Junior research scientist in genomic bioinformatics specialising in plant genomes

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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 join the IRHS (Research Institute on Horticulture and Seeds) joint research unit grouping 260 staff from INRAE, Angers University, and the Institute Agro-Rennes-Angers. You will conduct your research within the VALEMA team comprising 4 scientists (1 university lecturer, 1 research scientist, and 2 engineers), 2 technicians, and 2 PhD students. The members of the team, as well as their national/international collaborators, work on this innovative theme on perennial plants using bioinformatics and genomics approaches, as well as experiments in the laboratory and in orchards/greenhouses.
You will characterise the genetic diversity of the perennial plant genomes (Malus model), focusing more particularly on the Transposable Elements (TE). Through the exploitation of the genomic data, you will propose hypotheses regarding the effects of the recent insertion of TE (natural or induced in the laboratory) near genes, in particular their level of expression and methylation, and ultimately on the evolution of plant phenotypes in relation to abiotic and biotic stress. In parallel, by exploiting the data produced from samples of wild apple trees, you will help identify and characterise the TE insertion sites that have imparted selective advantages in contrasting environments. Finally, you will contribute to the implementation of a new method of varietal improvement based on the exploitation of this mechanism of transcription and insertion of TE to actively contribute to the adaptation of fruit varieties to multiple future stresses when planted in the orchard.
In collaboration with the other members of the research team, you will be in charge of developing and drafting research projects, as well as planning and implementing experiments. You will also be in charge of mining the genomic data produced using existing bioinformatics tools or tools that you develop within the framework of your research. Finally, you will interpret the data and promote the results in the form of scientific publications and presentations at national and international conferences. The host team has already begun research on this theme, focusing on the impact of TE on the evolution of the apple tree genome. Initially, you will be required to contextualise the results acquired over the past few years. Secondly, you will develop approaches inducing the transcription of TE in controlled environments, such as in vitro, to multiply the types of stress and combinations of stress to be investigated, but also to increase the probability of obtaining plants for which the new TE insertions lead to the emergence of new phenotypes. Using pan-genomic-type approaches, you will also develop knowledge on the diversity of TE in wild and cultivated apple tree populations, as this source of genetic diversity has not yet been investigated. This research will contribute to increasing fundamental knowledge regarding the role of TE in plant adaptation and expression of their traits, as well as developing a new perennial plant breeding strategy that will help improve crop resilience.

Training and skills

Competition open to candidates with a PhD (or equivalent). 
Recommended training: A PhD in bioinformatics applied to plant genomics is highly recommended.
Knowledge about the evolution of plant genomes would be desirable. 
Skills: Molecular biology and genomics: comparative genomics (AC01), structural genomics (AC03), evolutionary genomics (AC04).
Strong skills in genomics and bioinformatics are highly recommended. The successful candidate will handle extremely large genomic datasets in the form of genome sequences. Given the specificity of the TE sequences, experience in the analysis of this type of sequence would be desirable. 
The successful candidate must have good teamwork skills and will contribute to the team spirit through their creativity, innovative spirit, and formulation of joint objectives.
Candidates should have a good command of English, 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).

Your future role explained in 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 Guide for applicants 2026 pdf - 1.41 MB
2. I write down the profile number CR26-BAP-6
3. I apply GO