Junior Research Scientist on the functional biology of root symbiosis

The Agroecology unit it made of four research departments, including the IPM department (Mechanisms and Management of Plant-Microorganism Interactions) and four platforms (Greenhouse-4PMI, Genosol, Microscopy and the Biological Resource Center). The research unit turns around two main scientific axes, (i) biodiversity and biotic interactions, and (ii) agroecological transitions towards sustainable and multi-performing agricultural systems.
Within the unit, you will integrate the MycoMemb team of the IPM department. This team is particularly interested in the mechanisms involved in the establishment and the functioning of beneficial plant-microorganism interactions, as well as in applied science to promote the primary production and protection of crops of interest such as legumes using agro-ecological management practices.
Legumes form two types of root symbiosis with soil micro-organisms. Rhizobial symbiosis (RS), exclusive to legumes, is established with diazotrophic soil bacteria, allows to fix atmospheric nitrogen and contributes to the nitrogen cycle. Arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis (AMS) is established between the majority of terrestrial vascular plants, including legumes, and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) of the Glomeromycota phylum. The paradigm shift considering the SMA and SR as an extension of the root system and its functioning will enable us to reconsider the functional biology of legumes.
Mostly, RS and AMS are studied separately. You will bring and develop new knowledges to contribute to study the efficiency of these two root symbioses by developing experimental approaches ranging from the laboratory to the greenhouse. You will study the effects (synergistic or antagonistic) of these two root symbioses on the hydromineral nutrition, with or without biotic or abiotic stress, of a legume of agronomic interest, the pea. Finally, you will explore the functional diversity of the AMF collection by considering the association with different diazotrophic SR-forming bacteria on an existing pea collection available in the unit. Finally, you will study plant-plant interactions through these co-occurring root symbioses in legumes. Your skills will strengthen the team's research potential on (i) studying the taxonomic and functional diversity of AMF in soils and in legume root systems, (ii) understanding the functioning and resilience of the AMS in interaction with the RS of pea and (iii) promoting interactions between pea and other crops (i.e. cash plants).