OPEN COMPETITIONS CR26-PHASE-2
Junior research scientist in avian epigenetics
37380 NOUZILLY
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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 Joint Research Unit Biology of Birds and Poultry Production (BOA), located near Tours, France, conducts research on avian biology through an integrated approach that spans from molecular mechanisms to the whole animal within its environment. You will join the team Avian Metabolism, Quality and Adaptation (MOQA), which includes seven scientists and four technicians. This team explores the metabolic pathways that shape poultry’s adaptive capacities and influence meat quality.Your research will focus on the early orientation of phenotypes in chickens. In the initial phase, you will identify epigenetic regulations that modulate the metabolic plasticity of chicks in response to environmental changes occurring within the egg or immediately after hatching. You will investigate how these regulatory mechanisms contribute to the animals’ robustness throughout their rearing period. Your work will also assess the intergenerational transmission of epigenetic marks, with the aim of anticipating their effects on phenotypes across successive generations. Through this research, you will help develop strategies that align zootechnical performance with animal welfare and health, particularly in the context of climate change.
Training and skills
Candidates must have a PhD or equivalent qualification. Strong skills in molecular and cellular biology, as well as biochemistry, are essential. General knowledge of animal physiology or livestock production would be an asset. If you are not already certified, you will be required to complete training that authorizes you to conduct animal experiments. Fluent English is mandatory, as is long-term international experience. Candidates who do not yet meet this requirement will be expected to undertake an international stay following the initial internship 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
- I download the applicant guide Guide for applicants 2026 pdf - 1.41 MB
- I write down the profile number CR26-PHASE-2
- I apply GO
All persons employed by or hosted at INRAE, a public research establishment, are subject to the Civil Service Code, particularly with regard to the obligation of neutrality and respect for the principle of secularism. In carrying out their functions, whether or not they are in contact with the public, they must not express their religious, philosophical or political convictions through their behaviour or by what they wear. > Find out more: fonction publique.gouv.fr website (in French)