Junior research scientist reprogramming microbial metabolism

Back to campaign's jobs listing

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 join the Toulouse Biotechnology Institute (TBI) Joint Research Unit, an internationally renowned research centre based in Toulouse comprising over 300 researchers. TBI is recognized for its cutting-edge research, blending fundamental and applied science in the field of biotechnology. At TBI, you will be part of METASYS, a multidisciplinary team specializing in the study and engineering of microbial metabolism and its regulatory mechanisms. 

The primary goal of METASYS is to deepen our understanding of complex metabolic processes while paving the way for biotechnological innovations that benefit both industry and society. To achieve this, METASYS employs an integrated approach that includes (1) systems biology, combining in silico methods (metabolic network reconstruction and modelling) with experimental techniques (transcriptomics, metabolomics, fluxomics) to understand and predict the behaviour of both natural and synthetic microbial strains, and (2) synthetic biology, leveraging genome editing and directed evolution to design, integrate, and optimize new metabolic and/or regulatory functionalities in microorganisms. 

One of METASYS’s key research areas focuses on microbial metabolic engineering to enable the use on non-native substrates, particularly CO2-derived feedstocks, which are promising biotechnological resources for addressing today’s climate challenges. As the newly recruited scientist, you will strengthen this strategic area of research. Your research project will focus on establishing methylotrophy (i.e. the ability to metabolize methanol) in the bacterium Escherichia coli, a complex and ambitious metabolic challenge. 

Your mission will be to gain a deep understanding of the mechanisms necessary for methanol assimilation in natural methylotrophs and leverage this knowledge to develop microbial cell factories capable of converting methanol into valuable products for society. You will play a pivotal role in the design and execution of innovative experiments, applying systems biology principles to identify the metabolic building blocks essential for methylotrophy. You will then use synthetic biology to assemble these blocks into functional metabolic networks enabling E. coli to thrive on this non-native substrate. This approach will allow you to generate groundbreaking insights into both natural and synthetic metabolisms, as well as their regulatory mechanisms. Simultaneously, you will actively contribute to building a sustainable methanol-based bioeconomy by transforming this resource into concrete solutions to address current environmental challenges. 

To successfully carry out your mission, you will benefit from a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment. In addition to the scientific expertise of the METASYS team, you will have access to the technical skills of specialized staff on omics platforms and the know-how of TBI research teams in key areas such as cell-free systems, enzyme engineering, process engineering, and ecodesign. You will have access to technologies essential to advancing your work, available within TBI, including RT-PCR, DNA and RNA microarrays, high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), NMR, modelling tools, and automated culture and sample preparation systems. For the initial phase of your research, you will benefit from pre-allocated funding from ongoing team projects, supplemented by additional funding from INRAE. Moreover, you can draw on METASYS’s extensive network of collaborators specializing in methylotrophy, including prestigious partners such as ETH Zurich, BOKU University, and the Autonomous University of Barcelona. Finally, you will be fully integrated into the scientific activities organized by the team, TBI, and INRAE, promoting exchange and collaboration within this vibrant research ecosystem.

The research scientist position will require working in a restricted access zone (ZRR), which necessitates an access authorization request.

Training and skills

Competition open to candidates with a PhD (or equivalent). A PhD in synthetic biology, systems biology, microbiology, biotechnology, or a related field would be desirable. Theoretical and practical knowledge of molecular biology techniques such as gene cloning and genetic modification in microorganisms, along with a strong understanding of microbial metabolism, is highly recommended. Proven experience in introducing new metabolic pathways in microorganisms would be a significant advantage. While not mandatory (internal training can be provided), familiarity with one or more of the following areas would be highly appreciated: omics analyses (transcriptomics, metabolomics, and/or fluxomics), analytical chemistry (HPLC, LC-MS, NMR), or metabolic modelling. Candidates should have a good command of English (both written and spoken), and long-term international experience would also be desirable. Successful candidates who have not yet acquired this experience abroad will be required to do so after their probationary period (1st year).

Let’s talk about your future job in a video!

 

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-MICA-3
3. I apply GO