Job offer

Inserm DR Occitanie Mediterranee; France; Sur place; EUR 40 000 - 60 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A leading medical research organization in France is offering 14 PhD positions in cancer biomarker research as part of the EURECA Doctoral Network. This is an exciting opportunity for candidates with a Master's degree in molecular biology, cancer biology, or related fields. The role involves identifying tumor-specific biomarkers, evaluating plasma chemical marks for diagnosis, and a willingness to undertake international research visits. Successful candidates will receive competitive salaries and comprehensive training as part of a prestigious MSCA Fellowship.

Prestations

Monthly living allowance

Mobility allowance

Family allowance if applicable

Access to international training courses

Qualifications

• Master's in molecular biology, cancer biology or related.
• Strong interest in cancer research and epitranscriptomics.
• Hands-on experience with RNA/DNA extraction, qPCR/RT-qPCR.

Responsabilités

• Identify tumor-specific biomarker signatures.
• Evaluate circulating chemical marks for non-invasive diagnosis.
• Collaborate with research groups on project activities.

Connaissances

Molecular biology

Cancer biology

Biomedical sciences

Molecular and cellular biology

Basic molecular biology techniques

Data analysis

English proficiency

Experimental design

Formation

Master’s degree or equivalent

Outils

NGS technologies

Statistical analysis tools (R, Python)

Description du poste

Organisation/Company Inserm DR Occitanie Mediterranee Research Field Medical sciences » Cancer research Biological sciences » Biology Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Country France Application Deadline 30 Apr 2026 - 12:00 (Europe/Paris) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - MSCA Marie Curie Grant Agreement Number 101226733 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Context. EURECA — The European Epitranscriptomics of Cancer Academy invites applications for 14 doctoral positions across Europe, offering a unique opportunity to be part of a cutting-edge training network in cancer epitranscriptomics, the study of RNA modifications and their impact on cancer initiation, progression, and treatment. EURECA is an innovative and interdisciplinary Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network (MSCA-DN) funded by the European Union. Coordinated by Erasmus University Medical Center (Rotterdam, The Netherlands), the network brings together 21 academic, clinical, and industrial partners from across Europe. Each doctoral candidate will undertake a cutting‑edge research project, receive structured training, and benefit from international mobility through secondments at partner institutions to acquire the skills, knowledge, and entrepreneurial mindset needed to drive breakthroughs in cancer biology and contribute to the development of novel diagnostic tools and therapeutics.

Brief PhD project description. Inserm offers a PhD position within the framework of the MSCA Doctoral Network EURECA. The proposed PhD project aims to: 1. Identify tumour‑specific biomarker signature for diagnosis and prognosis of glioma; 2. Evaluate whether circulating chemical marks in plasma can be exploited for minimally invasive disease diagnosis; 3. Identify biomarker signatures that could be exploited for patient management and follow‑up; 4. Determine how epigenetics marks are influenced by mutations (e.g., NOTCH1, IDH1) and signalling pathways regulating glioma proliferation and differentiation; 5. Identify and validate “driver” RNA marks involved in tumour aggressiveness and resistance to therapy.

Secondments: This project is carried out in close collaboration with several research groups, and visits to their laboratories are expected during the project. A willingness to travel and spend time abroad is therefore essential.

Where to apply

E-mail [e-mail]

Requirements

Research Field Medical sciences » Cancer research Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field Biological sciences » Biology Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in molecular biology, cancer biology, biomedical sciences, or a related field
• Solid background in molecular and cellular biology and gene expression regulation
• Hands‑on experience with basic molecular biology techniques (RNA/DNA extraction, qPCR/RT‑qPCR)
• Strong interest in cancer research, epigenetics, and/or RNA biology
• Ability to design experiments, analyse data, and think critically
• Proficiency in written and spoken English
• Motivation to work in an international, interdisciplinary research environment and to comply with MSCA mobility rules

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Knowledge of epigenetics or epitranscriptomics, including RNA modifications
• Experience with NGS technologies and/or omics data analysis
• Basic skills in bioinformatics or statistical analysis (e.g. R, Python)
• Experience with cell culture, cancer models, or glioma research
• Interest in biomarker discovery, liquid biopsy, and translational research
• Familiarity with oncogenic pathways (e.g., NOTCH1, IDH1)
• Previous exposure to clinical or translational research settings

Specific Requirements

Applicants must be eligible for enrolment in a PhD programme at the host institution (Inserm) at the time of recruitment. Applicants must comply with the Marie Skłodowska‑Curie Actions mobility rule, i.e. they must not have resided or carried out their main activity in the host country for more than 12 months in the 36 months prior to recruitment.

Applicants must hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in biomedical sciences, molecular biology, cancer biology, or a related field by the project start date.

Applicants should demonstrate strong motivation for doctoral research in cancer epitranscriptomics and biomarker discovery and be willing to undertake international secondments within the EURECA Doctoral Network.

Applicants are expected to participate in network‑wide training activities, work effectively in a multidisciplinary and international environment, and possess excellent written and spoken English skills.

Applicants must be able to work with biological and potentially patient‑derived samples in compliance with ethical and regulatory requirements.

Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent

Research Field Medical sciences » Cancer researchBiological sciences » Biology Years of Research Experience 1 - 4

Additional Information

Recruited researchers will be part of the EURECA doctoral programme. EURECA offers:

• A thorough scientific education within a structured doctoral training programme.
• The opportunity to participate in specialised international training courses, workshops and conferences.
• A strong involvement in a European research project with high international visibility.
• The opportunity to undertake research visits to internationally renowned laboratories across Europe.
• A prestigious three‑year MSCA Fellowship.

The employment contract will follow the conditions and salary scales set by the Horizon Europe Work Programme 2023‑2025 (MSCA), adjusted to the cost of living in the host country. The monthly gross salary includes a living allowance (€4735,81/month), subject to a country correction coefficient, and additional allowances, namely a mobility allowance (€710/month) and, where applicable, a family allowance (€660/month). All amounts are gross and subject to compulsory deductions under national legislation, including employer and employee social security contributions and direct taxes.

Eligibility criteria

The Specific Eligibility Criteria of the Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska‑Curie programme apply, including the mobility rule and the PhD rule:

• Mobility rule: Researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (e.g., work, study) in the country of the host organisation for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the recruitment date (i.e., the start of employment).
• PhD rule: Applicants must be doctoral candidates, i.e., they must not already hold a doctoral degree at the date of recruitment.

Applicants of all nationalities are welcome to apply.

Selection process

We will adopt the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers, promoting open, merit‑based and transparent recruitment and attractive working and employment conditions.

3 steps selection process including:

• A preselection based on eligibility and written application
• First interview with a small panel from host institution
• Second interview with a larger panel
• If applicable, that a reserve list of candidates may be kept for up to 3 months.

Ineligible or incomplete applications will not be considered.