Missions

Working closely with S. Samieri's team in Bordeaux and as part of a project supported by the FRM (AAP MND 2024), we will investigate the question of a causal relationship between diet, gut microbiota composition and the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD). In a research setting involving neurobiologists and epidemiologists, this project aims to understand the biological and pathophysiological landscape of complex diet-related changes in the microbiota-gut-brain axis and to pave the way for a new generation of preventive interventions against AD through microbiota modulation.

Activities

• Supervise a research project
• Design and conduct experiments, including experiments on mouse models (force-feeding, intraperitoneal injections, blood sampling, oral and faecal microbiota sampling), behavioural tests, post-mortem neuropathological evaluations, biochemical analyses on human samples (ELISA, etc.), and the development and implementation of new experimental paradigms.
• Analyse results and ensure their validity
• Present results in the form of reports, posters or seminars
• Draft and update technical protocols, ensure their follow-up and quality, and maintain a rigorous laboratory logbook
• Write publications
• Contribute to scientific and technological monitoring in the field of activity and disseminate this information within the team
• Supervise students and engineers and provide them with training
• Participate in the team's collective tasks

Skills

Profile:
PhD in biology, neurobiology, microbiology or a related discipline.
Previous experience in animal experimentation is essential.
Experience in microbiota research would be highly appreciated.
Knowledge of immunology or neuroinflammation will be valuable.

Character traits and work ethic:
Scientific rigour in the design of experiments and statistical analyses.
Autonomy, organisation and responsiveness in a fast-paced environment with a heavy workload.
Ability to work independently while promoting teamwork.
Strong communication skills to interact proactively with colleagues and foster an interdisciplinary environment.
Excellent writing skills (reports, presentations, posters, manuscripts).
Fluency in spoken French or English is mandatory.

Work Context

The Institute of Functional Genomics (IGF) is a multidisciplinary joint research unit of the CNRS, INSERM and the University of Montpellier, whose research programmes cover the fields of neuroscience, physiology and cancer biology.
The IGF has approximately 350 staff members – researchers, lecturers, engineers, technicians, postdoctoral fellows and students – divided into 23 research teams, 8 technology platforms and research support services.
The candidate will work under the supervision of Dr. S. Claeysen within the 'Neuroproteomics and Signalling of Brain Pathologies' team led by Philippe Marin. At the time of taking up the position, the team will comprise 10 researchers, 1 clinician, 7 ITA, 2 postdoctoral researchers and 10 doctoral students.
The project is part of a project supported by the FRM (MND202411019907).

In addition to its enriching environment, the CNRS offers the following benefits:
- 44 days of holiday and RTT (reduced working time) with the possibility of acquiring 2 days for splitting, i.e. a maximum of 46 days
- partial reimbursement of public transport costs for the journey between home and work
- possibility of benefiting from the sustainable mobility package
- coverage of supplementary health insurance costs up to €15 per month, subject to conditions
- staff restaurant at a preferential rate
- car park
- leisure, sports and cultural activities via the social action and mutual aid committee (CAES du CNRS) or local social action committees (CLAS)

Constraints and risks

- Working with live animals
- Handling chemicals
- Handling sharp objects
- Working in confined spaces with restricted access
- Biosecurity constraints (ownership of rodent-type pets is not compatible with the experiments)
- Working with computer screens
- Possible variability in working hours
Details of the job posting
Expected start date/Thesis start date 01/02/2026

Additional Information

We are looking for a proactive person who can work independently and interact with team members/consortium partners, ideally someone with experience in handling animal models and knowledge of microbiota.