Junior research scientist in epigenomics : contribution of the epigenetic mechanisms to the development and the response to stresses of a grafted plant

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INRAE presentation

INRAE, the French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food, and Environment, is a public research organization bringing together 12,000 employees across 272 units in 18 centers across France. As the world’s leading institute specializing in agriculture, food, and the environment, INRAE plays a key role in supporting the necessary transitions to address global challenges.

Faced with population growth, food security challenges, climate change, resource depletion, and biodiversity loss, INRAE is committed to developing scientific solutions and supporting the evolution of agricultural, food, and environmental practices.

INRAE is recruiting researchers by open competition and offering permanent position.

Work environment, missions and activities

You will work in the EGFV joint research unit (INRAE, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux Sciences Agro), which has 46 permanent staff and around 15 non-permanent staff and is located at the Institut des Sciences de la Vigne et du Vin on the INRAE Bordeaux campus (Villenave d'Ornon). The research unit is structured into four themes (ROOTi, ADAPT, QUALyGrapE, GENEPI), whose studies focus on the adaptation of vines to their environment in the context of climate change, at scales ranging from the plant to the vineyard.
You will be involved in the activities of the GENEPI theme, which focuses on the study of complex interactions between genomes and epigenomes. The objectives of GENEPI are to study the relative contribution of epigenomes versus genomes to phenotypic variations in grafted vines, and to exploit epigenetic memory in an agro-ecological context.
In this context, you will develop an epigenetic research project with the aim of studying the epigenetic dialogue between grafting partners. You will assess the consequences of grafting on the epigenetic landscape of the graft and the rootstock. You will study the mechanisms underlying the epigenetic dialogue between the graft partners and the influence of their genotype on this dialogue.
In this context, you will develop an epigenetic research project with the aim of studying the epigenetic dialogue between grafting partners. You will assess the consequences of grafting on the epigenetic landscape of the graft and the rootstock. You will study the mechanisms underlying the epigenetic dialogue between the graft partners and the influence of their genotype on this dialogue. You will assess the importance of epigenetic exchanges in the grafted plant on the expression of the grapevine's adaptive traits to the environment. Finally, you will look at the epigenetic memory of the grafted plant and its phenotypic consequences over time (trans-annual memory) and during vegetative propagation (intergenerational memory).
To achieve these objectives, you will combine the integration of ‘omics’ data (epigenomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, small RNAs) with the phenotypic characterisation of grafted plants. On your arrival, you will be integrated into current projects and will quickly be given the task of developing innovative work to study the development of grafted vines and their complex interactions with the environment. To do this, you will be encouraged to collaborate with scientists from the UMR's other research themes.

Training and skills

A molecular biologist and/or geneticist by training, with solid skills in bioinformatics and a good knowledge of plant physiology, you will have in-depth knowledge of the concepts involved in studying epigenetic processes and practical experience of the problems associated with this discipline.
Mastery of the bioinformatics approaches needed to analyse epigenomes, particularly methylomes, and to integrate data (metabolomics, transcriptomics, small RNAs) is essential.
You will also have to use the wealth generated by the sequencing of the genomes of numerous grapevine species/varieties for this purpose, in order to establish functional links between allelic diversity of genes involved in epigenetic control and epigenetic plasticity of graft partners in relation to environmental constraints.
You will have proven experience of managing and carrying out experimental work in greenhouses and laboratories, and preferably experience of working on vegetatively propagated perennial plants. Working with other members of the team, you will be required to structure and organise the experimental designs needed to study epigenetic processes and memory during graft/carrier interactions on a perennial plant, in order to determine the importance of genetic diversity on the epigenetic dialogue between graft partners, the consequences of genotype x environment interaction on this process and the resulting phenotypic consequences.
The ability to work in a team and fluency in English are particularly important. Long-term international experience is desirable but not essential. If you do not already have such experience, you will be required to undertake a long-term stay abroad after your placement year.

INRAE's life quality

By joining our teams, you benefit from:

- 30 days of annual leave + 15 days "Reduction of Working Time" (for a full time);
- parenting support: CESU childcare, leisure services;
- skills development systems: training, career advise;
- social support: advice and listening, social assistance and loans;
- holiday and leisure services: holiday vouchers, accommodation at preferential rates;
- sports and cultural activities;
- collective catering.

For international scientists: please visit your guide to facilitate your arrival and stay at INRAE. 

How to apply

1. I download the applicant guide Application guidelines CRCN 2025 pdf - 3.93 MB
2. I write down the profile number CR-2025-BAP-1
3. I apply GO