Research Engineer in Environmental DNA and Spatial Analysis of Mountain Erosion

Company: INRAE Presentation of INRAE The French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food, and Environment (INRAE) is a public research establishment bringing together a community of 12,000 people across 272 research, service, and experimental units located in 18 sites throughout France. INRAE is among the world’s leading institutions in agricultural and food sciences, plant and animal sciences. Its research aims to develop solutions for multi-performing agriculture, high-quality food, and the 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 target French Alpine catchments to better understand sediment origins and their transfer pathways to watercourses. Your mission will involve developing and applying an integrated method combining environmental DNA (eDNA), spatial analysis, and hydrological data to identify sediment source zones and map preferential erosion transfer pathways. Key Responsibilities Include: Field Campaigns in the Alps: Site selection, soil and sediment sampling, environmental surveys, sample preservation, and chain-of-custody documentation. Molecular Analyses: eDNA extraction, PCR amplification, library preparation, and coordination/execution of high-throughput sequencing. Bioinformatics Pipelines: Implementing and adapting pipelines for quality control, sequence processing, taxonomic assignment, and plant community analysis. eDNA Signature Comparison: Comparing eDNA signatures from sediments and potential source areas, while evaluating methodological uncertainties and limitations. Spatial Integration: Combining eDNA results with GIS, topographic, hydrological, and sediment connectivity data to produce maps of sediment sources and transfer pathways. Documentation and Dissemination: Documenting methods and data, presenting results to project partners, and contributing to scientific publications and project deliverables. Fieldwork in the French Alps may require multi-day stays under variable weather conditions. Laboratory work (molecular biology) and computer-based analysis will also be part of your routine. Education and Skills Required PhD or Engineering School Degree Recommended Background: PhD or postgraduate degree in molecular ecology, molecular biology, environmental sciences, or a closely related field, complemented by skills in geomatics and/or hydrology. Desired Knowledge: - eDNA and metabarcoding techniques - PCR and high-throughput sequencing - Bioinformatics and statistical analyses - GIS, erosion processes, hydrology, and sediment connectivity Preferred Experience: - Conducting field campaigns - eDNA data analysis - Development or use of analysis pipelines (R/Python) - Mapping (QGIS/ArcGIS) - Experience in mountain environments is a strong 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 RTT days (for full-time positions) Continuous professional development: training, career guidance 50% coverage of your contribution to the collective health insurance plan Parental support: CESU childcare vouchers, leisure activity subsidies Social support: counseling, advice, and social aid/loans Leisure and vacation benefits: vacation vouchers, discounted accommodations Sports and cultural activities On-site cafeteria services How to Apply Submit your CV and motivation letter. As a public research institution, INRAE is subject to the French Civil Service Code, including obligations of neutrality and respect for secularism (laïcité). As such, in the performance of their duties—whether or not in public-facing roles—employees must not manifest their religious, philosophical, or political beliefs through behavior or attire. Learn more: fonction publique.gouv.fr (https://www.fonction-publique.gouv.fr)