Junior research scientist in molecular and cellular biology relating to the transmission of grapevine viruses by nematodes

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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 conduct your research in the Vine Health and Wine Quality unit (joint research unit SVQV), within the Virology and Vector team, which studies tripartite interactions between viruses, plants, and vectors. The team focuses particularly on plant defence responses, biocontrol strategies using pre-emptive measures and service plants, and viral transmission mechanisms. You will join a dynamic scientific and technical environment comprising 3 research directors, 2 research scientists, one lecturer, 5 engineers, and 4 technicians. The unit hosts unique biological resources and modern facilities (collections of viruses and vectors, containment laboratories and greenhouses, imaging and metabolomics platforms) suitable for the study of vine-pathogen interactions.
You will work within a strong collaborative network, notably the French Institute of Vines and Wine (IFV) in the framework of an INRAE/IFV Associated Partnership Laboratory specialising in grapevine viral metagenomics, as well as with national (CNRS Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, Strasbourg, INRAE Sophia Antipolis, INRAE Bordeaux) and international partners (Cornell University, USA; Agroscope Changins, Switzerland). Your project will focus on the transmission of the grapevine fanleaf virus (GFLV) by its nematode vector Xiphinema index. This unique model, owing to its exclusive transmission by a single nematode species, offers an exceptional opportunity to investigate three-way plant-vector-virus molecular and cellular interactions. Upon contact with roots, the nematode injects the virus via its stylet during feeding, through a mechanism that remains unidentified. In this context, you will study the early events of GFLV transmission in grapevine roots. You will address questions such as: How does GFLV initiate a viral cycle in cells that have been emptied of their content ? Which cells are infected first ? What molecular and cellular modifications promote viral spread ? How is the cell-to-cell and systemics movement of the virus established when inoculation is mediated by nematodes? In which infectious form is the virus transmitted by the nematode during feeding?
You will propose and develop an original research project combining virology, molecular and cellular biology, advanced imaging, transcriptomics, and even metabolomics approaches. This project will require the development of innovative in vitro experimental systems to monitor feeding of nematodes of the genus Xiphinema on roots (model hosts and grapevines), as well as the implementation of advanced analytical methods (single-cell RNA sequencing, correlative light-electron microscopy (CLEM), for example). Your scientific expertise will contribute to the collective projects of the team and the unit aimed at developing innovative strategies for grapevine protection against GFLV and its transmission by nematodes (cross protection, recessive and dominant genetic resistance, “nematicidal” fallow land, etc). You will collaborate with the partner teams working on plant-nematode interactions, in particular the Institute Sophia Agrobiotech in Sophia Antipolis, within the framework of the study of the sensory capacities of X. index, and exploring topics of chemotaxis and viral manipulation.

Special conditions of employment: Driving licence recommended.

Training and skills

Competition open to candidates with a PhD (or equivalent). 
A strong background in cell and molecular biology is highly recommended, and ideally, experience in virus-vector or virus-plant interactions. A good knowledge of microscopy and imaging tools (e.g. TEM, confocal, macroscope, FISH, immunofluorescence) is highly desirable. Basic knowledge of transcriptomics or metabolomics analyses would be appreciated. You have shown your ability to work collaboratively.
Candidates should have excellent written and oral communication skills in English, and long-term international experience is also desirable. Successful candidates who have not yet acquired this experience abroad will be expected to complete an international mobility period 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-SPE-5
3. I apply GO