Application Guide

How to Apply for Postdoctoral position – Synthetic Biology / Bacterial Immunity

at Pasteur Institute

🏢 About Pasteur Institute

The Institut Pasteur is a globally recognized leader in infectious disease research with a 130-year legacy of groundbreaking discoveries, including the rabies vaccine. The Bikard lab specifically offers a unique environment at the intersection of fundamental microbiology and cutting-edge synthetic biology, focusing on bacteria-phage interactions. Working here means contributing to research with both deep scientific significance and potential applications in biotechnology and antimicrobial strategies.

About This Role

This postdoctoral position involves investigating genetic innovation at the bacteria-bacteriophage interface, with a focus on systems like CRISPR-Cas, novel anti-phage defenses, and Diversity Generating Retroelements (DGRs). You'll define your own research line within this scope, balancing fundamental discovery with developing novel tools to study and control bacteria. The role is impactful because it addresses both evolutionary biology questions and practical applications in synthetic biology and bacterial engineering.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve designing and performing experiments with bacterial cultures and bacteriophages in the morning, using molecular biology techniques to engineer genetic systems or analyze interactions. Afternoons could include data analysis from sequencing experiments, discussing results with lab members, and planning next steps for your independent research project. The environment balances hands-on bench work with collaborative problem-solving and literature review to advance understanding of bacterial immunity mechanisms.

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🎯 Who Pasteur Institute Is Looking For

  • Has a PhD in microbiology, molecular biology, synthetic biology, or a closely related field with hands-on experience in bacterial genetics and molecular cloning
  • Demonstrates research experience with bacteriophages, CRISPR systems, or retroelements, evidenced by publications or thesis work
  • Shows strong independent research initiative while being collaborative, able to define a project within the lab's focus on bacteria-phage interactions
  • Possesses computational skills for analyzing genomic data or interest in combining experimental work with bioinformatics approaches

📝 Tips for Applying to Pasteur Institute

1

Explicitly mention any experience with bacteriophage isolation, characterization, or phage-bacteria co-culture experiments in your CV

2

Highlight specific techniques you've used relevant to genetic systems (e.g., CRISPR screening, retroelement analysis, bacterial genetic engineering)

3

Review recent publications from the Bikard lab (available on PubMed or lab website) and reference how your skills align with their research direction

4

If you have preliminary data or project ideas related to anti-phage systems or DGRs, briefly mention them in your cover letter to show initiative

5

Emphasize both your interest in fundamental biology and potential applications, as the lab values this dual focus

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Explain your specific interest in bacteria-phage interactions and genetic innovation, referencing the lab's published work", 'Describe how your PhD research or technical skills (e.g., molecular biology, genomics, microbiology) prepare you for studying CRISPR-Cas, anti-phage systems, or DGRs', "Propose 1-2 potential research directions within the lab's scope that combine your expertise with their focus areas", "Demonstrate awareness of the Institut Pasteur's mission and how your research could contribute to understanding infectious diseases or developing new tools"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read recent publications from the Bikard lab (last 3-5 years) to understand their specific research questions and methodologies
  • → Explore the Institut Pasteur's broader research themes in infectious diseases and microbiology to contextualize the lab's work
  • → Investigate the lab's collaborations or ongoing projects mentioned on their website or in publications
  • → Review the history and significance of the Institut Pasteur, including its contributions to microbiology and public health

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Discuss your experience with bacteriophage experiments or CRISPR-based genetic systems in detail
2 Explain how you would approach defining an independent research project within the lab's focus on bacteria-phage interactions
3 Describe a technical challenge you've overcome in molecular microbiology and how you solved it
4 Share your thoughts on potential applications of anti-phage systems or DGRs in biotechnology or medicine
5 Ask informed questions about the lab's current projects, particularly their work on genetic innovation at the bacteria-phage interface
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic application without mentioning bacteriophages, CRISPR, or genetic systems relevant to the lab's focus
  • Failing to demonstrate knowledge of the Bikard lab's specific research areas beyond general synthetic biology
  • Not showing how your research interests align with both fundamental biology and practical applications emphasized in the job description

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

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Good luck with your application to Pasteur Institute!

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