Research engineer in animal experimentation and functional neuroscience

Back to jobs listing

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 join a research team specializing in the study of interactions between the gut, the nervous system, and eating behaviors. The research focuses on the role of the gut microbiota, early nutrition, and the brain circuits involved in regulating eating, motivation, and metabolism. You will work in a multidisciplinary scientific environment combining biology, physiology, and neuroscience.

Your work will be part of two complementary research projects aimed at better understanding the biological mechanisms involved in eating behaviors and metabolic diseases. These projects explore, in particular, the impact of an early nutritional environment on gut-brain interactions, as well as the role of the gut microbiota in the response to certain treatments for obesity and metabolic disorders.

This position will contribute to generating essential knowledge for a better understanding of the links between diet, microbiota, the brain, and metabolic health. You will participate in innovative research projects whose results will inform the development of new strategies for the prevention and management of nutritional and metabolic disorders.

In this role, you will be responsible for the following activities:

• Animal Experimentation and Surgery Implement in vivo experimental protocols in mice;
• Perform experimental surgical procedures on rodents;
• Ensure post-operative monitoring of animals in accordance with animal welfare and the 3Rs principles;
• Collect biological and tissue samples.

Experimental Analysis and Data Acquisition

• Conduct behavioral tests related to appetite, motivation, food preferences, and motor and cognitive functions;
• Participate in histological and immunohistochemical staining;
• Acquire, process, and analyze images;
• Contribute to the implementation of functional approaches such as electrophysiology, calcium imaging, and microelectrode arrays.

Project organization and monitoring

• Ensure the management, organization, and traceability of experimental data;
• Participate in the smooth technical execution of projects;
• Collaborate with the various team members and partners involved in the projects.

The position involves regular work in the animal facility and experimental laboratory. Occasional business trips may be required. On-call duty on weekends may be required for certain post-operative follow-ups.

Training and skills

You hold a Master's degree (Master 2 or equivalent) in animal biology, neuroscience, physiology, integrative biology, or a related field.

Two to three years of research experience, ideally in neuroscience, physiology, or integrative biology, is preferred.

Regulatory training in animal experimentation, compliant with Decree 2013-118, at least at the applicator/level 2 level, is required. Design/level 1 training, as well as training or experience in experimental surgery on rodents, would be significant assets.

Skills:

• Implement animal experimentation protocols on rodents;
• Perform post-operative monitoring and apply animal welfare guidelines;
• Use experimental surgery techniques or behavioral tests;
• Participate in histology, immunostaining, or image analysis;
• Organize and ensure the traceability of experimental data;
• Use scientific English in written and spoken communication;
• Experience in electrophysiology, calcium imaging, or microelectrode arrays would be an asset.

Essential Skills:

• Experimental rigor;
• Organizational skills;
• Autonomy in carrying out assigned tasks;
• Scientific curiosity;
• Enjoyment of teamwork;
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

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