Junior research scientist in host-microbiome interactions

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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

The Micalis unit comprises around 400 staff divided into three research clusters, one focusing on Food and Digestive Ecosystems (FDE). The FDE cluster comprises 7 research teams, including the MIHA team, which works on microbiome-host interactions. The team studies the importance of intestinal proteolytic homeostasis and its imbalance under conditions of digestive inflammation, with openings that the Junior Research Scientist could seize on to build their research positioning on questions concerning the relationship between diet and proteolytic balance or the importance of this equilibrium in other chronic pathologies involving an imbalance in host-microbiome relations. The MIHA team comprises around ten members, with numerous national and international collaborations, and is involved in European (3 co-coordinations) and national (3 ANR) projects, as well as partnerships with industry. The Junior Research Scientist will be encouraged and assisted to respond to the Department's internal calls for projects and the Holoflux metaprogramme. The mission of the Junior Research Scientist is to answer the following two scientific questions: - What is the impact of microbial proteases involved in IBD on the holobiont? - Can microbial antiproteases and diet restore proteolytic homeostasis? Using the most appropriate preclinical models, the activities of the Junior Research Scientist will focus on determining host responses in conditions of proteolytic homeostasis and imbalance linked to microbial proteases and antiproteases. The Junior Research Scientist will also explore how diet contributes to proteolytic homeostasis and will determine the associated mechanisms of action.

Animal experimentation. 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). The following skills would be strongly recommended. Skill 1: Study of microorganism(s)-host interactions Skill 2: Study of host responses Skill 3: Proven experience in preclinical models Knowledge of biochemistry would also be useful for the project. Proven experience in writing articles, supervising, and participating in project writing would be appreciated. Team spirit, good interpersonal skills, and the ability to interact with a variety of collaborators are very important. 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).

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-4
3. I apply GO