INSERM
4 days ago
PhD position – Reprogramming immunosuppressive macrophages in leukemia through inhibition of non-canonical caspase activity Inserm in France
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Cell Biology
Funding
Available
Deadline
Oct 15, 2026
Country
France
University
INSERM
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About this position
PhD opportunity in leukemia immunology and macrophage reprogramming at Inserm U1065 / C3M, Nice, France.
This PhD project investigates how non-canonical caspase-8 (NC-CASP8) regulates immunosuppressive macrophages in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The central goal is to determine whether selective inhibition of NC-CASP8 can reprogram M2-like / leukemia-associated macrophages toward a pro-inflammatory, anti-leukemic phenotype. The work sits at the interface of immunology, cell biology, hematology, and chemical biology.
The doctoral researcher will work with human monocyte-derived macrophage models, leukemia-conditioned macrophages, primary AML patient samples, and in vivo leukemia models. The project also includes activity-based probe experiments to identify NC-CASP8 partners and understand its regulation, alongside biochemical and functional readouts. Techniques mentioned include CD14+ monocyte isolation, macrophage differentiation and polarization, AML co-culture, inhibitor treatment, enzymatic activity assays, multicolor/spectral flow cytometry, RT-qPCR, Western blot, cytokine assays, phagocytosis assays, T-cell functional assays, click chemistry/pulldown workflows, and participation in a murine C1498-GFP AML model.
The position is hosted within the INOVTEAM – Innovative Therapies in Myeloid Leukemias team at C3M, Inserm U1065, in Nice, in close collaboration with medicinal chemists at IBMM Montpellier and hematologists at CHU Nice. The project is supported by strong preliminary data and access to established macrophage, AML patient-derived, and in vivo models.
Funding is provided through the Inserm doctoral contract regulations, with standard employee benefits. The post is a full-time temporary PhD position starting 1 November 2026. The application deadline is 15 October 2026 at 17:00 (Europe/Paris).
Eligibility highlights include a Master’s degree or equivalent, eligibility for doctoral school enrollment, and strong preparation in immunology, cell biology, and/or hematology. English proficiency must be excellent; basic French is listed. Applicants should also be able to work independently and collaboratively in a research team.
To apply, candidates should email a CV, motivation letter, academic transcripts (Master 1 and Master 2 if available), a brief description of prior research experience, and the names and email addresses of at least two references to [email protected].
Further team information is available on the C3M website: https://www.c3m-nice.fr/equipes/equipe-02/
Funding details
Available
What's required
Master’s degree or equivalent and eligibility for enrollment in a doctoral school. Strong background in immunology, cell biology and/or hematology is required. Experience with mammalian cell culture, primary human cells, flow cytometry, and molecular biology techniques (RT-qPCR, Western blot) is highly desirable. Experience in macrophage biology, leukemia, chemical biology, proteomics, or animal experimentation would be an asset. The candidate should be rigorous, motivated, autonomous, and able to work effectively in a collaborative environment. Required or preferred technical experience includes CD14+ monocyte isolation, generation of human monocyte-derived macrophages, CSF-1-driven differentiation and M1/M2 polarization, co-culture with AML cells, treatment with NC-CASP8 inhibitors, enzymatic activity assays, multicolor/spectral flow cytometry, RT-qPCR, Western blot, cytokine assays, phagocytosis and T-cell functional assays, analysis of primary AML samples, and chemical-probe experiments (click chemistry/pulldown). English proficiency must be excellent and French basic.
How to apply
Send a CV, motivation letter, academic transcripts for Master 1 and Master 2 if available, a short description of previous research experience, and the names and email addresses of at least two references. Apply by email to [email protected]. Use the application deadline given in the posting.
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