Engineer position : Characterization of drugs targeting cryptosporidium

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INRAE presentation

The French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food, and Environment (INRAE) is a major player in research and innovation. It is a community of 12,000 people with 272 research, experimental research, and support units located in 18 regional centres throughout France. Internationally, INRAE is among the top research organisations in the agricultural and food sciences, plant and animal sciences, as well as in ecology and environmental science. It is the world’s leading research organisation specialising in agriculture, food and the environment. INRAE’s goal is to be a key player in the transitions necessary to address major global challenges. Faced with a growing world population, climate change, resource scarcity, and declining biodiversity, the Institute has a major role to play in building solutions and supporting the necessary acceleration of agricultural, food and environmental transitions.

Work environment, missions and activities

You will be welcomed in the « Infectiology and Public Health » (ISP), a joined research unit between INRAE and the University of Tours. ISP hosts 160 staff members, including 80 researchers, in 10 research teams and core facilities such as the International Center for Bacterial Pathogens (CIRM-BP) and the team "Imaging and infectiology". Teams are located on the INRAE campus in Nouzilly (25 km from Tours) or the Tours faculties of Pharmacy and Medicine campus.

ISP research activities are dedicated to the understanding of the interactions taking place between the host and pathogens: host can be a human or a farm animal and pathogens are bacteria, viruses or parasites that represent threats for animal and/or human health as well as economic burden. Our research is also well in line with the “One Health” concept promoting an integrated view of the animal-human-ecosystem interface to better tackle the pathogen threat. ISP missions respond to two societal demands: prevent and cure infectious diseases and limit drug use.

Within ISP research Unit, you will work in the Apicomplexa and Mucosal Immunity team under the supervision of Dr F. Laurent. The team is composed of 5 researchers, 1 study engineer, 1 assistant engineer, 2 technicians. The funding is provided via an ANR grant. This research program is performed in collaboration with IAB, Grenoble and the Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR) at Umeå.

You will be in charge of:

• Cell culture and molecular biology of protozoan parasites
• Imaging (confocal, time lapse) and in vivo imaging
• Performing drug screening (EC₅₀ determination)
• In vivo validation of drug candidates
• Transgenesis to validate target localization and functions.

Work with animals, experimentation with large daily time amplitudes, fluent level in English, work in BSL2 laboratory. 

Training and skills

Strong previous experience with Cryptosporidium is mandatory.

Ability to work self-motivated and perform independent research with national and international collaborators.

Skills sought: experienced young PhD in Cryptosporidium biology.

INRAE's life quality

By joining our teams, you benefit from (depending on the type of contract and its duration):

- up to 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.

How to apply

I send my CV and my motivation letter