By scholarshipswithaakash@gmail.com 
Oomycetes are among the most devastating organisms impacting global agriculture. From potato blight to cacao diseases, these pathogens threaten food security and biodiversity. If you are passionate about molecular biology, plant pathology, and want to contribute to agricultural sustainability, the Oomycete DIX Domain‑Containing Protein Internship at INRAE in Sophia Antipolis offers an outstanding opportunity.
1. What is the Oomycete DIX Domain & Musketeer Protein?
What are Oomycetes?
Oomycetes are filamentous microorganisms related to algae, often called water molds. Not true fungi, they belong to the SAR supergroup (Stramenopiles–Alveolates–Rhizaria), which includes diatoms and brown algae. Oomycetes such as Phytophthora species cause devastating plant diseases.
DIX Domain & Musketeer Family
Recently, researchers (Kostareli et al., 2025) identified a new family of proteins in oomycetes, named Musketeers, that all contain a DIX (Dishevelled, Axin) domain. In other eukaryotes (plants and animals), DIX domains are involved in establishing cell polarity, signal transduction, and regulating developmental processes. The Musketeer proteins localize specifically to ventral grooves of motile zoospores and interact with each other.
Why this matters
Understanding what Musketeer proteins do in oomycetes can help decipher how Phytophthora and relatives infect plants, move, and survive. Such knowledge may inform new strategies to control plant disease—important to sustainable agriculture, food security, and environmental preservation.
2. Why Functional Characterization Matters
Functional characterization of a protein includes determining where it acts, with what partners, and what happens when it is missing. For the Musketeer DIX domain protein, functional characterization will enable:
- Understanding subcellular dynamics, especially during infection and life cycle transitions such as zoospore motility.
- Determining interaction networks, which may reveal virulence factors or essential regulators.
- Assessing phenotypic consequences of gene disruption, potentially pinpointing vulnerability points.
These studies have direct translational potential: identifying new targets for crop protection, or markers for breeding disease-resistant plants. They also contribute to scientific knowledge in cell polarity, microbial pathogenesis, and host–pathogen interactions.
3. Internship Details: What You’ll Do
This Master 2 internship is designed to give you hands‑on experience in molecular biology, cell biology, plant pathology and bioinformatics. Here’s the breakdown of the main tasks you’ll undertake:
A. Subcellular Localization Studies
- Use confocal microscopy to observe where the Musketeer protein localizes in the oomycete cell during different stages (e.g., zoospore, infection structures).
- Also observe in planta (during infection of host plants) to see how localization might change.
- Live imaging may be involved, possibly with tagged protein fusions (e.g., fluorescent proteins).
B. Protein‑Protein Interaction: Immunoprecipitation & Mass Spectrometry
- Design and perform immunoprecipitation (IP) experiments to pull down the Musketeer protein along with binding partners.
- Collaborate with teams in Cambridge for mass spectrometry (MS) to identify these partners.
- Validate interactions, possibly via co‑immunoprecipitation or yeast two‑hybrid etc.
C. Gene Knock‑Out Using CRISPR/Cas & Phenotypic Analysis
- Use CRISPR/Cas genome editing to knock out the gene encoding the Musketeer protein.
- Design plasmids via Gibson Assembly, transform Phytophthora, and select mutants.
- Analyze phenotypes: motility, infection success, development, etc.
Throughout, you will be guided by supervisors (PhD student & PI), with additional collaboration with Wageningen University on cell biology and pathogen development.
4. Training, Skills & Eligibility
Required / Desired Qualifications:
- Must be enrolled in a Master’s program (M1 or M2) in Plant Biology, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Microbiology, or related discipline.
- Motivated by studies in host–pathogen interactions and protein function.
- Good command of scientific English, both spoken and written.
- Previous laboratory experience in molecular biology, microbiology, or biochemistry is a plus.
Technical Skills You’ll Gain or Strengthen:
- Confocal microscopy / live imaging.
- Protein work: immunoprecipitation, mass spectrometry.
- Genome editing via CRISPR/Cas; plasmid design and transformation techniques.
- In planta infection assays; phenotypic characterization.
- Scientific communication; collaboration in international teams.
5. Benefits & Work Environment
What makes this internship especially attractive:
- Hands‑on experience: not just observing but executing cutting‑edge techniques.
- International collaboration: cooperation with researchers in Cambridge and Wageningen.
- Potential continuation: possibility to apply for the doctoral school at Côte d’Azur University, leading to a PhD.
- Supportive environment: daily supervision, mentoring, skill development.
- Work‑life benefits: up to 30 days of annual leave plus “Reduction of Working Time” days; cultural, sporting, social support; childcare and leisure services.
Work base: UMR INRAE PACA, Institut Sophia Agrobiotech, Sophia Antipolis, France. A dynamic research unit focusing on plant‑microbe interactions.
6. How to Apply & Application Tips
Application Components:
- Motivation letter: explain why you are interested, how your background fits, and your career goals.
- CV: academic and lab experience, skills, publications (if any), etc.
- Transcript of your 1st year MSc (M1) courses.
- Reference: The offer reference is OT‑27399.
Important Deadlines:
- Start Date: 05/01/2026
- Application Deadline: 30/10/2025
Tips for a Strong Application:
- Demonstrate interest in oomycetes, DIX domains or similar domains, host‑pathogen interactions.
- Highlight any prior experience with microscopy, molecular cloning, CRISPR or similar methods.
- In motivation, mention desire for scientific growth, potential continuation into PhD; show that you see this as more than just an internship.
- If you have any prior publications, lab presentations, or collaborations, include them.
7. FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about this internship:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Who is eligible for this internship? | Students enrolled in Master 1 or Master 2 (or equivalent) in Plant Biology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biotechnology or related fields. |
| Is prior experience in CRISPR or microscopy mandatory? | Not absolutely; it is a plus. The project offers training, but having hands‑on experience will give you a stronger application. |
| What is the duration and commitment? | 6 months full‑time internship starting about 5 January 2026. |
| Is there a possibility of extension into a PhD? | Yes — upon mutual agreement, you will be supported to apply for the Côte d’Azur University doctoral school competition. |
| Will I get a stipend or financial support? | Internships in France through INRAE often offer financial support (internship allowance), but you should check specific terms; also cost of visa, housing, travel need planning. |
| What are the working conditions? | Scientific laboratory environment; collaborative; opportunities for remote mentoring (online meetings) as well as hands‑on bench work and microscopy. |
| Is language a barrier? | English proficiency is required; working language will include English for writing and possibly for meetings. French knowledge might be helpful but not mandatory. |
8. Conclusion
If you are a motivated postgraduate student passionate about molecular biology, plant pathology, and want to contribute to meaningful and high‑impact research, the Oomycete DIX Domain‑Containing Protein Internship at INRAE is a superb opportunity. You will learn advanced techniques, be part of an international research network, and possibly transition into a PhD program.
Don’t miss the application deadline of 30 October 2025. Prepare your motivation letter, CV, and transcripts, highlight your lab experience, and let your enthusiasm for pathogen biology shine through 🔍🌱.
External Links & Resources 🔗
- Kostareli, M.M. et al. (2025). Diversification of DIX domain‑containing proteins in the SAR supergroup. mBio: e0396624.
- INRAE UMR PACA / Institut Sophia Agrobiotech official site
- Côte d’Azur University Doctoral School of Life and Environmental Sciences
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