General information
Organisation
The French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) is a key player in research, development and innovation in four main areas :
• defence and security,
• nuclear energy (fission and fusion),
• technological research for industry,
• fundamental research in the physical sciences and life sciences.
Drawing on its widely acknowledged expertise, and thanks to its 16000 technicians, engineers, researchers and staff, the CEA actively participates in collaborative projects with a large number of academic and industrial partners.
The CEA is established in ten centers spread throughout France
Reference
2026-41670
Division description
The CEA's Fundamental Research Division (DRF) employs more than 5,000 people on four sites and conducts research in the physical, chemical, biological and environmental sciences, using cutting-edge technologies and instruments
Description de l'unité
Based at the Grenoble site, the Department of Integrated Structural and Cellular Biology (DBSCI) at the IRIG (Grenoble Interdisciplinary Research Institute) is fully aligned with the DRF's scientific strategy.
The DBSCI department comprises two units:
- The Cell and Plant Physiology Laboratory studies the functional organisation of the cell, particularly the plant cell. This research, conducted at both the molecular and cellular levels, is then placed within the context of the whole plant during its development. The effects of fluctuating environmental conditions are investigated. All this work aims to provide a better understanding of cellular mechanisms, notably metabolic pathways or processes of cell division and morphogenesis, at the cellular and tissue levels.
- The IBS (Institute of Structural Biology) structures its research around three main areas.
The first area concerns infectious diseases and molecular medicine, and focuses on research in structural and functional microbiology and virology, host-pathogen interactions and immunity, transcriptional regulation and DNA repair.The second research area focuses on signalling and membrane transport; this area involves the development of methods for biochemistry, structural biology and the engineering of membrane proteins.
The third area aims to push the boundaries of biophysics and chemistry applications in structural biology by developing new methodological approaches.
Position description
Category
Biology, biophysics and biochemistry
Contract
Fixed-term contract
Job title
Researcher in Structural Biology / Time-Resolved / Room Temperature Crystallography H/F
Socio-professional category
Executive
Contract duration (months)
24
Job description
Are you passionate about structural biology and the study of enzymatic mechanisms? Join the Institute for Structural Biology (IBS) as a researcher on a 2-year fixed-term contract. You will contribute to the ANR JC Catal-X project by developing a room-temperature kinetic crystallography method (TR-FRX) to visualize enzymes in action.
As a researcher, your responsibilities will include:
- Produce, purify and crystallize proteins of interest, characterize their activity in solution and in crystallo.
- Prepare and carry out room-temperature crystallography experiments on the beamline BM07 (ESRF), and on other beamlines if needed.
- Process and analyze time-resolved diffraction data (data reduction, structure determination, refinement, and analysis of enzymatic mechanisms).
Applicant Profile
You hold a PhD in structural biology, biophysics, biochemistry or a related field, with strong experience in protein crystallography. Experience in time-resolved crystallography, room-temperature crystallography and structural enzymology would be significant assets.
Required skills: protein expression, purification, and crystallization. X-ray diffraction data collection, structure determination and refinement of macromolecular structures. Proficiency with protein crystallography software. Skills in enzymology, UV-Visible absorption spectroscopy and Python would be appreciated. You are autonomous and rigorous, enjoy experimental work, are able to analyze complex data and value collaborative work.
🤝 Why join us? ….
By joining the Grenoble Interdisciplinary Institute, you’ll be part of a dynamic and innovative research environment where you’ll have the opportunity to learn, grow and play a key role within a centre of excellence.
…AND THAT’S NOT ALL!
You may be interested in the benefits that come alongside your main role:
A cutting-edge research ecosystem dedicated to topics of significant societal importance.
Training to enhance your skills and boost your career.
A staff committee offering a wealth of social, cultural and sporting benefits.
Practical benefits: staff canteen/meal vouchers, 85% of transport costs covered, and much more.
An exceptional living environment in Grenoble, nestled in the mountains, offering a unique balance between city life and nature.
🚀 Want to be part of the adventure? Apply now and put your energy to work for research and innovation!
In line with the CEA’s commitments to the integration of people with disabilities, this role is open to everyone. The CEA offers adjustments and/or organisational arrangements to facilitate the inclusion of disabled workers
Position location
Site
Grenoble
Job location
France, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Isère (38)
Location
Grenoble
Candidate criteria
Languages
- English (Fluent)
- French (Intermediate)
Recommended training
PhD in structural biology, biophysics, biochemistry
Requester
Position start date
02/11/2026
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