Position Title: Postdoctoral Researcher in Physiology, Metabolism, Nutrition, or Molecular Biology
 

Contract Type: Fixed-term contract (CDD) – 24 months

Starting Date: April 1, 2026

Salary: According to the salary scale in force and depending on the candidate’s experience

Host Institution: University of Lille / UMRt 1158 BioEcoAgro, Villeneuve d’Ascq, France

Project Description

The postdoctoral researcher will contribute to the experimental and conceptual development of the SPIGA project, funded by the French National Research Agency (ANR), which aims to elucidate the intestinal mechanisms linking protein digestion products to glucose metabolism. Digestion products of dietary proteins are actively sensed by intestinal cells through specific receptors and transporters that play a crucial role in nutrient detection. We hypothesize that these interactions directly influence glucose metabolism by modulating key transporters involved in intestinal glucose absorption.

Main Responsibilities

• Investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of intestinal glucose absorption by dietary protein digestion products
• Identify and characterize bioactive peptides modulating glucose transport and related signaling pathways
• Validate the physiological relevance of selected protein digestion products in vivo (rodent models)
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, prepare manuscripts and reports, and present results at meetings and conferences
• Participate actively in the scientific life of the project and the laboratory

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Physiology, Metabolism, Nutrition, or Molecular Biology
• Experience in cell models, animal experimentation, and omics approaches (e.g., RNA-seq)
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English

Work Environment

The candidate will join the Sol4Health team of the UMRt 1158 BioEcoAgro research unit, which focuses on the biological activity of food-derived compounds and intestinal physiology. The research will be carried out within a dynamic, multidisciplinary team with expertise in digestion models, cell biology, and peptide bioactivity.

Application Procedure

Applicants should submit the following documents:
• A detailed Curriculum Vitae
• Copies of academic diplomas (Master’s and PhD degrees or equivalent)
• A complete list of publications with separate reprints (PDFs) of up to three particularly relevant papers
• A cover letter describing research experience, scientific achievements, and motivation for applying
• The contact information of at least two references (with email addresses)

The deadline for applications is 13 February 2026. 

Applications and inquiries should be sent to Camille Dugardin (camille.dugardin@univ-lille.fr) and Benoit Cudennec (benoit.cudennec@univ-lille.fr).