PhD Position in Antigen-RNA Complexes and Cancer Vaccination

Investigate novel antigen-RNA vaccine platforms to overcome immune tolerance in cancer therapy.

Best for:Best for life sciences graduates with a Master's degree and hands-on laboratory experience in immunology or molecular biology.

INSERM · Nice, France · R1 · First-stage researcher

More professors at INSERM

Cancer VaccinationImmunologyRNA BiologyTumor ModelsInnate Immunity

Deadline

Nov 15, 2026

26 days

Funding

Salaried

3 years

Start date

2027-01-01

Fixed-term

Location

Nice

France

Overview

A 3-year doctoral contract is available at the Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice (IRCAN), hosted within the University Hospital Institute RespirERA and supported by the France 2030 programme. The research focuses on characterising the cellular and molecular determinants of immunogenicity for antigen-RNA complexes to improve therapeutic cancer vaccination. The successful candidate will employ techniques ranging from cell culture and flow cytometry to preclinical tumour models and immune monitoring. Applicants are expected to work with rigour, autonomy, and strong collaboration skills within an interdisciplinary team.

PhDCancer ResearchImmunologyRNAVaccinationINSERMIRCAN

What you'll do

Characterise cellular and molecular determinants of immunogenicity for antigen-RNA complexes.
Investigate innate sensors and responsive cell types involved in nucleic acid sensing pathways.
Evaluate antigen presentation and therapeutic efficacy using preclinical tumour models.
Perform immune monitoring, flow cytometry, and cellular assays.
Conduct in vitro RNA and protein biochemistry experiments.

Requirements

Degree required: Master’s degree (M2 or equivalent) in life sciences, cell or molecular biology, immunology, or cancer biology

Degree offered: PhD

Language: Good command of English

Instruction: English

Required skills

Hands-on laboratory experience in life sciences
Rigour, autonomy, critical thinking, and team spirit
Good command of English

Nice to have

Practical skills in cell culture, RT-qPCR, and protein analysisPrior experience in immunology or RNA biologyExperience with imaging or flow cytometryBackground in RNA and protein biochemistry

Eligibility

Applicants must hold an M2 degree or equivalent in a relevant life sciences discipline.

Funding & terms

Type

Salaried

Amount

—

Duration

3 years

Programme

France 2030 – IHU RespirERA (ANR-23-IHU-0007)

French National Research Agency (ANR)

How to apply

Deadline: 2026-11-15 (Europe/Paris)

Interested candidates should submit a CV, a cover letter, M1 and M2 academic transcripts, and the contact details of two referees via email. Ensure the email subject line reads exactly: “PhD application – Position – Antigen–RNA complexes and cancer vaccination”.

Documents required