Summary
The French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) is offering a fully funded 36-month PhD position at the Centre de Recherche en Biologie Cellulaire de Montpellier (CRBM). The project focuses on uncovering the molecular mechanisms of the microtubule-associated protein Navigator-1 (NAV1) in cytoskeletal remodeling, cell adhesion, and axonal guidance during neurodevelopment, and evaluating the functional impacts of NAV1 mutations linked to neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs).
Designation
- Position: PhD Candidate / Doctoral Researcher (CDD Doctorant)
- Contract Duration: 36 Months (Full-Time)
- Start Date: November 1, 2026
- Remuneration: Minimum of €2,300.00 gross per month
Key Information Table
| Feature | Details |
| Reference Code | UMR5237-JERBOU-001 |
| Host Institute | CNRS – Centre de Recherche en Biologie Cellulaire de Montpellier (CRBM) |
| Research Team | Signaling and Cytoskeleton Dynamics |
| Position Type | Doctoral Contract (CDD Doctorant) |
| Duration | 36 Months (Full-time) |
| Salary / Stipend | ≥ €2,300 gross/month |
| Benefits & Leave | 44 days annual leave/RTT, 75% public transit subsidy, sustainable mobility allowance up to €300 |
| Work Location | Montpellier (Hérault), France |
| Application Deadline | Friday, September 18, 2026 at 23:59 (CET) |
Research Area
- Main Domain: Cellular Neurobiology, Cell Biology, Developmental Biology, and Biochemistry
- Keywords: NAV1, Cytoskeleton Dynamics, Microtubules, Actin, Axonal Guidance, Neurodevelopmental Disorders (NDDs), Cell Adhesion, High-Resolution Live-Cell Imaging
Location
- City/Region: Montpellier (34293), Hérault, Occitanie, France
- Laboratory: CRBM (UMR 5237 CNRS / Université de Montpellier)
Eligibility / Qualifications
- Academic Level: Master’s Degree (BAC+5 / M.Sc.) or equivalent in Neuroscience, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, or Molecular Biology.
- Background & Skills:
- Strong foundation in cellular and molecular biology techniques.
- Experience or strong interest in mammalian cell/neuronal cultures and high-resolution fluorescence/live-cell microscopy.
- Good communication and presentation skills in English.
- Inclusivity: The position is also open to candidates with recognized disabilities (RQTH).
Scholarship Description
The assembly of functional neuronal circuits requires tightly coordinated developmental processes such as neuronal migration, axonal growth and guidance, and synaptogenesis—all orchestrated by the dynamic remodeling of the actin and microtubule cytoskeleton.
The doctoral fellow will join the “Signaling and Cytoskeleton Dynamics” research group to explore the role of the microtubule-associated protein Navigator-1 (NAV1).
Key Objectives:
- Characterize NAV1’s role in adhesion regulation during axonal navigation.
- Decipher the molecular mechanisms through which NAV1 integrates extracellular guidance cues with cytoskeletal and adhesion dynamics.
- Determine the structural and functional consequences of human NAV1 mutations identified in neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs).
How to Apply
- Visit the official CNRS job portal: CNRS Emploi – UMR5237-JERBOU-001.
- Create or log in to your candidate account on the portal.
- Submit your application online, including:
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Motivation letter outlining your research interests and suitability for the project.
- Master’s degree transcripts and contact information for academic references.
Last Date to Apply
- Application Deadline: Friday, September 18, 2026, by 23:59 (CET)
