About the Role
INRAE Overview
The National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment (INRAE) is a public research institution bringing together around 12,000 staff across 272 research, service, and experimental units in 18 centers throughout France. INRAE is a global leader in agricultural, food, plant, and animal sciences, aiming to develop solutions for multi-performing agriculture, high-quality food, and sustainable management of resources and ecosystems.
Work Environment, Missions, and Activities
You will be hosted at UMR AMAP in Montpellier, as part of the European FLLORA project focused on restoring and adapting forest and freshwater ecosystems. Your work will focus on French Alpine catchments to better understand sediment origins and transfer pathways to waterways.
Your mission is to develop and apply an integrated method combining environmental DNA (eDNA), spatial analyses, and hydrological data to identify sediment source zones and map preferential erosion transfer pathways.
Key Responsibilities Include:
▪ Conduct field campaigns in the French Alps: site selection, soil and sediment sampling, environmental surveys, sample preservation, and chain-of-custody documentation.
▪ Perform molecular analyses: eDNA extraction, PCR amplification, library preparation, and coordination/execution of high-throughput sequencing.
▪ Implement and adapt bioinformatics pipelines: quality control, sequence processing, taxonomic assignment, and plant community analysis.
▪ Compare eDNA signatures between sediments and potential source areas, evaluating methodological uncertainties and limitations.
▪ Integrate results with GIS, topographic, hydrological, and sediment connectivity data to produce maps of sediment sources and transfer pathways.
▪ Document methods and data, present findings to project partners, and contribute to scientific deliverables and publications.
Fieldwork involves multi-day trips to the French Alps, sometimes in variable weather conditions; lab work in molecular biology facilities and computer-based analysis.
Education and Skills Required
PhD or Engineering School Degree
▪ Recommended background: PhD or postgraduate degree in molecular ecology, molecular biology, environmental sciences, or a related field, complemented by skills in geomatics and/or hydrology.
▪ Desired knowledge: eDNA and metabarcoding, PCR and high-throughput sequencing; bioinformatics and statistical analyses; GIS, erosion processes, hydrology, and sediment connectivity.
▪ Preferred experience: leading field campaigns, eDNA analysis, developing or using bioinformatics pipelines (R/Python), and mapping (QGIS/ArcGIS). Experience working in mountain environments is an asset.
▪ Key competencies: autonomy, rigor, and organizational skills.
Quality of Life at INRAE
By joining INRAE, you will benefit (depending on contract type and duration) from:
▪ Up to 30 days of annual leave + 15 additional days off (RTT) for full-time work;
▪ Continuing professional development: training and career guidance;
▪ 50% coverage of your contribution to the collective health insurance plan;
▪ Parental support: childcare vouchers (CESU), leisure subsidies;
▪ Social support: counseling, advice, and social aid/loans;
▪ Vacation and leisure benefits: holiday vouchers, preferential-rate accommodation;
▪ Sports and cultural activities;
▪ Collective catering.
Application Process
Please submit your CV and cover letter.
Public Service Status
As a public research institution, INRAE is subject to the French Public Service Code, including requirements for neutrality and respect for secularism (laïcité). As such, all staff—whether or not in public-facing roles—must refrain from manifesting religious, philosophical, or political beliefs through behavior or attire while performing their duties.
For more information: fonction publique.gouv.fr (https://www.fonction-publique.gouv.fr)