Master 1 / Master 2 Internship : Nuclear architecture and melanoma cell plasticity

INSERM; France; On-site; EUR 7,800 - 11,000; Full time

Job summary

INSERM's Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire in Nice, France invites a Master 1 or Master 2 student to join as a Researcher Intern in cancer biology and cell mechanics. The project focuses on melanoma cell plasticity, nuclear morphology and quantitative biology, with training across microscopy and molecular techniques.

You will work in an interdisciplinary team, gaining hands-on experience in cell culture, gene modulation, imaging and data analysis, under the supervision of Dr Mickaël

Qualifications

• Strong interest in cancer biology, cell plasticity, nuclear architecture and quantitative biology.
• Basic knowledge of cell and molecular biology is expected.
• Previous experience in cell culture, fluorescence microscopy, molecular biology, image analysis or related experimental approaches would be appreciated but is not mandatory.
• Current enrolment in a Master 1 or Master 2 programme in cell biology, molecular biology, cancer biology or related life sciences.

Responsibilities

• Work on melanoma cell culture and experimental cell biology.
• Perform siRNA/shRNA-based gene modulation and assess proliferation and viability.
• Conduct migration and invasion assays.
• Carry out fluorescence and confocal microscopy and quantitative image analysis.
• Perform RNA extraction, RT-qPCR and Western blotting and chromatin-based approaches.

Skills

Cancer biology

Cell plasticity

Nuclear architecture

Quantitative biology

Cell culture

Fluorescence microscopy

Molecular biology

Image analysis

Education

Bachelor degree or equivalent

Master 1 or Master 2 programme

Tools

Fluorescence microscopy

Confocal microscopy

RNA extraction

RT-qPCR

Western blotting

Job description

Organisation/Company INSERM Department Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire Research Field Medical sciences » Cancer research Biological sciences » Biology Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions Master Positions Application Deadline 30 Nov 2026 - 22:00 (Europe/Paris) Country France Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 1 Jan 2027 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Context
Melanoma is a highly heterogeneous cancer characterized by a remarkable capacity to adapt to environmental and therapeutic constraints. Beyond genetic alterations, cellular architecture, nuclear organization and physical forces are increasingly recognized as important contributors to tumour cell behaviour and plasticity.

Internship project
The aim of this internship is to investigate how changes in nuclear morphology, nuclear organization and cellular mechanics are associated with melanoma cell plasticity and adaptation.

The student will work in an interdisciplinary research environment combining cancer biology, molecular and cellular biology, fluorescence microscopy and quantitative approaches.

Techniques and training
Depending on the progress of the project, the student will have the opportunity to gain experience in:

• melanoma cell culture and experimental cell biology,
• siRNA/shRNA-based gene modulation,
• real-time proliferation and viability assays,
• migration and invasion assays,
• fluorescence and confocal microscopy,
• quantitative analysis of cell and nuclear morphology,
• RNA extraction, RT-qPCR and Western blotting,
• chromatin-based approaches,
• quantitative image and data analysis.

Candidate profile
We are looking for a motivated Master 1 or Master 2 student with a background in cell biology, molecular biology, cancer biology or related life sciences. Curiosity, scientific rigour, autonomy and an interest in microscopy, quantitative biology and interdisciplinary research are particularly valued.

Location: C3M – Inserm U1065 / Université Côte d’Azur, Nice, France
Starting period: 2027, flexible according to the Master programme
Duration: according to the university programme
Supervisor: Dr Mickaël Ohanna

Requirements

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

Skills/Qualifications

.Strong interest in cancer biology, cell plasticity, nuclear architecture and quantitative biology. Basic knowledge of cell and molecular biology is expected. Previous experience in cell culture, fluorescence microscopy, molecular biology, image analysis or related experimental approaches would be appreciated but is not mandatory. Curiosity, scientific rigour, autonomy and willingness to learn new experimental and quantitative methods are particularly valued.

Specific Requirements

Current enrolment in a Master 1 or Master 2 programme in cell biology, molecular biology, cancer biology or related life sciences.
Applicants should provide a CV, a short motivation letter, their latest academic transcript/grades and class rank if available.
For Master 2 students, continuation toward a PhD may be considered depending on the progress of the project, the candidate’s performance and available funding

Languages ENGLISH Level Good

Languages FRENCH

Research Field Medical sciences » Cancer researchBiological sciences » Biology Years of Research Experience None

Additional Information

The student will join a multidisciplinary research environment combining cancer biology, molecular and cellular biology, advanced microscopy and quantitative approaches.
The internship will provide hands-on training in experimental and analytical methods and opportunities to interact with researchers from complementary disciplines.
The student will benefit from the scientific environment and technological platforms available at C3M and Université Côte d’Azur.
For Master 2 students, continuation toward a PhD may be considered depending on the progress of the project, the candidate’s performance and available funding.

Eligibility criteria

Applicants must be currently enrolled in a Master 1 or Master 2 programme in cell biology, molecular biology, cancer biology or a related life-science discipline.
A strong interest in cancer biology, cell plasticity, microscopy and quantitative approaches is expected.
Previous laboratory experience is appreciated but not mandatory.
Good working knowledge of English is required; French is not mandatory.

Selection process

Applications should include:

• a CV,
• the latest academic transcript/grades,
• class rank, if available.

Applications will be evaluated based on academic background, scientific motivation, previous research or laboratory experience, and fit with the project.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview.

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire (C3M) – Inserm U1065 Country France State/Province alpes Maritimes City Nice Postal Code 06100 Street 151 route Saint Antoine de Ginestière Geofield