Life sciences, earth sciences and environmental sciences

With a PhD or an engineering degree from a Grande École

Example I Researcher in plant biology

INRAE plant biologists design, carry out, and develop research projects to further scientific knowledge and address novel questions related to how plants develop, adapt to environmental conditions, and generate high-quality products. For example, they study how plant genomes and populations function and evolve and/or how plants respond to environmental constraints (e.g., climate change, pests).

In general, researchers must demonstrate the value of their scientific results. Value may be expressed in different forms depending on the field. Most commonly, researchers describe their discoveries in scientific publications, an important medium of communication within the scientific community. They often share their scientific expertise with national or international policy makers and/or the national or international scientific community. Researchers also train and teach students. Additionally, they may be responsible for managing technical, financial, and human resources.

Example I Research engineer in animal biology

INRAE research engineers in animal biology work to design, develop, adapt, and explore new methodologies for studying animal biology that respect ethical guidelines. Their main tasks are to coordinate the methodological implementation of projects aimed at preventing and controlling livestock diseases; explore and evaluate livestock-farming techniques and systems; and develop tools and methods for improving and preserving the genetics of livestock populations. 

Research engineers have a variety of responsibilities. For example, they must produce generic or operational knowledge, develop scientific tools for researchers to use, build socioeconomic and institutional partnerships, and provide expertise. Additionally, they may be responsible for managing technical, financial, and human resources.

With 3–5 years of higher education

Examples I Geologist, zoologist, botanist, ecologist, agroecologist

Engineers specialised in the study of natural and human-modified environments can work at INRAE as geologists, zoologists, botanists, ecologists, agroecologists, etc.

INRAE scientists in these professions develop, adapt, and implement a variety of techniques and methods for surveying and monitoring natural and human-modified environments. They manage databases; bolster partnerships with stakeholders in the field; perform inventories; analyse data; format results for ease of presentation; and write up experimental reports, study reports, and technical notes.

They help improve the experimental systems and protocols that they employ. They ensure that research methods and objectives are a good fit; they also analyse and communicate research results. Additionally, they may be responsible for managing technical, financial, and human resources.

Examples I Cell biologist, immunologist, virologist, geneticist, proteomicist

Engineers specialised in experimental research and instrumentation can work at INRAE as cell biologists, immunologists, virologists, geneticists, proteomicists, etc.

INRAE scientists in these professions develop and guide methodological approaches in the biological sciences. They choose and adapt the technological tools used for analysis and experimentation based on the specific research objective and approach (e.g., imaging, proteomics, transformation); develop techniques and instruments adapted to a given methodological approach in biology (e.g., designing software or optical instruments); train technology users; ensure technology transfer; and provide advice to new users.

They help improve the experimental systems and protocols that they employ. They ensure that research methods and objectives are a good fit; they also analyse and communicate research results. Additionally, they may be responsible for managing technical, financial, and human resources.