Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale
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PhD position – Antigen–RNA complexes and immune tolerance in cancer vaccination Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale in France
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Cell Biology
Funding
Available
Deadline
Nov 15, 2026
Country
France
University
Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale
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About this position
A 3-year PhD position is available at the Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice (IRCAN), within the Université Côte d’Azur / CNRS / Inserm environment and the IHU RespirERA structure in Nice, France.
The project, supervised by Dr Patrick Brest, focuses on antigen–RNA complexes and how they may overcome immune tolerance in cancer vaccination. Therapeutic vaccination against established cancers is often limited by tolerance to self antigens, and this PhD will investigate how protein antigen–RNA complexes stimulate innate nucleic acid sensing pathways and enhance immunogenicity.
The research aims to identify the cellular and molecular determinants of immunogenicity, including the innate sensors involved, the responsive immune cell types, and the specific contribution of the RNA component. It will also examine how these factors influence antigen presentation and therapeutic efficacy in preclinical tumour models, with the broader goal of assessing this approach as a vaccine platform.
Methodologically, the work will combine reporter cell lines and primary immune cells, imaging and flow cytometry, in vitro RNA and protein biochemistry, preclinical tumour models, and immune monitoring. The position is well suited to a student interested in immunology, RNA biology, cancer biology, and translational vaccination research.
Eligibility requires a Master’s degree (M2 or equivalent) in life sciences such as cell biology, molecular biology, immunology, or cancer biology by the start of the contract, together with hands-on laboratory experience. Skills in cell culture, RT-qPCR, and protein analysis are considered assets, and experience in imaging, flow cytometry, RNA biology, or RNA/protein biochemistry will be highly valued. Candidates should be rigorous, autonomous, critical thinkers, team-oriented, and comfortable working in English.
The position is a full-time doctoral contract funded for 3 years by the French National Research Agency (ANR) under the France 2030 – IHU RespirERA programme (ANR-23-IHU-0007). The expected start date is January 2027, and the application deadline is 15 November 2026.
To apply, candidates should email a CV, cover letter, M1/M2 transcripts, and the contact details of two referees to [email protected], using the specified email subject line.
Funding details
Available
What's required
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.
How to apply
Send a CV, cover letter, M1/M2 academic transcripts, and the contact details of two referees to [email protected]. Use the subject line: “PhD application – Position – Antigen–RNA complexes and cancer vaccination”.
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