Summary
An exciting, fully funded 3-year PhD position is available at the interface of biophysics, non-equilibrium statistical physics, and cancer biology. This interdisciplinary project aims to understand how cellular interactions and stochastic fluctuations drive the self-organization of micro-tumours. The successful candidate will split their time between developing multiscale mathematical models (theoretical) and building a state-of-the-art light-sheet fluorescence microscope (experimental) to track single-cell dynamics.
PhD Scholarship: Multi-Scale Study of the Emergent Properties of Micro-Tumours, CNRS, France
Key Details at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
| Designation | PhD Student (M/F) / FTC PhD Student |
| Contract Duration | 36 Months |
| Gross Monthly Salary | €2,300 |
| Start Date | October 1, 2026 |
| Annual Leave | 44 days (including RTT) |
| Benefits | 75% transit cost coverage, sustainable mobility package (up to €300), remote work options |
| Application Deadline | July 31, 2026 (23:59) |
Research Area
- Primary Fields: Biophysics, Statistical Physics, Optical Engineering, and Cancer Biology.
- Core Focus: Multi-scale mathematical modeling of multicellular systems combined with advanced quantitative 3D optical imaging (light-sheet microscopy) to track live micro-tumour dynamics.
Location & Work Environment
The project is a collaborative effort conducted across two premier institutes located on the University of Lille campus in Villeneuve-d’Ascq, France:
- IEMN (Institut d’Electronique de Microélectronique et de Nanotechnologie): Focused on theoretical modeling and statistical physics.
- PhLAM (Physique des Lasers, Atomes et Molécules): Focused on advanced optical imaging system design, experimental execution, and image analysis.
- Biological support and micro-tumour preparation will be facilitated by the CANTHER laboratory.
Eligibility & Qualifications
- Degree: Must hold a Master’s degree (BAC+5 equivalent) in Physics, Biophysics, Optical Engineering, or a closely related quantitative scientific discipline.
- Skills: A strong interest in interdisciplinary research, covering both theoretical data analysis (stochastic processes, modeling) and hands-on experimental work (optics, microscopy).
- Inclusivity: The position is open to individuals with a document recognizing disabled worker status.
- Doctoral School Enrollment: The candidate will be registered at the Doctoral School Sciences de la Matière, du Rayonnement et de l’Environnement (ED SMRE).
Job Description
The PhD candidate will divide their time equally between two main activities:
- Theory & Modeling (IEMN): Develop and refine a multiscale mathematical model of multicellular systems. Establish a feedback loop between experimental data and theory using stochastic processes to identify cellular self-organization mechanisms.
- Experiment & Imaging (PhLAM): Design, construct, and optimize a custom light-sheet fluorescence microscope capable of tracking individual cell dynamics within 3D in vitro micro-tumours.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must submit their application directly through the official CNRS recruitment portal.
- Application Link: You can view the original posting and submit your candidacy by clicking Apply on the CNRS Portal.
- Required Reference: Use offer reference UMR8520-STEGIO-003 during your application process.
Last Date to Apply
July 31, 2026, at 23:59 (Paris Time)
