Description of the thesis topic

PhD Offer: Investigating the Role of Small RNA Movement in Plant Adaptation to Stress
Project description
Small RNAs play essential roles in plant development and stress responses, moving both systemically through the vasculature and locally via plasmodesmata. Their movement can also trigger epigenetic changes in recipient tissues. This project aims to investigate how small RNA mobility contributes to plant stress adaptation, with a particular focus on long-distance transport from maternal somatic tissues to reproductive tissues.
Using transgenic DNA hairpins and sensor constructs, we will explore whether small RNAs can move from the mother plant (sporophyte) into the next generation (gametes, endosperm, or embryo). The PhD student will characterize this movement and study the vascular and cytoplasmic connections in reproductive tissues using electron and confocal microscopy, with a focus on ovules and seeds where vascular tissues terminate.
In parallel, the project will examine the role of Argonaute proteins—enriched in reproductive tissues—by disrupting them in a cell-type-specific manner. Finally, we will assess how stress influences this transgenerational RNA movement and its impact on the methylome of the offspring. Understanding these processes is key to revealing how plants prepare their progeny to better face environmental challenges.
Feasibility over 3 years
This project builds on solid preliminary data and plant material already available in our laboratory. Our team has extensive expertise in small RNAs in Arabidopsis, particularly their movement in reproductive tissues. The project will also benefit from the excellent infrastructure at IBMP, including greenhouses, growth chambers, and advanced platforms for microscopy, Illumina and nanopore sequencing, and gene expression analysis. Completion within three years is fully anticipated.
Supervision
The PhD student will receive close supervision at the begining of the project until achieving full independence. They will be enrolled in the Life Sciences Doctoral School and scientifically supervised by the group leader, with daily guidance from experienced team members. Additionally, they will benefit from IBMP's collaborative environment, where multiple teams explore diverse aspects of gene expression in plants.
Skills required
We are seeking a curious, motivated, and diligent candidate with a master's degree (or equivalent) in biological sciences and a strong background in molecular biology or plant genetics. Interest or experience in small RNAs, epigenetics, microscopy, plant biology, high-throughput sequencing, or RNA-seq data analysis would be a strong asset.

Work Context

The research will be conducted in a dynamic and stimulating environment at the Institute of Plant Molecular Biology (IBMP) in Strasbourg, offering access to state-of-the-art platforms in imaging, genomics, and plant molecular biology. The researcher will join the “Epigenetic Regulation and Sexual Reproduction in Plants” team (www.jullienlab.com), an international and collaborative group dedicated to both scientific excellence and personal development. They will benefit from tailored supervision, opportunities to develop new technical and analytical skills, and support to strengthen their scientific network and publication record.

Constraints and risks

• Possible travel for conferences or collaborations.
• Standard laboratory risks associated with molecular biology, including exposure to chemical products, biological agents, thermal environments, and extended work at computer screens.