Project Manager - Genomics and Sequencing Technology Development (M/F)

LIMAGRAIN; Loire-Authion; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

13th month salary

Profit-sharing bonus

Incentive bonus linked to Limagrain

Comprehensive benefits package

Health insurance

Retirement savings plan

Training catalogue & mobility

Job summary

LIMAGRAIN seeks a senior scientist to lead NGS technology development in its Genomics team, supporting plant breeding programs. You will design and optimize sequencing workflows, supervise two lab engineers and collaborate with genetics, bioinformatics and breeding groups to deliver practical genomic solutions.

You will stay current with new sequencing approaches, manage projects, and ensure high data quality in a fast-paced research setting at the La Bohalle site near Angers, France.

Qualifications

• Degree in molecular biology, genomics or a related field.
• Hands-on experience with NGS technologies such as Illumina, Oxford Nanopore and PacBio.
• Good understanding of key workflow steps, including nucleic acid extraction, library preparation, quality control (QC) and primary data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and deployment of sequencing workflows for plant genomics.
• Define scientific and technical objectives and monitor technology development projects.
• Organize and coordinate the activities of two laboratory engineers and develop their skills.
• Collaborate with genetics, bioinformatics, pathology and plant breeding teams to translate needs into solutions.

Skills

NGS technologies

DNA/RNA extraction

Library preparation

Project management

Team leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

English proficiency

Education

Master's degree or Engineering

PhD preferred

Genomics background

Tools

Illumina

Oxford Nanopore

PacBio

QC workflows

Job description

Function

As part of the Genomics team, you will contribute to the development and deployment of Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies to support plant breeding programs.

As part of the Genomics team, you will contribute to the development and deployment of Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies to support plant breeding programs. Working at the crossroads of applied research, technological innovation and experimental development, you will lead scientific projects, actively contribute to the development of new methods, and manage a team of two laboratory engineers.

Your goal: to turn scientific challenges into robust solutions that can be directly used by research teams.

NGS Technology Development

• Design, develop and optimize molecular biology protocols, including DNA/RNA extraction, library preparation and sequencing.
• Develop and implement new NGS applications tailored to the needs of research programs.
• Take an active role in the key technical stages of technology development.
• Deploy reliable and reproducible workflows for plant genomics analyses.

Scientific Project Management

• Define scientific and technical objectives in line with research priorities.
• Plan, coordinate and monitor technology development projects.
• Track project milestones, deliverables and resources.
• Contribute to ensuring the scientific and technical quality of developments.

Team Leadership

• Organize and coordinate the activities of two laboratory engineers.
• Support the development of their technical and scientific skills.
• Foster collaboration and knowledge sharing within the team.
• Ensure the smooth running of experimental activities.

Implementation of Sequencing Technologies

• Lead the deployment of projects using Illumina, Oxford Nanopore and PacBio platforms.
• Ensure the quality of the data generated, in collaboration with bioinformatics teams.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of protocols and workflows.

Cross-Functional Scientific Collaboration

• Work closely with genetics, bioinformatics, pathology and plant breeding teams.
• Understand scientific needs and propose appropriate technological solutions.
• Contribute to the integration of genomic data into breeding programs.

Innovation and Continuous Improvement

• Keep up to date with scientific and technological developments in the field.
• Evaluate and implement new sequencing and molecular biology approaches.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of methods and processes.

What We Expect Of You

A scientific profile combining hands-on expertise and a structured approach

• You are comfortable working in a laboratory environment and understand experimental constraints.
• You take a practical, results-oriented approach.
• You are able to step back, assess the bigger picture and structure projects effectively.

Experience With NGS Technologies

• Degree in molecular biology, genomics, biotechnology or a related field.
• Hands-on experience with NGS technologies such as Illumina, Oxford Nanopore and PacBio.
• Good understanding of key workflow steps, including nucleic acid extraction, library preparation, quality control (QC) and primary data analysis.

Management And Coordination Skills

• Previous team management experience, or a strong interest in developing management responsibilities.
• Ability to organize, prioritize and bring people together around shared objectives.
• Strong communication skills.

A collaborative mindset

• Comfortable working with a wide range of stakeholders, including researchers, engineers and bioinformaticians.
• Ability to translate scientific needs into practical and applicable solutions.

Education

• Master’s degree or Engineering degree in molecular biology, genomics or a related field.
• PhD would be an advantage.
• Professional proficiency in English.

Compensation

Your benefits and working environment

• A competitive fixed salary, including a 13th-month salary payment.
• A profit-sharing bonus based on the company’s performance.
• An incentive bonus linked to the performance of the Limagrain Group.

Benefits

• A comprehensive benefits package designed to protect employees and their families, including:
• Attractive supplementary health insurance, with 60% of the cost covered by HM.CLAUSE, as well as a disability and life insurance plan.
• A company retirement savings plan.
• A Group employee savings plan.

Additional Benefits

• Access to an extensive training catalogue and e-learning platform to support your professional development.
• Opportunities for geographical mobility within the Limagrain Group.
• A Sustainable Mobility Allowance to support environmentally friendly commuting, as well as EV charging stations available in the site car park.
• Access to a social support service to assist you with administrative procedures, everyday matters, specific situations involving your family or loved ones, and other personal concerns.
• An attractive range of benefits and activities offered through the Social and Economic Committee (CSE).
• A variety of collaborative and social company events throughout the year.

The position is based in La Bohalle, near Angers (Maine-et-Loire, 49).

Would you like to lead projects, manage a team and stay closely connected to hands-on laboratory work?

Would you like to make a tangible contribution to applied genomics projects?

Join us!