Researcher in genetics on marine invertebrate adaptation to diseases and global change (M/F)

The Institute and the recruiting departement

A pioneer in ocean science, IFREMER’s cutting-edge research is grounded in sustainable development and open science. Our vision is to advance science, expertise and innovation to:

• Protect and restore the ocean
• Sustainably use marine resources to benefit society
• Create and share ocean data, information & knowledge.

With more than 1,500 personnel spread along the French coastline in more than 20 sites, the Institute explores the 3 great oceans: the Indian, Atlantic and Pacific oceans. A leader in ocean science, IFREMER is managing the French Oceanographic Fleet and its dedicated scientists create ground-breaking technology to push the boundaries of ocean exploration and knowledge, from the abyss to the atmosphere-ocean interface.

Well-established in the international scientific community, our scientists, engineers and technicians are committed to advance knowledge about our planet’s last unexplored frontiers. They provide the science we need for informed decision-making and public policy and they transfer this knowledge and technology to businesses to fulfill public and private needs. Core to our mission is also to strengthen public awareness about the importance of understanding the ocean and its resources, and empowering future generations of leaders through education and outreach national campaigns.

Founded in 1984, IFREMER is a French public organization and its budget approximates 240 million euros. It is operating under the joint authority of the French Ministry for Higher Education, Research and Innovation, the french Ministry of the Sea, the French Ministry for the Ecological and Solidary Transition, and the French Ministry of Agriculture and Food.

General areas of responsibility

The main objective of the research unit “Health, Genetics and Microbiology of Molluscs” (SG2M) is to improve knowledge in the field of (1) adaptation and health of invertebrate species of interest for marine aquaculture with a specificity for marine molluscs (2) the safety of coastal ecosystems including shellfish production areas in relation with pubic health, global change and sustainable organisation.

Included within the SG2M research unit, the Laboratory of Genetics and Pathology of Marine Molluscs (LGPMM) conducts projects related to 1) the study of diseases affecting marine molluscs, 2) the understanding of mechanisms involved in host adaptation, in particular in response to diseases (contribution to disease resistance and associated determinisms). Thanks to its expertise recognised internationally, the LGPMM gathers research, surveillance and reference activities.

Under the responsibility of the head of the laboratory, the new recruit will develop and implement research projects in genetics, in particular quantitative genetics and genomics in order to decipher mechanisms involved in marine invertebrate adaptation to diseases and global change, contributing to improve durably their health.

General areas of responsibility

Specializing in association genetics approaches (QTLs, GWAS, .. .) and genomic selection, the new recruit will apply her/his skills to investigate genetic and molecular determinants associated with the resistance and the adaptation of marine invertebrates to diseases and global change.

More specifically, she/he will develop and coordinate scientific works in quantitative genetics and genomics in marine invertebrates in order to better understand mechanisms involved in their health and adaptation.

Principal activities

Her/his main activities will consist in :

• Developing quantitative genetic models in order to characterize genetic bases of traits of interest in marine invertebrates,
• Establishing reference genomes of marine invertebrates,
• Integrating advances in genomic allowing to identify polymorphisms involved in genetic variability,
• Investigating mechanisms of artificial and natural selection in marine invertebrate populations,
• Developing and coordinating research projects in response to national and international calls,
• Disseminate scientific results through articles in research journals and reports,
• Participating in research training through the supervision of Master PhD students, postdocs ad technicians .

She/He will also contribute to :

• Technology intelligence and knowledge of tools and approaches required to the genetic characterization of marine invertebrate notably sequencing approaches and functional annotation;
• Recording of data and related metadata.

Collaborative work environment

• Internal collaborative relationships : SG2M ; IHPE ; MARBEC; PFOM/UMR LEMAR, Sebimer, LERs

• External collaborative relationships : The national and international scientific community