Summary
This 36-month fully funded doctoral scholarship position focuses on statistical genomics to uncover host-pathogen interactions governing Dengue virus (DENV) disease severity. Based at the MIVEGEC laboratory in Montpellier, France, the successful PhD candidate will leverage innovative Genome-to-Genome ($G \times G$) statistical regression models, mixed-effects models, and viral Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) across paired human-viral genomic datasets from 1,400 patients.
Fully Funded PhD in Statistical Genomics: Decoding Dengue at CNRS, France
Designation
FTC PhD Student / Offer for Thesis (36-Month Fixed-Term Contract)
Key Details At a Glance
| Parameter | Details |
| Position Title | PhD Position (M/F) in Statistical Genomics |
| Host Institution | CNRS (French National Centre for Scientific Research) |
| Research Unit | MIVEGEC (Maladies infectieuses et vecteurs : écologie, génétique, évolution et contrôle) |
| Supervisor | Dr. Vincent Pedergnana |
| Offer Reference | UMR5290-VINPED-003 |
| Contract Duration | 36 Months |
| Expected Hire Date | 01/10/2026 |
| Remuneration | €2,300 gross monthly |
| Benefits | 44 days annual leave & RTT, remote working allowance, 75% public transport subsidy (plus sustainable mobility pass up to €300) |
| Workplace Location | Montpellier, Hérault, France |
| Application Deadline | 17 August 2026 (23:59) |
Research Area
- CNRS Field: Host-pathogen relationship, immunology, inflammation
- Core Disciplines: Statistical Genomics, Evolutionary Genetics, Viral GWAS, Bioinformatics, Infectious Disease Epidemiology
Location
MIVEGEC Laboratory
34394 Montpellier, Hérault, France
Eligibility / Qualification
- Degree Level: Master’s degree (BAC+5 equivalent) eligible for PhD enrollment in Statistical Genomics, Biostatistics, Computational Biology, Evolutionary Genetics, or Bioinformatics.
- Skills & Requirements: Strong background in statistical modeling, quantitative genomics, biological data analysis, and programming languages commonly used in genomic analysis (e.g., R, Python).
- Inclusivity: This offer is open to individuals with recognized status as a disabled worker.
Job Description
Context & Objectives
Dengue virus (DENV) infects roughly 400 million people annually, with clinical outcomes ranging from asymptomatic infection to severe dengue (plasma leakage and shock). While host and viral genetic factors are typically studied independently, this project employs pioneering Genome-to-Genome ($G \times G$) methodologies to simultaneously analyze paired human and viral genomic data.
The project investigates: How do interactions between human and DENV genomes influence infection outcomes and severity?
Key Responsibilities & Methodology
- Cohort Analysis: Analyze paired genomic data (human DNA and viral RNA) alongside clinical metadata from 1,400 patients across three cohorts (Sri Lanka, La Réunion, and the Caribbean).
- Statistical Modeling: Develop and apply regression models incorporating host and viral principal components to control for population structure, alongside mixed-effects and Bayesian approaches.
- Viral GWAS: Conduct viral association studies to identify DENV genetic variants linked to disease severity.
- Biological Validation: Focus on interactions in the human HLA region and viral proteins (such as NS3 and NS5) to identify early biomarkers of severe dengue and inform targeted vaccine strategies.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the CNRS Employment Portal:
- Access the official posting for offer reference UMR5290-VINPED-003.
- Click Apply and sign in or create an account on the CNRS portal.
- Upload your CV, cover letter, academic transcripts, and referee contact details before the deadline.
Last Date for Apply
17 August 2026 at 23:59 (CET)
