Postdoctoral Researcher in Microplastics and Endocrinology (M/F)

CNRS; France; Sur place; EUR 35 000 - 45 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

Un institut de recherche phare en France recherche un(e) chercheur(euse) postdoctoral(e) pour étudier les effets des microplastiques sur le développement des amphibies. Le candidat réalisera des expériences et analysera les impacts du polyéthylène sur la physiologie thyroïdienne. Une excellente connaissance des techniques de biologie moléculaire et une autonomie dans la recherche scientifique sont exigées. Le poste est d'une durée de 18 mois, basé à Paris, et propose un environnement de recherche stimulant avec des installations techniques de pointe.

Qualifications

• Doctorat en biologie développementale, écotoxicologie ou domaine connexe exigé.
• Expérience solide en biologie développementale des vertébrés.
• Compétence en techniques de biologie moléculaire.

Responsabilités

• Développer un projet de recherche sur les effets des microplastiques.
• Concevoir et réaliser des protocoles d'exposition au microplastique.
• Analyser les résultats et écrire des articles scientifiques.

Connaissances

Biologie développementale

Biologie moléculaire

PCR

Immunohistochimie

Analyse bioinformatique

Microscopie confocale

Manipulation des nanoparticules

Formation

Doctorat en biologie développementale ou en écotoxicologie

Outils

Microscope confocal

SEM

Description du poste

Organisation/Company CNRS Department Physiologie Moléculaire et adaptation Research Field Biological sciences Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Country France Application Deadline 25 Dec 2025 - 23:59 (UTC) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 1 Mar 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 postdoctoral researcher will develop a research project aimed at assessing the effects of microplastics (MPs) on early development and thyroid physiology in a model aquatic vertebrate, the amphibian Xenopus laevis. The main missions will be:

To conduct and analyze exposure experiments of blastulas/embryos to polyethylene (PE) MPs of different sizes (nano: 200 nm; micro: 5 µm), including fluorescent ones, in order to study their uptake kinetics and their accumulation in tissues and organs.

To evaluate the impact of these MPs on thyroid function using the regulatory XETA assay (TG 248), developed and mastered in the laboratory, on transgenic lines. An additional study on neuronal and oligodendrocyte development is planned.

To analyze the long-term effects of developmental exposure up to the critical metamorphosis stage.

To assess the carrier effect of MPs through co-exposure with plasticizers known to have endocrine-disrupting effects.

The candidate will be involved in writing scientific articles and presenting results at conferences.

The postdoctoral researcher will be responsible for the culture and maintenance of the amphibian model Xenopus laevis (wild-type and transgenic lines). He/she will design and carry out developmental exposure protocols to microplastics. He/she will use the advanced imaging techniques available, including confocal microscopy for tracking fluorescent MPs and developmental analyses, as well as Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) available at the MNHN site. He/she will perform molecular and cellular analyses such as RNA extraction, RT-qPCR, and immunohistochemistry on embryonic and larval tissues. Behavioral analyses related to developmental stages and metamorphosis will also be conducted. Close collaboration with partners (IPREM, CNRS-UPPA, Pau; Plastic@Sea, Banyuls) will be essential for quantitative and qualitative analyses of MPs in biological samples and exposure media.

The position is funded for a full-time basis over an initial period of 18 months. The postdoctoral fellow will be integrated into the RodEO team within the PhyMA research unit (Molecular Physiology and Adaptation), a Joint Research Unit of the National Museum of Natural History (MNHN) associated with the CNRS (UMR 7221). The unit, located in the Jardin des Plantes in Paris, offers a stimulating scientific environment and state-of-the-art technical platforms (amphibian animal facility, confocal microscopy, access to SEM, CT scan).

A PhD in developmental biology, ecotoxicology, endocrinology, or a related field is required. Solid experience in vertebrate developmental biology, as well as a strong command of basic molecular and cellular biology techniques (PCR, immunohistochemistry) are expected. An affinity for bioinformatics analyses is a plus. Experience in imaging (confocal) and/or particle manipulation (nanoparticles, microplastics) constitutes a major asset. Knowledge in thyroid physiology/endocrinology and neuroendocrinology is appreciated. The candidate must demonstrate autonomy, experimental rigor, and strong scientific writing skills in English. The ability to work in a team and coordinate collaborations is essential. Supervisory work with an intern is anticipated.

Additional comments

Applications (detailed CV, cover letter, and contact information for 2 referees) must be submitted before January 10, 2026.