Summary
The Institut de Recherche en Infectiologie de Montpellier (IRIM) at CNRS is offering a fully funded 36-month PhD position focused on understanding the translational and replicative dynamics of viral RNA in vivo at the single-molecule level. The project investigates arboviruses (Zika, Chikungunya, and Sindbis viruses) using advanced single-molecule imaging, molecular virology, and zebrafish embryo models.
Designation
- Position Title: PhD Student (CDD Doctorant)
- Contract Duration: 36 months
- Start Date: October 1, 2026
Overview Table
| Parameter | Details |
| Position Reference | UMR9004-JERDUF-003 |
| Host Institution | CNRS – Institut de Recherche en Infectiologie de Montpellier (IRIM) |
| Research Team | MDVA Team (Co-directed by Dr. Jérémy Dufourt & Dr. Jim Zoladek) |
| Education Level Required | Master’s Degree (BAC+5) |
| Monthly Remuneration | Minimum €2,300.00 / month |
| Benefits & Perks | 44 days annual leave/RTT, 75% public transit subsidy, remote work allowance |
| Workplace Location | Montpellier, Hérault, France |
| Application Deadline | August 10, 2026 at 23:59 (CEST) |
Research Area
- Primary Domain: Host-Pathogen Interactions, Immunology, and Inflammation
- Key Focus: Molecular Virology, RNA Biology, Quantitative Biology, Single-Molecule Live-Cell Imaging, and In Vivo Infection Modeling
Location
Institut de Recherche en Infectiologie de Montpellier (IRIM)
34293 Montpellier, Hérault, France
Eligibility / Qualification
- Degree: Master’s degree (BAC+5) or equivalent in Virology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biophysics, or a related life sciences discipline.
- Skills & Competencies:
- Background or interest in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, and live-cell microscopy.
- Experience or willing to work with infectious viruses under BSL-2 / BSL-3 biosecurity standards.
- Interdisciplinary aptitude for quantitative image analysis and computational tools.
- Flexibility for experimental timepoints in kinetic live-cell imaging and zebrafish infection models.
Job Description
This PhD project aims to decode how arboviruses (such as ZIKV, CHIKV, and SINV) coordinate viral RNA translation and replication in host cells.
Key Objectives:
- Develop Quantitative Reporters: Construct and test reporter systems to directly visualize viral RNA translation kinetics and spatial distribution at single-molecule resolution in live cells and zebrafish embryos.
- Recombinant Fluorescent Arboviruses: Engineer labeled viral genomes to simultaneously track RNA translation, replication, and movement in real time.
- In Vivo Zebrafish Infection Model: Capitalize on the optical transparency of zebrafish embryos to perform quantitative live imaging of virus-host dynamics in a physiological environment.
Research Environment:
The candidate will work within the MDVA team and leverage state-of-the-art facilities at IRIM, including:
- CEMIPAI: BSL-3 containment facility
- ZEFIX: Zebrafish platform
- MRI: Advanced imaging core platform
How to Apply
Candidates should submit their application online through the official CNRS Employment Portal Position Page.
Last Date to Apply
Monday, August 10, 2026 at 23:59 (CEST)
