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).

A motivated research engineer (IGE) with a strong background in (micro)biology will join our ANR-funded CECIL project, which aims to understand bacterial functions in cnidarian health and their responses to stress in the context of global climate change. The research engineer will participate in the laboratory’s daily activities (culturing microbes and sea anemones) and in experiments aimed at elucidating the molecular and chemical interactions between the cnidarian host, symbiotic dinoflagellate algae and associated bacteria.

Activities
• Maintenance of marine organism cultures (dinoflagellates, bacteria, sea anemones).
• Practical microbiology work (axenic culture protocols, microbial isolation, preparation of culture media, phenotyping).
• Molecular biology work (nucleic acid extraction, metabolite extraction, assistance with LC-MS analysis).
• Support for experiments on sea anemones and microorganisms (microbiome manipulation, co-cultures).

Required skills
• Traditional skills in microbiology laboratory techniques and aseptic techniques.
• Basic skills in molecular biology (nucleic acid extraction, gel electrophoresis, (q)PCR).
• Ideally, prior experience in sample preparation for metabolomic and proteomic analysis, or willingness to acquire the necessary skills.
• Strong organisational skills.
• Language skills: English (mandatory) and French.

The position is scheduled for 24 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 background in Microbiology, Microbial Ecology, Marine Science, Molecular Biology, or a related field is required.