About the Position
Applications are invited for a PhD position in Palaeometagenomics of Ecosystem Change at the Laboratoire Chrono-Environnement, part of the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) in Besançon, France. This ANR-funded project (PaleoGreen) is supervised by Professor Jr. Amedea Perfumo and explores how biodiversity and ecosystem functions have evolved from natural environments to modern agricultural landscapes. Using ancient DNA metagenomics, this research aims to uncover long-term ecological transformations driven by climate change, pollution, and human activity. The project integrates environmental science, geoscience, and bioinformatics, offering doctoral researchers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge studies in microbial ecology, palaeogenetics, and ecosystem resilience.
Position/Job Details
- Position: PhD Researcher in Palaeometagenomics of Ecosystem Change
- Institution: CNRS – National Centre for Scientific Research
- Department: Laboratoire Chrono-Environnement (UMR 6249), Université Marie et Louis Pasteur
- Research Field: Environmental Science, Biological Sciences, Geosciences
- Location: Besançon, France
- Number of Posts: 1
- Job Type: Full-time, Temporary (PhD)
- Start Date (Anticipated): 2 February 2026
- Working Hours: 35 hours per week
- Salary Range: As per CNRS doctoral funding regulations
- Required Degree/Diploma: Master’s
Research Area
- Environmental Metagenomics
- Ancient DNA (aDNA) Analysis
- Microbial Ecology
- Ecosystem and Climate Change
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
- Palaeoenvironmental Reconstruction
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Environmental Science, Biology, Geoscience, or related discipline
- Foundational knowledge in molecular biology, ecology, or genomics
- Basic French proficiency
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in molecular biology, DNA extraction, PCR, or sequencing
- Familiarity with bioinformatics (Python, R)
- Understanding of microbial ecology or ancient DNA
- Strong English communication and collaborative research skills
Key Responsibilities
- Extract ancient DNA from sediment cores and prepare sequencing libraries
- Conduct metagenomic sequencing and manage data processing workflows
- Perform bioinformatics analyses, including taxonomic and functional annotation
- Develop statistical models and interpret palaeogenomic data
- Present research at national and international conferences
- Contribute to publications in peer-reviewed journals
- Maintain detailed laboratory and data documentation
- Support student mentoring and collaborative research activities
Application Process
How to Apply:
Submit your application online via the CNRS eRecruitment portal. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Required Documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover Letter
- Academic Transcripts
- Contact details of referees
Important Dates
- Application Opens: 30 October 2025
- Deadline: 19 November 2025 (23:59 UTC)
- Interview Date: To be announced
Useful Links
- Institution Website: CNRS – National Centre for Scientific Research
- Official Notification Link: Click here
- Apply Now: Apply via CNRS Portal
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