MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship Opportunity – Sensory and Nutritional Interventions for Pregnancy-Related Nausea and Vomiting Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Lyfe in France

The Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Lyfe is offering a unique MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship opportunity focused on sensory and nutritional interventions for pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting. This position is part of the PreVoPercep project, funded by the French National Research Agency (ANR), which aims to investigate the perception and eating behaviour of pregnant women experiencing nausea and vomiting (NVP) through an interventional clinical study. By integrating sensory science and clinical nutrition, the project seeks to design innovative nutritional strategies to improve maternal comfort and fetal health outcomes.

The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary consortium with recognised expertise in maternal health, nutrition, sensory science, and clinical research. The postdoctoral fellow will actively contribute to the co-development and writing of the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship proposal, and, if successful, will be involved in the implementation and follow-up of the clinical research project. The position is offered for a duration of 24 months, subject to MSCA funding approval, and will be based between Lyon and Montpellier, ensuring strong integration into both clinical and experimental research environments.

Key responsibilities include contributing to the design, structuring, and coordination of the clinical study; participating in the development of experimental and intervention protocols; collecting, managing, and analysing data on sensory perception and eating behaviour in pregnant women; developing tailored nutritional strategies for women experiencing NVP; and leading scientific dissemination activities, including peer-reviewed publications and international conferences.

The academic environment is highly stimulating, with a strong emphasis on skill development, scientific independence, and career structuring. The fellow will progressively strengthen expertise in clinical study design, interdisciplinary research integration, and scientific leadership. The project provides a unique opportunity to develop a high-level research profile at the interface of sensory science, clinical nutrition, and obstetrics.

Supervision will be provided by Dr Philippe Deruelle (Obstetrician-Gynecologist, University of Montpellier), Dr Anestis Dougkas (Research Director in Nutrition and Eating Behaviour, Institut Lyfe Research Centre), and Dr Audrey Cosson (Research Scientist in Sensory Science and Food Behaviour, Institut Lyfe Research Centre). The fellow will benefit from close collaboration with these experts and from the resources of both the Institut Lyfe Research Centre and the University of Montpellier.

Applicants must hold a PhD in nutrition, sensory science, food behaviour, clinical research, or a related discipline by the call deadline. They must comply with the MSCA mobility rule (not having resided or carried out their main activity in France for more than 12 months in the 36 months prior to the call deadline) and have no more than 8 years of full-time research experience after obtaining their PhD (excluding career breaks). Experience in clinical and/or interventional research, strong skills in statistical analysis and data management, good project management abilities, and familiarity with clinical trial methodology, regulatory frameworks, and ethical considerations are required. Good English and basic French language skills are expected. Strong motivation, scientific rigor, team spirit, and excellent communication skills are highly valued.

The MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship offers competitive funding in line with MSCA rules, including living, mobility, and family allowances if applicable, plus full social security coverage according to the host institution. The position provides opportunities for structured training, interdisciplinary collaboration, and international exposure, enabling the fellow to progressively strengthen expertise in clinical study design, interventional research, and scientific leadership.

Interested candidates are invited to submit a CV, cover letter, and contact details of two referees to [email protected]. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. The recruitment is subject to successful funding of the project, and the expected starting date is flexible, depending on the MSCA evaluation and grant agreement timeline.

For further information, visit Institut Lyfe Research Centre or the position link.