PH D offer Title of the thesis :: Valorisation of the microbiota naturally present in the Brazilian dairy production chain

THESIS SUBJECT 

The fight against antibiotic resistance is a global societal challenge, leading to the introduction of alternatives in animal production and a more rational use of antibiotics as part of a One Health approach. Similarly, ensuring the microbiological safety of food products while limiting the use of chemical preservatives and food waste is a major economic challenge, leading to a growing need for alternative sources of natural bioactive compounds with antimicrobial activity. This is the context of this PhD project, which aims to explore new microbial strains and/or molecules with antagonistic activity and probiotic properties. To this end, the work programme for this project is divided into several parts: 1- Isolation and identification of microbial strains from Brazilian dairy products and cheeses will be carried out. In parallel, a global microbial analysis by metabarcoding will be carried out in collaboration with the University of Liège (Belgium). 2- Screening of antagonistic bacterial and fungal strains will be carried out. The target(s) of antagonism would be chosen according to the interest in agri-food or animal health. 3- The antagonism of the strains will be characterised to determine the mode of action of the molecules involved. 4- The probiotic properties of the strains of interest and the characterisation of the antagonistic molecules could be studied. . 

Thesis will start on October 1st 2025 

Applicant’s profile: 

- The candidate must be able to travel between Brazil and France and be fluent in English.

- The candidate with a Master's degree (in biology, biochemistry, microbiology) must be proficient in microbiological techniques and have a basic knowledge of biochemistry. Knowledge of bioinformatics and/or mass spectrometry would be an advantage. 

Skills required: Good organisational skills, ability to work in a team and to report results. How to apply: Candidates must send their CV (max. 1 page), a covering letter and academic transcripts of the last 3 years to F. Coucheney and L. Nero. 

Contact (email address) : francoise.coucheney@univ-lille.fr; nero@ufv.br 

Applications should be sent before May 14 th 2025 (deadline