Job Information
- Organisation/Company: INSERM
- Department: IRCAN – Équipe Patrick Brest
- Research Field: Biological sciences » Biology; Medical sciences » Cancer research
- Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)
- Positions: PhD Positions
- Application Deadline: 15 Nov 2026 - 23:59 (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
- Reference Number: IHU RespirERA” France 2030 program # ANR-23-IHU-0007
- Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?: No
Offer Description
A 3-year doctoral contract is available at the Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice (IRCAN – Inserm / CNRS / Université Côte d’Azur), within the University Hospital Institute RespirERA (IHU RespirERA), supported by the France 2030 programme.
Supervisor: Dr Patrick Brest
Location: Nice, France
Project description
Therapeutic vaccination against established cancers remains limited by immune tolerance to self antigens. Complexes associating a protein antigen with an RNA component can engage innate nucleic acid sensing pathways and may help overcome this tolerance, but the determinants of their immunogenicity are still poorly defined.
This project aims to:
- Characterise the cellular and molecular determinants of immunogenicity for antigen–RNA complexes, including the innate sensors engaged, the responsive cell types and the contribution of the RNA component.
- Determine how these determinants shape antigen presentation and therapeutic efficacy in preclinical tumour models, and assess their potential as a broader vaccine platform.
Approaches
Reporter cell lines and primary immune cells, imaging and flow cytometry, in vitro RNA and protein biochemistry, preclinical tumour models and immune monitoring.
Candidate profile
- Master’s degree (M2 or equivalent) in life sciences, including cell or molecular biology, immunology or cancer biology, with hands-on laboratory experience.
- Skills in cell culture, RT-qPCR and protein analysis are an asset.
- Experience in immunology, RNA biology, imaging, flow cytometry or RNA and protein biochemistry will be highly valued.
- Rigour, autonomy, critical thinking and team spirit.
- Good command of English.
Funding and employment conditions
A 3-year, full-time doctoral contract funded by the French National Research Agency (ANR) under France 2030 – IHU RespirERA (ANR-23-IHU-0007).
Expected start date: January 2027
Application deadline: 15 November 2026
How to apply
Please send a CV, a cover letter, M1/M2 academic transcripts, and the contact details of two referees to [contact details available in the full listing].
Please use the following email subject line: “PhD application – Position – Antigen–RNA complexes and cancer vaccination”.
Where to apply
E-mail: [contact details available in the full listing]
Requirements
Research Field
Biological sciences » Biology
Education Level
Master Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
Applicants should hold a Master’s degree (M2 or equivalent) in cell biology, molecular biology, immunology, cancer biology, or a related life sciences discipline by the start of the contract.
Hands-on laboratory experience is required. Experience in cell culture, RT-qPCR and protein analysis is desirable. Knowledge of immunology and RNA biology, as well as experience in imaging, flow cytometry or RNA and protein biochemistry, would be an asset.
Candidates should demonstrate scientific rigour, critical thinking, organisational skills, the ability to work independently and collaboratively, and a good command of written and spoken English.
Languages
ENGLISH — Good
FRENCH — Good
Research Field
Biological sciences » Biology
Years of Research Experience
1 - 4
Work Location(s)
Number of offers available: 1
Company/Institute: Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS UMR7284 / INSERM U1081 / IHU RespirERA
Country: France
State/Province: France Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
City: NICE (06000)
Postal Code: 06107 Nice Cedex 02
Street: 28 Avenue de Valombrose
Contact
State/Province: France Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
City: NICE (06000)
Website: http://www.inserm.fr/
Street: 28 Avenue de Valombrose
Postal Code: 06107 Nice Cedex 02
E-Mail: [contact details available in the full listing]
