Postdoc in proteomics and human embryo development (CR2TI)

Nantes Université; France; Sur place; EUR 40 000 - 60 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A contemporary research university in France is seeking a Postdoc in Biological Sciences to improve embryo culture conditions and perform proteomics analysis. The role requires a PhD and expertise in mass spectrometry and human embryology. Excellent proficiency in both English and French is mandatory. This temporary position offers a gross salary of €2800 per month for a contract duration of 13 months. Applications are accepted via email until January 10, 2026.

Prestations

Transport subscription up to 75% supported

Access to university restaurants with a preferential rate

Access to sports, university libraries and activities on campus

Sustainable mobility package

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent required for the position.
• 1-4 years of research experience in related fields.
• Demonstrated expertise in mass spectrometry and human embryology.

Responsabilités

• Improve media formulation for enhanced embryo development speed.
• Perform proteomics analysis of human embryos and spent culture media.

Connaissances

Expertise in mass spectrometry

Human embryology

Excellent English

Excellent French

Formation

PhD or equivalent

Description du poste

Organisation/Company Nantes Université Department CR2TI Research Field Biological sciences » Biology Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions Postdoc Positions Country France Application Deadline 10 Jan 2026 - 18:00 (Europe/Paris) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 37h15 Offer Starting Date 19 Jan 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Despite several technical improvements throughout the last decades, the average IVF success rate is #20-25% per cycle. Single blastocyst transfer progressively becomes the standard procedure, allowing better evaluation of embryo quality but not improving overall success rate yet. Most failures are attributed to aneuploidies, but PGT-A is not 100% predictive of embryo implantation. Altogether, we postulate that embryo culture in vitro is suboptimal, its improvement paving the way for enhanced embryo yield and developmental quality, ultimately reducing time-to-pregnancy.

Interestingly, embryos displaying a faster development yield better clinical outcomes than slower embryos. For instance, early compaction on day 3 or blastocyst expansion on day 5 versus day 6 have been reported to be relevant kinetic markers. However, day 4 has been surprisingly overlooked. Indeed, while morula compaction is known to be a good predictor of blastocyst formation, data on early blastulation on day 4 is scarce. It was recently demonstrated, on a small population, that early blastulation on day 4 could be a useful predictor of the quality of embryos and that early blastocyst transferred on day 4 could provide acceptable pregnancy rates. Those morphokinetic observations are a great opportunity to design new embryo culture conditions aiming at increasing developmental speed of the embryo. In addition to morphokinetics, a companion test would refine our decision process for embryo selection.

Objectives

Our 2 main objectives are:

• 1/ improve media formulation to improve developmental speed of all embryos
• 2/ perform proteomics analysis of human embryos and spent culture media in order to identify predictive markers. Of note, we are focusing on human embryos since results clearly show that molecular differences with mouse or stem cell models call for more work on human embryos

Duration of contract : 13 months

Salary : € 2.800 gross per month

Where to apply

E-mail [e-mail]

Requirements

Research Field Biological sciences » Biology Education Level PhD or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

Expertise in mass spectrometry and human embryology

Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent

Languages FRENCH Level Excellent

Research Field Biological sciences » Biology Years of Research Experience 1 - 4

Additional Information

• Commitment to professional equality, diversity and inclusion and addressing gender-based and sexual violence
• Membership in the EUniWell European Alliance committed to wellness
• Certified HR Excellence in Research since 2022 as part of the HRS4R strategy
• Transport subscription up to 75 % supported
• Sustainable mobility package, in line with the institution’s commitment to sustainable development
• Access to university restaurants with a preferential rate
• Access to sports, university libraries and other activities on campus

Eligibility criteria

PhD

Selection process

• Deadline for receipt of applications : January 10th 2026
• Terms of application and communication with the candidate :
  • Application link : [e-mail]
  • Link to the Nantes Université job offers page : https://www.univ-nantes.fr/universite/recrutement/recrutement-personnels-enseignants-et-recherche

1 QUAI DE TOURVILLE, BP 13522, 44035 NANTES CEDEX 01