Postdoctoral Researcher in Transcriptomics and Systemic Nitrogen Signaling in Plants (M/F)

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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 join the Institute for Plant Sciences of Montpellier (IPSiM, UMR 5004) within a research team working on systemic signaling and plant nutrition. You will contribute to the Franco-Austrian LeafNit project, funded by the ANR and FWF and coordinated in France by Sandrine Ruffel at IPSiM and in Austria by Eva Benková at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA). The project aims to understand how cytokinins produced in response to nitrate availability are perceived and integrated in mature leaves, and how this information is subsequently used to coordinate root activity over long distances. It combines molecular genetics, dynamic transcriptomics, plant physiology and metabolomics approaches. The successful candidate will play a central role in deciphering the transcriptional regulation underlying systemic nitrogen signaling and the interplay between cytokinin signaling and metabolism.

The main responsibilities will include conducting dynamic transcriptomic experiments on mature leaves of Arabidopsis thaliana exposed to homogeneous or heterogeneous nitrate availability; comparing wild-type plants with different mutants affected in cytokinin signaling; contributing to RNA-seq data analysis and gene regulatory network reconstruction; selecting and experimentally validating key regulators using RT-qPCR, reverse genetics and molecular physiology approaches; characterizing their role in systemic root responses using, in particular, split-root systems, root developmental analyses and nitrate transport measurements; and contributing to the integration of transcriptomic results with metabolomic and hormonal datasets generated within the project.

The work will be carried out in a highly collaborative environment bringing together expertise in plant nutrition, systems biology, genetics, biochemistry and metabolomics. IPSiM provides the facilities required for controlled-environment and hydroponic cultivation of Arabidopsis, molecular and physiological analyses, as well as isotopic and metabolic measurements. The project also involves close collaboration and scientific exchanges with Eva Benková’s group at ISTA.

The position is based at IPSiM in Montpellier, France. The work will combine laboratory experiments, plant growth under controlled conditions and data analysis. The project involves the use of genetically modified plant material in compliance with applicable procedures and regulations. Short research visits to ISTA in Austria may be organized as part of the Franco-Austrian collaboration, together with travel to present the results at international scientific conferences. The project specifically includes reciprocal scientific exchanges and training opportunities for the postdoctoral researchers based in the two laboratories.

Training and skills

PhD in plant biology, molecular biology, genomics, or plant physiology. Previous postdoctoral experience is not required.

Applicants should hold a PhD in plant biology, molecular biology, genomics, plant physiology or a related field. Strong experience in molecular biology and transcriptomic/RNA-seq data analysis is particularly sought. Experience with R and commonly used tools for gene expression data analysis would be highly desirable. Experience in plant molecular genetics, RT-qPCR, cloning, genotyping and/or Arabidopsis thaliana research would be an asset. Experience in time-course transcriptomics, gene regulatory network reconstruction or multi-omics data integration would be particularly valued. Knowledge of plant physiology and mineral nutrition, as well as experience in metabolomics or metabolite analysis, would also be advantageous but is not a prerequisite. The successful candidate should demonstrate a high degree of experimental and analytical independence, strong organizational skills and critical thinking, together with a strong interest in collaborative and interdisciplinary research. Good scientific communication and writing skills are expected. Fluency in written and spoken scientific English is essential given the international nature of the project.

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