France: Postdoc in Biochemistry / Molecular Biology, French National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA)

France: Postdoc in Biochemistry / Molecular Biology, French National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA)

Postdoc in Biochemistry / Molecular Biology, French National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA), France

Identification of molecular mechanisms of pollutant-induced endocrine disruption in the freshwater snail Lymnaea stagnalis.

Chemically-induced endocrine disruption mechanisms are poorly understood in most mollusc classes, so that specific biomarkers of such alterations remain at an early stage of development. In this context, the main objectives of the post-doc are :
(i) to identify relevant, mechanistically-based biomarkers of endocrine disruption (e.g., hormones, peptides, enzymes involved in hormone metabolism) in the freshwater gastropod Lymnaea stagnalis. Biomarker responses will be investigated in snails isolated from maternal lineages submitted to various levels of selection pressure due to exposure to known endocrine disruptors (e.g., EE2, MT) and selected pesticides for which endocrine disruption is suspected.

(ii) to link, in a mechanistic way, these biomarkers with fitness-related life-history traits (e.g., fecundity, growth, and embryonic viability). Cause-and-effect relationships will be further used in modelling approaches currently developed in the Group.

Candidates experience is required on mollusc (gastropod) endocrinology, and a thorough knowledge on the mode of action of endocrine disruptors in invertebrates is highly desirable. Methodological developments could be based on spectrophoto/fluorometry and HPLC.

Experimental facilities and technical staff will be provided to support the post-doc activities. Health insurance, low cost accommodation and catering facilities will also be provided.

More information can be found on www.inra.nl

Applications can be send by e-mail to Laurent.Lagadic[ at ]rennes.inra.fr

Closing date: 15 august 2009