Cell and Molecular Biology Engineer (M/F) — ERC TROJAN Project

Organisation/Company Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD) Research Field Biological sciences » Biology Researcher Profile Other Profession Positions Master Positions Application Deadline 23 Aug 2026 - 00:00 (Europe/Paris) Country France Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 1 Oct 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - ERC Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

• About the employer

An international research institute, the IRD helps to strengthen the resilience of societies in the face of global upheavals. It is present in more than 50 countries across Africa, Latin America, Asia and the Pacific, as well as in the French overseas territories.

Its research activities respond concretely to priority needs: mitigation of and adaptation to climate change, the fight against poverty and inequality, the preservation of biodiversity, access to healthcare, and consideration of social dynamics. Research questions are developed together with local stakeholders and populations. The teams combine perspectives, disciplines and forms of knowledge through long-term partnerships in order to build robust, high-impact solutions.

• The unit you will be joining

The mission of MIVEGEC is to understand, through integrative research, the replication and transmission processes of infectious agents and their transmission dynamics, to study their potential vectors, and to analyse the strategies and mechanisms of adaptation and evolution of host–pathogen complexes. This research aims to lead to new methods for controlling disease. MIVEGEC enjoys excellent visibility at local, national and international level, thanks to its scientific output and to the participation of its members in both national and international expert panels. The unit (UMR) currently manages 2 ERC projects and around fifteen ANR projects, and coordinates 2 EU Horizon projects.

The position is part of the ERC TROJAN project.

An attractive role

As the technical resource person for the ERC TROJAN project, you will implement the experimental techniques in cell biology, immunology and molecular biology required by the project and ensure that it runs smoothly from a technical and logistical standpoint.

Under the responsibility of Arthur M. Talman, Research Director (DR2) and scientific lead of the ERC TROJAN project (TRIAD team), your duties will be as follows:

• Molecular biology: carry out molecular biology experiments: nucleic acid extraction, PCR and quantitative PCR, cloning, sample preparation and quality control;
• Parasitology: maintain parasite cultures and generate modified parasites under sterile conditions, in compliance with established protocols and health and safety rules;
• Cytometry and immunoassays: perform flow cytometry (sample preparation, staining, acquisition and analysis) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA);
• Traceability and protocols: compile, format and record experimental results, maintain the laboratory notebook, and write and update technical protocols;
• Technical and logistical management: manage stocks, orders and inventory, monitor equipment and carry out first-line maintenance, and schedule the use of instruments and shared spaces.

In addition, you may be asked to:

• Collective life: contribute to the life of the team and of the unit and provide occasional technical support to other members of the project.

You have developed the following skills:

• Parasite culture: command of cell culture techniques under sterile conditions (cell lines and/or primary cultures);
• Cytometry: experience with flow cytometry and analysis using FlowJo;
• Molecular biology: command of standard molecular biology techniques (nucleic acid extraction, PCR/qPCR, cloning);
• Data analysis: in particular genomic and single-cell RNAseq data;
• Health, safety and traceability: knowledge and application of laboratory health and safety regulations, rigorous upkeep of a laboratory notebook and use of the software specific to the activity;
• Organisation and languages: management of stocks, orders and inventory, monitoring and first-line maintenance of equipment; a command of scientific English (level A2 to B1, CEFR) is expected.

You demonstrate the following personal qualities:

• A sense of organisation and rigour in conducting experiments and ensuring data traceability;
• Interpersonal skills and a taste for teamwork within a collaborative, international environment;
• Autonomy and a sense of responsibility with the ability to report on your activity;
• Intellectual curiosity and the ability to adapt to new techniques and to developments in the project.

Specific Requirements

Holder of a Master's degree in the field of biology.

Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent

Additional Information

Joining the IRD

Throughout your career path, the IRD supports you in developing your skills.

The institute provides you with a range of tools such as the digital onboarding pathway and access to continuing training, promotion and mobility.

For IT (engineer and technician) positions:

By joining the IRD, you will benefit from:

• 32 days of annual leave + 13 RTT days (for a full-time post of 38.5 hours per week)
• Luncheon vouchers OR a staff canteen (depending on the site)
• Optional annual membership of the Staff Welfare Association (Association des Œuvres Sociales): holiday, leisure, sports and cultural benefits
• A contribution of €15/month towards supplementary health insurance

Additional comments

Position open on a fixed-term contract (CDD) – 6 months