Engineer: Mitochondrial toxicity of mycotoxins

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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 into the ToxAlim unit (Food Toxicology) at INRAE in Toulouse, within the BioToMyc team (Biosynthesis and Toxicity of Mycotoxins). 

The team mainly works on three aspects of the mycotoxin issue: the mechanisms by which fungi produce toxins, the impact of mycotoxins on human and animal health, and the development of strategies to combat contamination and/or the effects of these toxins.

Your work will focus on analyzing the toxicity of mycotoxins using in vitro cell models, with particular emphasis on the disruption of immune‑metabolic functions and cell signalling. The project aims to investigate the impact of mycotoxins on mitochondrial activities such as bioenergetics, respiration, interactions with other organelles (e.g., endoplasmic reticulum, lysosomes), as well as oxidative stress, cell fate, and immune signalling. 

You will be in charge of:

• Maintenance of cell culture (intestinal human and porcine cells)
• Molecular biology (gene expression and protein abundance quantification) analysis of metabolic and immune signaling.
• Analysis of cell bioenergetics and respiration, using functional (Seahorse) and biochemical (ATP, glucose, etc quantification) assays.
• Cellular and subcellular imaging using imaging approaches (confocal)

 

Special conditions of activity : 

A driver’s license is required (some analyses will take place in other laboratories in Toulouse). 

As the team is international, strong English communication skills will be important. 

The ability to integrate smoothly into a collaborative team environment will be essential.

Training and skills

Recommended training : Cell biology, toxicology, biotechnology

Knowledge required : Cell culture, molecular biology, confocal imaging

Appreciated experience : Flow cytometry, omics data analysis, and/or in vivo study experience

Skills sought : Teamwork, collaborative and pedagogical mindset, proficiency in English, driver’s license

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