Research Support Scientist in Molecular Biology – RNA Stability (M/F)

Job Description

Missions

The successful candidate will participate in the design and implementation of a genome-wide study aimed at analyzing RNA stability (RNA decay assay) in the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans. This project is part of the ANR JCJC project titled “Epigenetic State-RNA

Activity

Supervised directly by the team leader, the candidate will contribute to finalizing the experimental approach based on two existing protocols. The candidate will carry out a first biological replicate in tandem with the team leader (training phase), followed by three replicates performed with autonomy to generate high-quality samples for sequencing.
Main Tasks:
• Conducting literature searches to master the scientific context and research questions.
• Participating in methodological discussions regarding experimental protocols and liaising with bioinformatics and sequencing core facilities to define necessary controls for downstream analysis.
• Culturing, maintaining, and synchronizing model organisms (including preparation and pouring of culture plates).
• Performing RNA decay assays requiring the handling of a transcription inhibitor (alpha-amanitin).
• Total RNA extraction, precise quantification, dilution calculations, and application of good laboratory practices (precise pipetting, safety rules).
• Quality control and validation by RT-qPCR, followed by RT-qPCR data analysis.
• Maintaining a detailed and daily electronic lab notebook.
• Basic lab management related to the project (referencing reagents, placing minor orders if needed).
• Writing a final project report summarizing protocols and results (preferably written in English).
Secondary Tasks:
• Participating in team research meetings (lab meetings).
• Contributing to shared laboratory tasks.

Your Profil

Skills

Required Technical Skills:
• Essential practical experience in molecular biology: RNA extractions, RT-qPCR, nucleic acid quantification, concentration/dilution calculations.
• Prior experience working with a model organism is mandatory (experience with C. elegans is a plus, but not strictly required).
• Proficiency in core laboratory routines (pipetting, mental math for solution preparation, safety compliance).
• Basic knowledge of or interest in bioinformatics is an asset for understanding downstream data processing.
• Functional scientific English (reading literature and protocols, following lab meetings, writing the final report).
Soft Skills:
• Experimental rigor, thoroughness, and attention to detail.
• Flexibility and adaptability (essential for working with live model organisms).
• Reliability, organizational skills, and capacity for anticipation.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively in close collaboration with the project leader.
Education & Qualification Level:
• Master's degree (M2) for a Research Engineer / Ingénieur d'études (IE) profile, or PhD for a Senior Research Engineer / Ingénieur de recherche (IR) profile in Molecular Biology, Genetics, or Cell Biology.

Your Work Environment

The position is based in the Mattout D'Stefano team (UMR 5077 CNRS / Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier).
Research will be conducted at the Center for Integrative Biology (CBI, Toulouse), a major research hub hosting nearly 400 staff members on the Paul Sabatier University campus (https://cbi-toulouse.fr/).

Constraints and risks

Work Constraints and Hazards
• Chemical Risk: Handling a transcription blocker (alpha-amanitin), a toxic agent requiring compliance with safety rules (fume hood work, mandatory PPE) and clearance from the CNRS Occupational Health Service.
• Model Organism: Handling C. elegans, a model organism completely harmless to human health (no biological risk).
• Screen Work: Data entry and maintenance of the electronic lab notebook.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

Between €2,496.98 and €2,662.14 gross per month, depending on experience.

Annual leave and RTT

44 jours

Remote Working practice and compensation

Pratique et indemnisation du TT

Transport

Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€

About the offer

About the CNRS

The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.

CNRS

The research professions