M/F PhD position in genomics of Caenorhabditis elegans
New
- FTC PhD student / Offer for thesis
- 36 months
- Doctorate
This offer is available in English version
This offer is open to people with a document recognizing their status as a disabled worker.
Offer at a glance
The Unit
Institut de biologie de l'Ecole Normale Supérieure
Contract Type
FTC PhD student / Offer for thesis
Working hHours
Full Time
Workplace
75230 PARIS 05
Contract Duration
36 months
Date of Hire
01/10/2026
Remuneration
2300 € gross monthly
Apply Application Deadline : 10 August 2026 23:59
Job Description
Thesis Subject
Subject:Defense and counterdefense between small RNA pathways and transposable elements in Caenorhabditis elegans
Mission:Transposable elements (TEs) are genomic parasites capable of replicating and moving within host genomes. Their mobilization poses persistent threats to host genomes. In response, hosts have evolved diverse defense mechanisms to preserve genome integrity against TEs. Host-TE interactions are therefore often framed as an evolutionary arms race. However, TEs can be co-opted for host functions and have contributed extensively to genome evolution. Considerable progress has been made in characterizing TE invasion dynamics and host silencing pathways, but very few studies answer the next question: can TEs actively counteract host defense mechanisms, and if so, how? The nematode C. elegans offers a powerful model to address this question. Multiple TE families have been identified in C. elegans. Its highly diversified RNAi pathways play a central role in silencing TEs. Recent genomic analyses on hundreds of wild strains from diverse regions has revealed extensive genetic diversity, providing an unprecedented opportunity to explore natural diversification of host-TE interaction and their coevolution. By combining genomics, genetics, molecular biology, and bioinformatics, the project will provide new insights into the coevolution of host genomes and their genomic
The PhD project will:
1. Explore how transposable elements have reshaped the RNAi pathways among wild C. elegans.
2. Test whether natural variation in ERGO-1 pathways explains strain-specific differences in transposable element silencing.
3. Dissect the cis- and trans-regulatory mechanisms underlying variation in transposable element expression among wild strains.
Your Work Environment
The student will join a collaborative research team with expertise in transposable elements, RNA interference, genome evolution, and quantitative genetics.
Constraints and risks
No particular risks.
Compensation and benefits
Compensation
2300 € gross monthly
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
| Offer reference | UMR8197-VALHER-246 |
|---|---|
| CN Section(s) / Research Area | Earth System: superficial envelopes |
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.
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