Stage Master 2

 Master's 2 internship at the BTSB-Albi-UT laboratory
Study of the effects of ant venom peptides on the
behavior of planarians
Duration: 6-month Master's 2 internship (January/February to June/July 2026)
Location: BTSB Albi team
Context
Currently, both medicine and agriculture are actively searching for new selective molecules with
fewer side effects on humans and/or the environment. Bioactive peptides meet these requirements
due to their three-dimensional structure, which gives them target specificity/novelty, and their
biodegradability. Among these biotherapies, ant venoms are a source of peptides, and around a
hundred have been identified by our team. Selection for exploitation is inseparable from a good
understanding of their targets and effects. The internship will focus on the study of neurotoxic
peptides. Currently, in vivo approaches are difficult to implement (complexity of nervous systems
(NS), ethical rules), but this is becoming possible with certain invertebrates. Planaria (an endemic
invertebrate that we have mastered breeding) is emerging as a simplified model for studying the NS,
with all the characteristics of the NS of vertebrates and higher invertebrates, and will allow us to test
neurotoxic peptides on its behavior.
Objective
The objective of this internship is to demonstrate the neuroactive effect of ant venom peptides on the
behavior of an aquatic invertebrate.
Main tasks
•Conduct behavioral experiments on planarians exposed to neuroactive peptides (sample preparation,
exposure, experimental monitoring) to assess behavioral changes.
•Study the stability of peptides in the experimental environment.
•Study immediate effects and effects after 24 hours.
•Analyze data using statistical tools (R software in particular).
Required skills and qualities:
•Solid background in biology (ethology, animal physiology, neuroscience).
•Comfortable with experimental procedures in the laboratory and respectful of good laboratory
practices.
•Ability to work independently, scientific rigor, and keen observation skills.
•Good team spirit and motivation to get involved in a research project.
•Skills in statistical analysis (R software or other).
•Computer skills (data analysis, video processing, programming) would be an asset.
Send your resume and cover letter before October 20, 2025, to caroline.vignet@univ-jfc.fr