Valérie Raymond is seeking a fellow for MSCA PF 2026 in electrophysiological characterization o[...]

Organisation / Company Université d'Angers Department Direction de la Recherche - Cellule Europe Laboratory Functional Signalling of Ion Channels and Receptors Laboratory (SiFCIR) Is the Hosting related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

The scientific research carried out in the SiFCIR laboratory contributes to the development of new strategies for controlling insect pests. The aim of our research is, on the one hand, to optimize the efficiency of plant protection products while reducing doses and, on the other hand, to develop new strategies to limit and circumvent the resistance phenomena set up by insect pests. We carry out research ranging from the gene to the whole insect using various techniques such as electrophysiology, calcium imaging, molecular biology techniques and mortality tests. In order to develop new strategies for controlling pests, our research has 2 main focuses:

• study of the physiological, cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the efficacy of insecticides.
• influence of abiotic factors on the efficacy of insecticides.

Presentation of the project

Contemporary agriculture is facing a new challenge that is to ensure a quality production able to meet the growing food needs. Producing enough food is a major economic, health and social concern. Until now, the crop protection and the increase of their yields was mainly based on the use of pesticides such as neurotoxic insecticides. However, insecticide-based crop protection strategies are currently raising questions. Indeed, several decades of widespread insecticide use have led to the appearance of resistant insect populations through selection pressure but also negative effects were reported on non-target organisms. In this context, it is crucial to optimize the use of insecticides to limit their effects on non-target organisms such as beneficial insects, like honeybees known as environmental sentinels, or to develop new insect pest management strategies to allow a safer and more sustainable agriculture. In order to develop new strategies for controlling insect pests, it is essential to increase our knowledge of insect receptors and ion channels. The aim of the project that will be constructed in collaboration with the candidate is to characterize insect receptors in order to determine the key element that can modulate their electrophysiological and pharmacological properties.

Applicants must comply with the mobility rule: having stay in France less than 12 months in the past 3 years before the 09th of September 2026.

Applicants also must have maximum 8 years of research experience after graduating their (first) PhD.

A dedicated support programme will be offered to the selected fellow with online training, webinars, proofreading as well as a potential funding of mobility in Angers during 3 days for dedicated writing sessions.