Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms Governing Protozoan Parasite Biology and Pathogenicity M/F

Job Description

Summary of the scientific project

The project aims to decipher the molecular mechanisms controlling the biology, differentiation, environmental adaptation, and pathogenicity of medically important protozoa, drawing on the expertise of the CIIL or MFP. The MFP develops integrated approaches in cellular and molecular biology to study trypanosomatids and Toxoplasma, with a focus on cytoskeleton-membrane interactions, compartment dynamics, and the links between metabolism, differentiation, and transmission. Its facilities, including BSL3 laboratories, enable the secure analysis of various models. The CIIL provides recognized expertise in the genetics of Apicomplexan parasites and host–pathogen interactions, combining mechanistic analyses, murine models, advanced microscopy, and innovative technologies such as organ-on-a-chip systems. The CIIL also benefits from infrastructure such as an A2 animal facility and BSL2 and BSL3 laboratories.

Summary of the teaching project

Teaching will be provided within the pedagogical team of the University of Bordeaux or the University of Lille. The recruited individual will teach at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels in scientific, health, and biomedical programs, focusing on the epidemiological, morphological, clinical, and therapeutic aspects of major parasitic infections (helminths, protozoa, fungi). This involvement will strengthen training in parasitology. The pedagogical project will closely link teaching and research to break down barriers between different academic tracks.
Based on the concept of "One Parasitology," the approach will integrate the diversity of parasites, hosts, vectors, and biotopes, as well as anthropogenic and environmental determinants, to address emergence, selective pressure, and risks related to global changes. Innovative formats (webinars, summer schools, mentoring) will promote international openness and immersion in research.

Potential host facilities

• INSB - CNRS Biologie
• MFP - Microbiologie Fondamentale et Pathogénicité
• CIIL - Centre d'infection et d'immunité de Lille

Your Profil

Profile Required

Holders of a doctorate or a PhD or equivalent degree or applicants who have gained scientific qualifications or carried out scientific work deemed to be of an equivalent level.There is no restriction on the age or nationality of applicants. All CNRS positions are accessible to people with disabilities, with special arrangements for tests made necessary by the nature of the disability

Your Work Environment

Host Lab Strategy

Based on scientific fit, the successful candidate will be hosted at either the Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille (CIIL, Institut Pasteur de Lille) or the Fundamental Microbiology and Pathogenicity Laboratory (MFP, University of Bordeaux/CNRS), both of which are centers of excellence in fundamental parasitology. These units develop complementary approaches in cellular and molecular biology, biochemistry, and functional genetics to unravel the mechanisms governing parasite survival, differentiation, transmission, and pathogenicity. The CIIL promotes integrated approaches to host–pathogen interactions within a dynamic interdisciplinary environment. The MFP provides recognized expertise in molecular and metabolic parasitology, supported by the LabEx ParaFrap. The Junior Professor Chair, located in Lille or Bordeaux depending on the selected profile, will help structure and sustainably strengthen the parasite research theme at the host site.

Institution Strategy

The CNRS is a national multidisciplinary research organization that puts scientific excellence at the service of advancing knowledge and developing breakthrough innovations. In this context, the institution supports research aimed at deciphering the fundamental molecular mechanisms that regulate gene expression, development, and the adaptation of organisms to their environment. These issues are particularly strategic in parasitology, where parasites use complex cellular and molecular processes to ensure their differentiation, survival, transmission, and interactions with the host, particularly through mechanisms of immune escape and virulence modulation. This Junior Professor Chair (CPJ), dedicated to recruiting a young scientist of international excellence, is fully in line with this dynamic by targeting the study of the molecular basis of parasite biology and host-pathogen interactions, with the aim of generating fundamental knowledge that could pave the way for new diagnostic, preventive, and therapeutic strategies.

International Strategy

The creation of a molecular parasitology team will strengthen the CNRS's international strategy and the development in France of a priority research theme dedicated to the molecular mechanisms controlling the biology, adaptation, and pathogenicity of parasites, with major implications for global health. The Microbiologie Fondamentale et Pathogénicité laboratory (CNRS–Université de Bordeaux) plays a structuring role through the LabEx ParaFrap, which unites the national community, intensifies international collaborations, and enhances the visibility of the field, while offering an attractive doctoral training program. The Centre d'Infection et d'Immunité de Lille (CNRS–Université de Lille) benefits from strong international ties, particularly through the Pasteur Network, as well as ERC and Horizon Europe funding. The CPJ, to be located in Bordeaux or Lille depending on the candidate, will provide expertise that will sustainably strengthen the parasitology theme at the CNRS.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

Annual salary from 54 600 Euros to 57 800 Euros depending on professionnal experience.

Total funding

200k€

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€

Research Policy

Open Science

The CNRS is developing a strong policy in favor of open science. Open science consists of making research results "as accessible as possible and closed as necessary". As such, the CNRS aims to make 100% of the texts of publications resulting from the work of its laboratories accessible , in particular through deposit in HAL. The data produced must also be made available and reusable, except for specific restrictions. In addition, the guiding principles of individual evaluation have been revised in accordance with the DORA declaration, to be more qualitative and to take into account all facets of the researcher's profession.

Science and society

The relationship between science and society is now recognized as a full dimension of scientific activity. The project will develop this dimension in synergy with all the partners. The resulting research work will contribute to informing public decision-making. Participatory science initiatives may be initiated with actors from the project’s socio-economic and cultural eco-system.

Scientific dissemination

The dissemination of the results will be done through world-class scientific productions: publications, patents, software... In addition, the results will be communicated to various targets such as scientific communities, media, decision makers, general public, schools, etc., with an adapted calendar. Specific tools may be developed such as websites, newsletters, meetings, international symposia, summer schools and conferences.

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