Postdoc (M/F): Genetics, evolution and ecology of nematodes – Evolution of behavioural adaptati[...]

CNRS; France; Sur place; EUR 40 000 - 60 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A leading research institute in France seeks a researcher to contribute to a project on nematode adaptation to arsenic-rich environments. The role involves experimental design, field sampling, and molecular analyses, requiring strong skills in data analysis and bioinformatics, along with proficiency in English. Applicants from diverse academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply for this dynamic opportunity in a supportive research environment.

Qualifications

• Strong skills in experimental design, data analysis, and bioinformatics.
• Excellent written and oral communication in English.
• Experience working with C. elegans or other nematodes is highly desirable.

Responsabilités

• Design and execute experiments for the HFSP project.
• Conduct field sampling, species identification, and laboratory cultivation of nematodes.
• Participate in molecular, genomic, and phylogenetic analyses.

Connaissances

Experimental design

Data analysis

Bioinformatics

Written and oral communication in English

Formation

Background in evolutionary biology, ecology, or related field

Description du poste

Organisation/Company CNRS Department Institut de Biologie Valrose Research Field Biological sciences Environmental science Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Country France Application Deadline 12 Dec 2025 - 23:59 (UTC) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 2 Feb 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

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.

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.

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/

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.