Tropical reef-building corals are holobionts that are associated with intracellular algae, bacteria, archaea, fungi and viruses. Decades of functional research are a testimonial to the importance of the coral-algae symbiosis, a nutrient-exchange relationship forming the functional basis of coral reef formation. Our understanding of the functions of the other microbes in the holobiont, however, remains limited. In the past two decades, the genus Endozoicomonas has emerged as a potential key symbiont of corals. Yet, molecular and metabolic interactions of Endozoicomonas in the cnidarian holobiont remain a significant knowledge gap. Despite the increasing availability of genomic information, experimental functional data to confirm specific roles and lifestyles of Endozoicomonas in corals are lacking. These interactions will be targeted in the ‘Young Researcher’ (JCJC) project ‘Understanding the molecular cross-talk of Endozoicomonas in the cnidarian holobiont’ (CECIL), funded by the French National Research Agency (ANR).

I am looking for a motivated postdoctoral researcher in (micro)biology, with computational (-omics) and laboratory skills who will support CECIL. The postdoctoral researcher will carry out manipulative experiments to unravel the molecular and chemical interactions between the cnidarian host, dinoflagellate algae and associated bacteria, focusing specifically on cutting-edge -omics tools (comparative genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics), and will provide analytical support to ongoing projects.

This work will be based at the UAR 3278 CRIOBE at the University of Perpignan Via Domitia.

Main responsibilities:
• Develop hypothesis-driven experiments to understand the molecular responses of organisms and reconstruct their metabolic interactions.
• Analysis of complex data (NGS and others) in -omics (comparative genomics, gene expression analysis, proteomics, metabolomics).
• Laboratory work (aseptic work, microbial cultures, microbiome manipulations, sea anemone husbandry).

Ad hoc responsibilities:
• Processing samples for molecular biology (metabolomics, proteomics, gene expression).

Your profile:
• Demonstrated proficiency in at least one programming language (e.g., proficiency in Python or R).
• Solid experience in comparative genomics and gene expression analysis (generation, processing, and integrative data analysis).
• Ideally, prior experience in metabolomic and/or proteomic data analysis, or willingness to acquire the necessary skills.
• Demonstrated experience in the development and application of bioinformatics pipelines.
• Strong organisational and communication skills.
• Language skills: English (mandatory) and French (optional).

The position is scheduled for 30 months and to be filled as soon as 2 February 2026.

To apply, please submit a single PDF to claudia.pogoreutz@univ-perp.fr containing a CV and a cover letter describing research interests, relevant experience, and career goals.

A Ph.D. in Microbiology, Microbial Ecology, Marine Science, Molecular Biology, or a related field is required.