Role of polyunsaturated fatty acids in human microglia maturation during neurodevelopment

French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment (INRAE); France; On-site; EUR 21,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

The French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment (INRAE) offers a 3-year PhD position at the NutriNeuro laboratory, Bordeaux Neurocampus, investigating PUFA metabolism during human microglial maturation and its impact on brain development.

You will work with iPSC-derived microglia and organoids, employing CRISPR-Cas9, lipidomics, RNA sequencing, and advanced imaging under supervision of Dr Charlotte Madore.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Neuroscience, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Immunology, or related field.
• Strong interest in neurodevelopment, microglial biology, and lipid metabolism.
• Experience with cell culture or advanced cellular models is a plus.
• Excellent written and oral English communication.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Characterize PUFA metabolism during human microglial maturation.
• Use 2D/3D human iPSC-derived microglia and organoids.
• Apply CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing and omics approaches (lipidomics, RNA-seq).
• Perform flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, and imaging analyses.

Skills

Cellular biology

Molecular biology

Neuroscience basics

English communication

Education

Master degree or equivalent

Tools

Flow cytometry

Immunohistochemistry

Job description

French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment (INRAE)

Organisation/Company French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment (INRAE) Department Human Resources Research Field Neurosciences » Neurobiology Neurosciences » Other Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 30 Nov 2026 - 12:00 (Europe/Paris) Country France Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 1 Dec 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

Microglia, the resident immune cells of the brain, play an essential role in neurodevelopment by clearing apoptotic cells and contributing to neuronal circuit refinement. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, omega-3) and arachidonic acid (AA, omega-6), are critical for brain development and cellular signaling (Martinez et al., 1992). Although previous studies have demonstrated that dietary omega-3 PUFA deficiency alters microglial functions and brain development in mice (Madore et al., 2020), the mechanisms through which PUFAs regulate human microglial maturation remain largely unexplored.

The project aims to characterize PUFAs metabolism during human microglial maturation and determine its contribution to microglial development and functions.The candidate will use 2D and 3D-cellular models (human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived microglia & developing cerebral organoids) and humanized and transgenic mouse models. Experimental approaches will include CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, lipidomics, RNA sequencing, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, RNAscope, functional assays such as multielectrode array and behavioural testing.

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to investigate the role of PUFAs in human microglial maturation during brain development. This36-month PhD project, funded by INRAE and the French National Research Agency (ANR), will be conducted at NutriNeuro laboratory , Bordeaux Neurocampus (France), under the supervision of Dr Charlotte Madore.

Applicants should hold a Master's degree (or equivalent) in Neuroscience, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Immunology, or a related discipline. A strong interest in neurodevelopment, microglial biology, and lipid metabolism is essential. Previous experience in cell culture, molecular biology, or advanced cellular models would be an advantage.

The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary and stimulating research environment and benefit from training in advanced experimental approaches.

This position offers an unique opportunity to contribute to understanding the mechanisms linking lipid metabolism, microglial maturation, and human neurodevelopment, with potential implications for future nutritional strategies supporting brain health.

Applicants are invited to submit the following documents:

• A curriculum vitae detailing academic qualifications, research experience, and technical skills.
• A motivation letter outlining their scientific interests, relevant experience, and motivation to join the project.
• Academic transcripts from their Master's degree or equivalent qualification.
• Contact details of one or two academic referees.

Requirements

Research Field Neurosciences » Neurobiology Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

Candidates should demonstrate:

• A solid foundation in cellular and molecular biology.
• Basic knowledge of neuroscience, neurodevelopment, or immunology.
• A strong interest in microglial biology, lipid metabolism, and brain development.
• Motivation to conduct multidisciplinary experimental research.
• Scientific rigor, analytical thinking, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a research team.
• Good written and oral communication skills in English.

Previous research experience in one or more of the following areas will be considered an advantage:

• Mammalian cell culture, stem cell biology, or iPSC-derived models.
• Cerebral organoids or other three-dimensional culture systems.
• Molecular biology and genome editing.
• Flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, or fluorescence microscopy.
• Lipidomics, transcriptomics, or bioinformatics.
• Experimental animal models and animal training certificate

Specific Requirements

• A curriculum vitae detailing academic qualifications, research experience, and technical skills.
• A motivation letter outlining their scientific interests, relevant experience, and motivation to join the project.
• Academic transcripts from their Master's degree or equivalent qualification.
• Contact details of one or two academic referees.

Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent

Languages FRENCH

Research Field Neurosciences » NeurobiologyBiological sciences » Biology Years of Research Experience 1 - 4

Additional Information

Selection process

Applications from qualified candidates of all nationalities are welcome, subject to the eligibility requirements for doctoral enrollment and employment in France.