Postdoctoral position OT-27864
Postdoctoral Scientist in plant apoplast metabolomics
78000 VERSAILLES
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
The Institute Jean-Pierre Bourgin for Plant Sciences (IJPB), is a large research unit (UMR 1318)funded by INRAE and AgroParisTech which conducts research in all areas of plant biology. The IJPB is renowned for its unique combination of experimental resources and multidisciplinary expertise in biology, chemistry and applied mathematics. Our research aims to develop concepts and tools that extend our fundamental knowledge about plant biology and agronomy towards innovative solutions for complex scientific and social challenges. In addition to scientific discovery, our remit also includes transfer and sharing through teaching, training, outreach and partnerships. The Physiology and Interactions (PHI) PHI aims to gain a better understanding of plant physiology in interaction with their biotic and abiotic environment, in order to identify genetic and agronomic levers for crops that are more robust in the face of climate change. The Nitrogen-Pathogen Interactions (NPI) team specifically focuses on the impact of abiotic stress, such as nitrogen or water limitation, on plant-pathogen interactions. The team focuses on necrotrophic pathogens and studies both partners of the interaction using omics, genetics and molecular biology. This knowledge serves as a basis for developing innovative, specific, sustainable, and environmentally friendly control strategies.
Project Summary
- Elicitors activate the immune system of plants, leading to the production and accumulation of defense compounds. Most of these molecules are found in the apoplastic fluid, making them an important lever that plants can modify to avoid attacks by pathogens.
- While a large number of elicitors have shown promising results under controlled conditions, the literature shows that environmental fluctuations can impact plant immunity and, by extension, elicitation mechanisms. Although this has been described in A. thaliana, little is known about tomatoes.
- A collaborative project between the IJPB (INRAE) and a private company is proposed to evaluate how abiotic stresses impact tomato leaf diseases through the study of apoplastic fluid composition. The modulation of pathogen growth and virulence under abiotic stress conditions will also be observed.
Training and skills
We are seeking a motivated researcher to join the NPI team. The candidate should have solid expertise in plant physiology, including skills in metabolomics. Experience in plant-microbe interactions would also be appreciated. Applicants should also demonstrate an interest in applied research.
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
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)