Nourishing the Gut–Brain Axis Throughout Life (VAGALIM)

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INRAE presentation

INRAE, the French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food, and Environment, is a public research organization bringing together 12,000 employees across 272 units in 18 centers across France. As the world’s leading institute specializing in agriculture, food, and the environment, INRAE plays a key role in supporting the necessary transitions to address global challenges.

Faced with population growth, food security challenges, climate change, resource depletion, and biodiversity loss, INRAE is committed to developing scientific solutions and supporting the evolution of agricultural, food, and environmental practices.

Work environment, missions and activities

Context and partnerships 
The PhAN laboratory operates at the interface between nutrition, neonatology and microbiology, with a positioning combining perinatal nutrition, the microbiota and health. The proposed project is part of this strategy, reinforcing the laboratory’s core research areas and developing innovative approaches to study the gut-brain axis from the perspective of the vagus nerve. The aim is to understand how perinatal nutrition influences, from birth, the establishment, plasticity and remodelling of gut-brain connections via the vagus nerve. This innovative approach will bring PhAN new expertise in neurobiology, advanced imaging and innovative tools, including organoid models, benefiting the entire laboratory and the site. The project will draw on PhAN’s recognised expertise in perinatal nutrition, the microbiota and translational approaches, strengthening links with the University Hospital and the scientific and international appeal of the Nantes site. Nature and purpose of the research project to be developed and related activities This project will explore how nutrition modulates the gut-brain axis throughout life via the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve, which plays a key role in gut-brain communication, undergoes structural changes in response to food and the gut microbiota; the impact of these changes on mental health remains poorly understood. The project will overcome this hurdle by mapping the architecture and plasticity of the vagus nerve in the gut and brain in response to different dietary exposures. This research will draw on fluorescent mouse models, combined with innovative functional 3D imaging techniques, and omics analyses (including scRNA-seq). The development of human neural organoids linked to intestinal organoids (iPSCs) will enable the identification of molecular targets and biomarkers of interactions between nutrition, the microbiota and mental health. Nutritional strategies targeting the gut microbiota will be evaluated to preserve or restore vagal function as people age. Your mission will be to structure and strengthen actions and partnerships within the thematic area, with the specific aim of leading a project within the framework of European calls for proposals (ERC, Horizon Europe as part of a consortium, etc.) over the three-year contract period and to bring its international networks to bear in the local context to strengthen the international strategy of PhAN and, more broadly, the ALIMH INRAE division and the Nantes site. 

Nature and purpose of the teaching project 
You will apply your expertise in neurobiology, obesity and the study of gut-brain communication, as well as its role in metabolism and mental health, to teaching Master’s 1 (Neuropsy module and SysDige module) and Master’s 2 courses within the MICAS Graduate Programme (Microbiota-Gut-Brain-Diet-Health) and the Master’s 2 OHE ‘One Health Emerge’ programme. You will participate in the oral exams of student projects and internships. You will play an integral role in the Biology and Health Doctoral School (Nantes–Angers) and the Future Health Graduate School at the University of Nantes, where you will supervise Master’s and PhD students working on the research topic in question. 

Funding and related resources 
ANR Package : €200 000
INRAE Package : €205 400
Others : €264 000
Total : €669 400

Training and skills

PhD in neurobiology and/or physiology and nutrition, skills in functional imaging (e.g. light-sheet microscopy), skills in animal experimentation (transgenic models), command of organoid cultures, and skills in omics analysis (e.g. scRNA-seq).

INRAE's life quality

By joining our teams, you benefit from:

- 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.

International scientists, please visit your guide to facilitate your arrival and stay at INRAE.

Type of contract

Tenure-Track Junior Professor Chair enables recruitment of scientists based on a research and teaching project that lasts three years. At the end of this period, and following an assessment of your scientific achievements and professional capabilities, you may obtain a full-tenure position as Research Director (DR2).

A research and teaching agreement will specify the path you will follow towards full-tenure and enable you to acquire the qualifications necessary to become a full-tenure Research Director in your field.

You have until June 22, 2026 to submit your application. Only candidates previously selected on file by the selection committee will be invited to the hearing.

How to apply

1. I download the applicant guide Guide for applicants pdf - 5.06 MB
2. I note the profile number CPJ26-ALIMH-1
3. I apply GO