PhD Fellowship: Innovation in Health through Interdisciplinary Magnetic Resonance at the University of Lille University of Lille in France

This PhD fellowship at the University of Lille offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to innovation in health through interdisciplinary magnetic resonance research. The project focuses on developing next-generation, ultra-sensitive MRI contrast agents for visualizing Alzheimer's disease (AD)-associated brain lesions using ultra-high field MRI scanners. The research addresses the urgent need for specific imaging biomarkers to detect early signs of tauopathies, such as AD, and aims to overcome the limitations of current PET and MRI techniques.

The project is structured into three main tasks: (1) designing and characterizing MRI contrast agents tailored for ultra-high field applications, using advanced EPR, NMR, and MRI measurements; (2) developing nanobody-based contrast agents targeting amyloid deposits, specifically tau protein aggregates, and evaluating their performance in solution and imaging; and (3) applying these bio-conjugates in post-mortem and in vivo mouse models to assess their ability to detect and label tau deposits, including their capacity to cross the blood-brain barrier.

The IMMENSE project, which funds this fellowship, is a large interdisciplinary initiative at the University of Lille, providing access to state-of-the-art equipment such as a 1.2GHz NMR spectrometer, a 263 GHz EPR spectrometer, and a 7T MRI full-body imager. The doctoral candidate will benefit from collaboration with four local laboratories specializing in solid-state NMR, MRI of the brain, AI-enhanced image processing, protein biochemistry, and EPR of energy-related materials. The project offers a vibrant training environment with eight early-stage researchers and a strong commitment to equal opportunities, particularly encouraging women to apply.

The fellowship is a 3-year full-time contract under French employment law, including full social benefits and family allowance if applicable. The successful candidate will be enrolled in doctoral schools associated with the University of Lille and will join a dynamic, interdisciplinary research community. The application deadline is May 15, 2026, and the position starts from October 1, 2026.

Applicants should have a master's degree or equivalent in (bio)chemistry, engineering, or a related field, with strong experimental skills and knowledge of NMR spectroscopy and/or imaging. Selection criteria include academic excellence, relevant experience, communication and teamwork skills, English proficiency, and strong references. Applications should be submitted by email with supporting documents as detailed in the application instructions.