Junior research scientist in embryo-maternal interactions

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

The Physiology of Reproduction and Behaviour Joint Research Unit (PRC), located in Nouzilly near Tours, conducts fundamental and applied research in three major fields in mammals and birds: behavioural biology and neuroendocrinology, systems biology and modelling, and reproductive biology. Within this unit, you will join the ‘Cellular Interactions and Fertility’ (ICF) team, which is made up of 11 permanent staff from INRAE and the University of Tours, including 8 scientists, and whose research focuses on the analysis of communication between the maternal organism and the gametes and then the embryo, as well as its functional consequences on fertility and the health of the offspring.
Your research project will involve identifying and analysing the nature of early embryo-maternal interactions and their consequences on the quality of the conceptus in the bovine species. You will use in vitro experimental approaches to understand the effects of these interactions on embryo initiation and early embryo development.
Initially, you will explore the functional response of the oviduct to physiological changes and environmental perturbations using innovative organoid models available in the team. You will analyse the consequences of the response of the oviduct on the early development of the embryo and its adaptation to these variations in conditions.
Secondly, you will study the effects of oviductal secretions on the early embryo and its transport to the uterus. This part will involve the development of an oviduct-on-a-chip to mimic microflows.
Finally, in the longer term, you will be able to explore the impact of these early interactions between embryo and oviduct on the development of the peri-implantation embryo. Your work will thus make it possible to identify early markers of successful gestation, the relevance of which you will then be able to validate in vivo after embryo transfer. Understanding these early interactions between the embryo and the maternal environment will contribute to better management of reproduction in bovine and ovine herds.

Training and skills

A background in reproductive and developmental biology is required. Proven skills in animal molecular and cellular biology are required, and experience in microfluidics would be an asset.
The ability to work in a team is essential.
If you have not already done so, you will need to undergo training to enable you to carry out experiments on animals.
Fluency in English is highly desirable, as is long-term international experience: successful candidates who have not already had such experience will be required to undertake a period of study abroad at the end of the 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-PHASE-3
3. I apply GO