Reducing reproductive effects of endocrine disruptor chemicals by modulating gut microbial biotransformation pathways.

Duration: 36 months
Expected Starting Date: 01/09/2026 or 01/10/2026

Host institution: The position is located at the MICALIS Institute, INRAE (Institut national de recherche pour l’agriculture, l’alimentation et l’environnement) in Jouy-en-Josas, France and part of AgroParisTech and Université Paris-Saclay. The candidate will join the research team ‘PhylHom: Physiology and phylogeny of the Human Microbiome’ focusing on human microbiome in health and disease, nutrition, therapies, and exposome.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT
Emerging contaminants, particularly the endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), are pervasive mixtures found in food, water, and everyday products that increase disease burden in humans. The human gut microbiome has a broad enzymatic repertoire for metabolizing contaminants and can be modulated by nutrients, making it a promising target for reducing the effects of EDCs in the host. However, the intricate interactions between gut microbiome, nutrition, and contaminant detoxification remain largely unknown. This PhD project aims to uncover microbial detoxification mechanisms that can be modulated by nutrients and ultimately reduce the adverse effects of EDCs on reproductive tissues.

ACTIVITIES and RESPONSIBILITIES
– Carry out autonomous research activities under supervision to evaluate the microbial detoxification mechanisms of contaminants under nutritional exposure scenarios, identify genes and enzymes involved in EDC metabolism and validate the outcomes of these interactions on host cellular models.
– Integrate multi-omics data, write high-impact research articles, disseminate knowledge in scientific conferences and meetings.
– Participate in lab duties.

PROFILE and SKILLS REQUIRED
We are looking for a self-motivated candidate passionate about microbial ecology and biochemistry of contaminants and/or host-microbe interactions. The candidate must have a Master 2 University degree (or equivalent) with a specialisation in microbiology, eukaryotic cellular physiology, pharmacology, biochemistry, or any relevant field. Previous work in anaerobic microbial cultures or host cellular models would be a plus.
Organization skills, ability to work independently but also in teams is necessary, the candidate must be able to manage their project (bibliographical research, protocol development, data acquisition, etc.). Scientific rigor and curiosity are essential assets. A good level of spoken and written English is required. Previous knowledge or hands-on experience in either microbial ecology approaches, cell culture techniques, multi-omic data analysis, or computational and statistical techniques is preferred.

ENVIRONMENT
INRAE’s quality of life: – until 30 days of annual leave + 15 days “Reduction of Working Time” (for a full time); – parenting support: CESU childcare, leisure services; – skills development systems: training, career advice; – social support: advice and listening; – holiday and leisure services: holiday vouchers, accommodation at preferential rates; – sports and cultural activities; – collective catering.

HOW TO APPLY
Please send your letter of motivation, detailed CV, results or classification to Master (or equivalent) as well as contact details (name and e-mail) of two references as a single PDF-file to: Zehra Esra Ilhan (zehra-esra.ilhan@inrae.fr). Include ‘DetoxBiome PhD application’ in the e-mail title. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Deadline for the application: June 1, 2026