PhD in Animal Nutrition, Metabolism and Molecular Biology on Feed Intake in Mulard Ducks
PhD opportunity in Animal Nutrition, Metabolism and Molecular Biology
at
INRAE / Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour
(NuMeA team), based in
Mont-de-Marsan, France
.
The project focuses on
regulation of feed intake in Mulard ducks
, with an emphasis on
gut-brain mechanisms
,
nutritional physiology
,
metabolism
, and
molecular biology
. The research aims to develop
welfare-friendly alternatives to force-feeding
in foie gras production by studying voluntary hyperphagia, liver fattening, and the biological mechanisms that control food intake.
Research methods mentioned include
RNA extraction
,
gene expression analysis
,
Western blot
,
ELISA
,
immunohistochemistry
,
transcriptomics
, and
lipidomics
. The project also explores
neurobiology
, the
gut-brain axis
, and
embryonic programming
approaches, with samples from brain, digestive tract, and plasma.
Ideal applicants
should have a background in
molecular biology
,
nutrition
,
metabolism
,
animal physiology
, or
feeding behaviour
. Prior experience in related laboratory techniques and biological analysis would be an advantage.
Supervisors:
Marianne Houssier (Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour) and Stéphane Panserat (INRAE).
Deadline:
26 June 2026.
Start date:
October–December 2026.
Interested candidates should contact
Marianne Houssier
at
[email protected]
for further information and application guidance.
