplinary, inspiring, and collaborative work environment
- An opportunity to apply cutting-edge technologies to solve real-world problems
- Office and lab easily accessible via public transit (metro lines 14 and 6, RER C, tram T3a, various bus lines)
- Secure parking for bikes on site
- Numerous options for lunch: many restaurants within walking distance, fully-equipped kitchen and cafeteria on the Eligo premises, and a Foodles workplace canteen in the common building space
- Last but not least...the Parisian life! (Brand-new lab and office space in Paris with a rooftop terrace from which we can see the Eiffel Tower sparkle ✨; 6-minute walk from the river Seine)