Postdoctoral Researcher Position, INRAE, France

Postdoctoral Researcher Position: An exciting three-year postdoctoral researcher position is available at the “Bess and Environment” research unit in Avignon, France, affiliated with INRAE (French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food, and Environment). INRAE is a world-leading institute in the study of relationships between agriculture, environment, and food. The postdoctoral researcher will focus on unraveling the mechanisms of collective defenses against diseases in social animals.

Summary Table:

Designation	Postdoctoral Researcher
Research Area	Collective Defenses in Social Animals
Location	Avignon, France
Eligibility/Qualification	PhD in Chemical Ecology or Related Field
Job Description	Research on Mechanisms of Social Immunity
How to Apply	Send CV, Motivation Letter, and References
Last Date for Apply	October 5th, 2023

Eligibility/Qualification: We are seeking a highly motivated early career researcher with expertise in chemical ecology and a strong interest in honey bee biology. Applicants should hold a Ph.D. in chemical ecology or a related discipline and possess the following skills: GC-MS chemical analyses, conducting behavioral lab or field experiments, statistical analyses (proficiency in R), and scientific publication writing (in English).

The candidate is expected to thrive in an interdisciplinary environment, demonstrating excellent communication skills and exceptional teamwork capabilities. A strong publication record (considering time since dissertation) will be advantageous. Experience with social insects, practical beekeeping skills, and fluency in French are desirable. Additionally, a valid driver’s license, physical fitness, and no known allergies to bee stings are prerequisites for working in our experimental apiaries.

Job Description:

Postdoctoral Researcher Position – Study of Collective Defenses in Social Animals

The postdoctoral researcher will play a pivotal role in the Bee Healthy project, investigating collective behavioral defenses against unhealthy brood in honey bee colonies, particularly in the context of Varroa destructor parasite invasion. The role includes identifying how unhealthy individuals are accurately diagnosed to trigger defensive hygiene mechanisms, employing chemical ecology tools such as volatile extraction and GC-MS analyses. Behavioral assays will be conducted at both individual and colony levels.

Research Environment: The selected candidate will join the “Bees and Environment” research unit of INRAE in Avignon, France, actively engaged in various research programs related to honey bee and wild bee populations in the context of sustainable farming and global change. This postdoc position is part of an ERC Starting grant (2024-2028 – Bee Healthy) and involves collaboration with research assistants in chemical ecology, beekeeping technicians, and chemists from another INRAE research unit in Avignon. Access to the unit’s lab and fieldwork facilities, including the experimental apiary and varroa resistant stock, is available.

How to Apply: Interested candidates should compile a single PDF file containing a detailed CV, a motivation letter, and contact details for two scientific references. The application should be sent via email to Fanny Mondet at fanny.mondet@inrae.fr.

Last Date for Apply: October 5th, 2023. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in mid-October.

Additional Benefits: INRAE offers various benefits to its employees, depending on contract type and duration, including up to 30 days of annual leave, parenting support, skills development programs, social support, holiday and leisure services, and sports and cultural activities.

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