24 Feb 2026
Job Information
- Organisation/Company
Universite de Montpellier- Department
Human Resources- Research Field
Biological sciences » Botany
Environmental science » Ecology
Biological sciences » Biodiversity
Biological sciences » Biology- Researcher Profile
Recognised Researcher (R2)- Positions
Postdoc Positions- Application Deadline
24 Mar 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Paris)- Country
France- Type of Contract
Temporary- Job Status
Full-time- Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?
Horizon Europe- Reference Number
2026-R0183- Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?
No
Offer Description
- work environment: This postdoctoral position will be supervised by Aline Muyle and hosted at the Institute of Evolutionary Sciences of Montpellier (ISEM), within the CHANGE department and the Plant Reproductive Strategies (SRP) team. Our team focuses on the evolution of plant reproductive systems, using diverse approaches including theory, experimentation, bioinformatics, and statistics.
In our team, reciprocity, scientific rigor, and mutual respect are core values. We place particular emphasis on quality mentorship and professional development. Weekly meetings with Aline Muyle will be organized for mentoring and analysis of the scientific literature. The postdoc will be encouraged to contribute ideas and expertise to the project and to present results at meetings. Participation in at least one international conference (e.g., ESEB or SMBE) will be encouraged and funded, depending on the results obtained. There will also be opportunities for national and international collaborations.
The postdoc will benefit from the environment of the ANR IMPRINT project, which will cover materials and travel expenses. The SRP team meets monthly, while the department meets annually. Additionally, ISEM hosts weekly SEEM seminars on ecology and evolution. The postdoc will also have access to the numerous technical platforms at ISEM.
Montpellier is a dynamic city with many laboratories in ecology and evolution, fostering scientific exchanges. Moreover, the quality of life is excellent.
- main mission: This project aims to experimentally test Orr’s hypothesis (1990), which suggests that polyploidization disrupts dosage compensation in species with sex chromosomes. If verified, this theory could explain the rarity of polyploids in animals compared to plants. We will use Silene latifolia, a dioecious plant with a young sex chromosome system (~11 million years old) and well-characterized dosage compensation. Synthetic polyploids have already been generated by our Czech collaborators, along with controlled crosses between individuals of different ploidies. Sequencing data are already available and include RNA-seq and DNA-seq data for these lines, as well as a reference genome for S. latifolia. These data will allow us to quantify the expression of autosomal and sex-linked genes and assess whether polyploidization alters dosage compensation.
The recruited postdoc will primarily analyze sequencing data to compare gene expression profiles between diploid and polyploid individuals. The goal is to determine whether polyploidization disrupts dosage compensation, as predicted by Orr, and to interpret these results in the broader context of reproductive system evolution. Analyses will be conducted in collaboration with the team and project partners.
The project aims to produce a manuscript for an international peer-reviewed journal, the postdoc will be fully supported by Aline Muyle throughout the process, from data analysis to drafting and submission. Regular feedback and adjustments will be made based on progress and results.
- activities: The postdoc will clean and align RNA-seq and DNA-seq sequences to the S. latifolia reference genome, allowing to quantify the expression levels of autosomal and sex-linked genes and compare these levels between diploid and polyploid individuals. Special attention will be given to the parental origin of X chromosomes in triploids by leveraging genetic polymorphisms between parental populations. Results interpretation will be done through rigorous statistical analyses conducted in collaboration with team members and project partners. The postdoc will also interpret the results in light of theoretical hypotheses, particularly Orr’s 1990 prediction that polyploidization disrupts dosage compensation. The Postdoc will synthesize the results into figures, tables and text to draft a scientific article for submission to an international peer-reviewed journal. The timeline and scope of the manuscript will be adapted to ensure feasibility within the contract period. In parallel, the postdoc will participate in team meetings and ISEM seminars. The project progress will be discussed during team, departmental or conference meetings depending on opportunities and advancements. Finally, the Postdoc will contribute to drafting the final report for the University of Montpellier.
The postdoc will also have the opportunity to co-supervise an intern, with mentorship guidance provided by Aline Muyle. This is optional and can be tailored to the postdoc’s interests and career goals.
The net monthly salary is €2,380
The contract duration is 18 months
Where to apply
aline.muyle@cnrs.fr
Requirements
- Research Field
- Biological sciences » Botany
- Education Level
- PhD or equivalent
- Research Field
- Environmental science » Ecology
- Education Level
- PhD or equivalent
- Research Field
- Biological sciences » Biodiversity
- Education Level
- PhD or equivalent
- Research Field
- Biological sciences » Biology
- Education Level
- PhD or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
We seek a postdoc with expertise in bioinformatics and sequencing data analysis. Candidates with partial experience in these areas but a strong motivation to learn are also encouraged to apply. Proficiency in R and Bash is required, but advanced training will be offered if needed. Knowledge of polyploidy or sex chromosomes is a plus but not mandatory.
Candidates are welcome to contact Aline Muyle to discuss the project’s expectations and their fit for the role.
Additional Information
Selection process
Interested candidates should send a cover letter, CV, and contact information for two references to: Aline Muyle aline.muyle@cnrs.fr
Work Location(s)
- Number of offers available
- 1
- Company/Institute
- Institut des Sciences de l'Evolution de Montpellier (ISEM)
- Country
- France
- Geofield
Contact
- City
Montpellier- Street
163 rue Auguste Broussonnet- Postal Code
34000
STATUS: EXPIRED
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