Junior research scientist in host/hathogen interactions: therapeutic strategy against antibiotic resistance

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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 Micalis unit, composed of 22 teams, whose objective is to develop innovative research in the field of Food Microbiology for Health. The position is located within the PIMs (Pathogens, Immunity and Microbiota) team, which specializes in the study of bacterial resistance to the host immune system and develops innovative antivirulence strategies.
The team comprises 1 permanent member of staff, 1 research director, and several employees on fixed-term contracts (1 assistant engineer, 1 PhD student, 1 Master's (year 2) student). The team is flourishing thanks to numerous scientific achievements and presitigious funding (patronage AXA 2023-2026, €970k, ANR 2024-2027, €780k). The team draws on a strong network of local, national, and international collaborations with multidisciplinary skills.
You will join the Micalis unit, composed of 22 teams, whose objective is to develop innovative research in the field of Food Microbiology for Health. The position is located within the PIMs (Pathogens, Immunity and Microbiota) team, which specializes in the study of bacterial resistance to the host immune system and develops innovative antivirulence strategies.
The team comprises 1 permanent member of staff, 1 research director, and several employees on fixed-term contracts (1 assistant engineer, 1 PhD student, 1 Master's (year 2) student). The team is flourishing thanks to numerous scientific achievements and prestigious funding (patronage AXA 2023-2026, €970k, ANR 2024-2027, €780k). The team draws on a strong network of local, national, and international collaborations with multidisciplinary skills.
MICALIS, where you will be conducting your research, is classified as a Restrictive Regime Zone (ZRR) and requires prior authorisation from the Senior Defence and Security Officer to work there. You will be required to work with category 2 pathogenic bacteria.
The global spread of antibiotic resistance requires the identification of new bacterial drug targets, as well as the design and synthesis of innovative anti-infectives. Your research will be part of the fight against antibiotic resistance, which constitutes a major global public health problem. In this context, the PIMs team proposes targeted antimicrobial strategies with a lower impact on the microbiota.
Your project focuses on studying the mode of action of new innovative antivirulence molecules that will act specifically in the areas of inflammation. This specific action requires in-depth knowledge of microbiology, immunology, and the host immune response. Your mission will be to:
- Understand the mechanisms of action of these new molecules at the site of infection
- Study the impact of the immune system and inflammation on the effectiveness of the molecules
You will be responsible for studying:
• the specific effects of antivirulence at the site of inflammation (tracing, imaging)
• the impact of the immune response (ROS/NOS, cytokines, etc.) on the effectiveness of the molecules (cellular and animal models to be developed)
• the impact of the treatment and inflammation on the protection of the host microbiota
• the deregulated inflammatory response in cases of sepsis following infection by bacteria resistant to current treatments
• the effectiveness of new molecules in combating sepsis.
To successfully carry out your research, you will draw on the team's expertise in microbiology and on models developed in biochemistry, molecular biology, and in vivo testing. Using the most appropriate preclinical models, you will determine the host immune response and its impact on treatment during infection with resistant pathogenic bacteria. You will supervise trainees and doctoral students. You will have access to the unit's shared resources, and preclinical approaches will be developed in collaboration, particularly with clinicians.
You will benefit from financial support and partnerships of ongoing projects. Gradually, to ensure the viability of your research, you will contribute to developing other research projects within the framework of future national (e.g. ANR) and international (e.g. Horizon Europe) calls for projects. Finally, as a new researcher, you will be eligible for INRAE funding.

This position requires performing all or part of the duties in a restricted access zone (ZRR). This implies obtaining access authorization, issued after a favorable opinion from the relevant bodies of the Ministry of Higher Education and Research. An unfavorable ministerial opinion for a position located in a ZRR unit would result in the cancellation of the planned recruitment.

Training and skills

Competition open to candidates with a PhD (or equivalent).
A solid background in microbiology, immunology, and host/pathogen interactions, and proven experience in preclinical models studying host-microorganism interactions, as well as host responses, are highly recommended.
Proven experience in writing articles, supervising, and participating in project writing would be highly desirable.
You have team spirit, good interpersonal skills, and are able to interact with a variety of stakeholders.
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).

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-MICA-2
3. I apply GO