PhD in cancer biology

Université de Caen Normandie; France; On-site; EUR 21,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

Université de Caen Normandie - Inserm U1086 ANTICIPE propose un doctorat destiné à étudier le potentiel thérapeutique du ciblage de UBE2N et son interaction avec l’immunité antitumorale dans le cancer de l’ovaire, en synergie avec des modèles organoïdes de tumeur et des approches moléculaires. Le poste est basé au Centre Cancérologique François Baclesse, Caen, sur 36 mois, démarrage prévu début 2027.

Le candidat doit être titulaire d’un Master dans un domaine connexe (biologie du cancer,

Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent allowing doctoral enrolment in France.
• Solid background in cancer biology and molecular/cellular biology.
• Knowledge of DNA repair and anticancer pharmacology.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and functional assays.
• Experience with patient-derived tumor organoids is an advantage.
• Good scientific English; ability to work in a multidisciplinary team.
• Motivation to develop autonomy in project design and data analysis.

Skills

Cancer biology

DNA repair

Pharmacology

Mammalian cell culture

Functional assays

Organoid models

English (written & spoken)

Independent work

Education

Master's degree (France/EU) in cancer biology or related

Job description

Organisation/Company Université de Caen Normandie Research Field Medical sciences » Cancer research Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 3 Nov 2026 - 23:59 (UTC) Country France Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time 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

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student to join Inserm U1086 ANTICIPE at the François Baclesse Comprehensive Cancer Center in Caen, France.
The PhD project will investigate the therapeutic potential of targeting UBE2N, a promising therapeutic target identified by our team, and its interplay with antitumor immunity in ovarian cancer.
The project will combine cancer and molecular biology, pharmacology, immuno-oncology and patient-derived tumor organoid (PDTO) models to investigate treatment response and identify new therapeutic strategies.
The PhD student will work in a multidisciplinary translational research environment, with access to the ORGAPRED tumor organoid core facility and expertise in DNA repair, pharmacology, precision oncology and tumor immunology.
The position is for 36 months, with an expected starting date in January–February 2027.

Requirements

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

Skills/Qualifications

Master's degree or equivalent degree recognized in France/the EU in cancer biology, molecular or cellular biology, pharmacology, immunology or a related discipline.
Solid background in cancer biology and/or molecular and cellular biology.
Knowledge of DNA repair.
Knowledge of anticancer pharmacology and/or therapeutic combinations.
Experience in mammalian cell culture.
Experience with functional assays to assess treatment response is an advantage.
Experience with patient-derived tumor organoids is an advantage.
Good scientific English, both written and spoken.
Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a multidisciplinary research team.

Specific Requirements

The candidate should demonstrate a strong interest in experimental cancer research and therapeutic development.
Experience or knowledge in immuno-oncology, tumor–immune interactions or antitumor immune signaling would be considered a strong advantage.
Previous experience with animal experimentation is not mandatory but would be an asset.
The candidate should be motivated to develop new experimental skills and progressively acquire autonomy in project design, experimental work, data analysis and scientific communication.

Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent

Additional Information

36-month PhD position within a multidisciplinary Inserm research unit.
Research conducted at the François Baclesse Comprehensive Cancer Center, a leading comprehensive cancer center in Normandy.
Access to the ORGAPRED tumor organoid core facility and advanced patient-derived tumor models.
Interaction with researchers, clinicians and technical experts in translational cancer research.
Training in multidisciplinary approaches combining cancer biology, pharmacology, molecular biology, immuno-oncology and precision oncology.
Opportunities to present research at national and international scientific conferences and contribute to scientific publications.
A stimulating international and collaborative research environment in Caen, Normandy, France.

Eligibility criteria

Applicants must hold a Master's degree or equivalent qualification allowing enrolment in a doctoral programme in France, preferably in cancer biology, molecular/cellular biology, pharmacology, immunology or a related discipline.
International candidates are welcome to apply, provided that their academic qualifications are recognized as equivalent for doctoral enrolment in France.

Additional comments

Expected starting date: January–February 2027.

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Université de Caen Normandie - François Baclesse Comprehensive Cancer Center Country France City Caen Postal Code 14076 Street 3 avenue du général Harris Geofield