Informations générales
Intitulé de l'offre : Postdoc (M/F): Genetics, evolution and ecology of nematodes – Evolution of behavioural adaptation to arsenic-rich environments (H/F)
Référence : UMR7277-CHRBRA-019
Nombre de Postes : 1
Lieu de travail : NICE
Date de publication : vendredi 21 novembre 2025
Type de contrat : Chercheur en contrat CDD
Durée du contrat : 6 mois
Date d'embauche prévue : 2 février 2026
Quotité de travail : Complet
Rémunération : between 3021 et 4664 Euros gross according to past experience
Niveau d'études souhaité : Doctorat
Expérience souhaitée : 1 à 4 années
Section(s) CN : 29 - Biodiversité, évolution et adaptations biologiques : des macromolécules aux communautés
Missions
The candidate will be involved in the collaborative HFSP project outlined below, contributing to the design and execution of experiments aimed at identifying the behavioural and physiological mechanisms that facilitate nematode adaptation to arsenic-rich environments. The candidate will participate in field sampling, species identification, and laboratory cultivation of nematodes from extreme habitats. The candidate will also take part in molecular, genomic, and phylogenetic analyses to uncover the evolutionary origins of viviparity and other adaptive traits. In addition, candidate will be expected to analyse data, present results at internal meetings and conferences, and contribute to the preparation of manuscripts.
Activités
Our research focuses on uncovering the proximate mechanisms underlying evolutionary changes in developmental and behavioural processes in nematodes. Much of our work now focuses on the evolution of egg-laying behaviour and the transitions to viviparity. In parallel, we are also interested in characterizing the natural history, ecology, and phylogenetics of Caenorhabditis nematodes.
This project will investigate the behavioural, metabolic, and physiological adaptations that enable nematodes to thrive in arsenic-rich and other extreme environments. A key focus of the project will be to understand how changes in reproductive behaviour—in particular, the transition from egg-laying to viviparity—contribute to enhanced survival in extreme environments. We will use phylogenetic analyses to trace the evolution of viviparity across different phylogenetic groups of nematodes. We also aim to determine whether extremophilic nematodes have evolved convergent survival strategies and which environmental challenges drive these adaptations.
Collaborators: Cornelia Bargmann (Rockefeller University, USA), Elizabeth New (The University of Sydney, Australia), Ryoji Shinya (Meiji University, Japan).
Background:
Mignerot et al. 2024 https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.88253.2
Kanzaki et al. 2021 https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-95863-1
Compétences
Applicants from a variety of academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply, including:
- Evolutionary biology, ecology, comparative genomics, and phylogenetics
- Molecular genetics, developmental biology, and neurobiology
- Nematode systematics and taxonomy
The ideal candidate will have strong skills in experimental design, data analysis, and bioinformatics, along with excellent written and oral communication in English. Experience working with C. elegans or other nematodes is highly desirable.
Contexte de travail
Our team (http://ibv.unice.fr/research-team/braendle/) is part of the Institute of Biology Valrose (IBV), a dynamic research centre located on a city campus in the centre of Nice, on the Mediterranean coast. The institute brings together 25 research groups with over 200 members, comprising scientists from a wide range of disciplines and nationalities. The working language is English. The institute offers a supportive and collegial atmosphere, modern infrastructure, a high level of technical expertise, and numerous opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. For further information please visit: http://ibv.unice.fr/
Contraintes et risques
None.