Junior research scientist in Metabolism–Epigenetics Interactions During Embryonic Development

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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 Research Unit Biology of Reproduction, Environment, Epigenetics, and Development (BREED), located in Jouy-en-Josas near Paris, France, conducts research on the various stages of embryonic and foetal development in mammals, with a focus on the short- and long-term impacts of environmental changes. Within this unit, you will join the Embryo, Gametes, Gonads (EGG) team, composed of 14 scientists and 13 technicians. The team’s research aims to understand the molecular, epigenetic and cellular mechanisms regulating foetal gonads differentiation, quality of gametes, and pre-implantation embryo development, as well as the influence of environmental factors on these processes.
Your research project will explore the interactions between energy metabolism and epigenetic modifications during embryonic development, in relation to the maternal environment. You will begin by investigating how metabolites present in the microenvironment of the bovine embryo affect chromatin remodelling and developmental competence. In a second phase, you will identify maternal environmental factors that influence the production of key metabolites involved in mitochondrial function and epigenetic regulation. The ultimate goal is to establish a link between maternal nutrition, early development, and adult reproductive health and fertility.
You will benefit from the team’s expertise in embryonic development and epigenetics, as well as its collaborative networks.

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

A doctoral degree or equivalent is required. Expertise in mitochondrial metabolism is essential, and general knowledge in developmental biology and epigenetics will be appreciated. If not already certified, you will be required to complete training that authorizes you to conduct animal experiments. Fluent English is mandatory. A long-term international experience (i.e. a post-doctoral position) is also required. Candidates who do not yet meet this requirement will be expected to undertake an international stay following the initial internship 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-PHASE-7
3. I apply GO