Research Engineer (M/F) – Microbiology and Molecular Biology

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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 work within the Joint Research Unit STLO (Science and Technology of Milk and Eggs) at INRAE, affiliated with the Brittany-Normandy Center and located in Rennes. This position is part of a research project funded by the French National Research Agency (ANR), which aims to better understand microbiological risks associated with bacteria present in plant-based foods, in the context of a transition toward more plant-based diets.

More specifically, the project seeks to assess the risks of staphylococcal foodborne intoxications linked to the consumption of plant-based products.

Your mission will involve contributing to the genomic and phenotypic characterization of Staphylococcus aureus strains, studying their behavior in different plant-based matrices, and analyzing the expression and production of staphylococcal toxins, particularly SEH and SEK.

You will be specifically responsible for:

• Culturing and handling Staphylococcus aureus strains in a biosafety level 2 laboratory

• DNA and RNA extraction and preparation of samples for sequencing

• Analysis and annotation of bacterial genomes

• Phenotypic characterization of strains, particularly using Biolog assays

• Studying the behavior and growth of strains in various plant-based matrices

• Performing molecular biology analyses (PCR, qPCR, cloning)

• Investigating gene expression (qPCR, RNA-seq) under different conditions and plant matrices

• Participating in the analysis and interpretation of experimental results

• Contributing to the writing of scientific reports and publications

• Managing and organizing laboratory activities (stocks, protocols, traceability)

Specific working conditions: Biosafety level 2 laboratory

Training and skills

Recommended education:
Master’s degree or engineering degree in microbiology, molecular biology, biotechnology, or a related field

Desired knowledge:
Molecular biology (PCR, DNA extraction, genomic analyses)

Preferred experience:
Bacterial microbiology, food microbiology, and/or omics analyses

Expected skills:
Scientific rigor, autonomy, and ability to work as part of a team

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