Plant biology research engineer (M/W)

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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

The successful candidate will work in a laboratory environment and be responsible for setting up, monitoring, and optimizing plant biology experiments. Key tasks will include in vitro culture, microscopy-based data acquisition, gene expression analysis, biochemical assays, and the processing and analysis of experimental data.

The candidate will join a dynamic research team working on an ambitious project, benefiting from complementary expertise and actively contributing to the advancement of the project.

Close interactions with project partners, particularly the university’s physics research team, may require regular travel. These scientific exchanges will give the successful candidate the chance to thrive in a stimulating, interdisciplinary environment, expand their expertise and play an active role in ensuring the project's collaborative success.

Training and skills

Candidates holding a Master's degree (or equivalent) in plant biology are invited to apply for this position. Relevant professional or research experience, ideally acquired in a scientific or experimental research environment, is desirable.

The successful candidate will have a strong background in relevant experimental techniques, as well as the practical skills required to implement protocols, ensure data quality and reliability, and contribute actively to data analysis and interpretation.

Proficiency in IT tools and software is required, including the Office suite for data management and presentation, as well as specialised software such as ImageJ for image processing and analysis. Experience with the R environment for statistical analysis would be an asset.

Good written and oral communication skills in both French and English are required, as well as strong scientific writing abilities for preparing reports, meeting minutes and scientific documents.

The candidate should demonstrate the ability to work effectively as part of a team, as well as independently. Strong organisational skills, a clear sense of priorities and the ability to report on activities are essential.

As the role involves managing multiple experimental and analytical tasks simultaneously, candidates must demonstrate strong planning and coordination skills, adaptability in the face of unforeseen challenges, and a rigorous approach to experimental follow-up.

Finally, qualities such as flexibility, adaptability in the face of changing circumstances, effective communication and argumentation skills, and an analytical, synthetic and critical mindset are highly valued. A strong willingness to learn and develop new skills, as well as creativity and versatility, would be major assets in this role.

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