PhD in Developmental Biology in Centre de Recherche en Biologie Cellulaire de Montpellier (CNRS) – France

Summary

The Centre de Recherche en Biologie Cellulaire de Montpellier (CRBM) and the Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier (IGMM) under CNRS are inviting applications for a 36-month full-time PhD position in Developmental Biology and Quantitative Imaging. Co-supervised by Dr. Julie Carnesecchi and Dr. Albert Tsai, the doctoral project investigates how transcription factor-RNA interactions influence nuclear organization and developmental robustness in response to environmental perturbations, using Drosophila melanogaster as a model. Candidates must hold a Master's degree in a relevant field, demonstrate experience in Drosophila genetics and confocal microscopy, and possess English proficiency at B2 level or higher. Benefits include 44 days of leave, remote work options, transport coverage, and access to the BioCampus Montpellier platforms. The application deadline is 23 November 2026.

Key Facts

Department	Centre de Recherche en Biologie Cellulaire de Montpellier (CRBM) and Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier (IGMM)
Position Type	PhD
Discipline	Developmental Biology
Research Area	Transcription factor-RNA interactions and nuclear organization in Drosophila
Degree Required	Master's degree (or equivalent degree qualifying for doctoral studies) in Molecular Biology, Cell/Developmental Biology, Biophysics, or a related discipline
Experience	Hands-on experience with Drosophila melanogaster genetics and embryonic development, along with a practical background in confocal microscopy and quantitative computational image analysis.
Contract Duration	36 months
Language	English
Deadline	2026-11-23
Employer Contact	Dr. Julie Carnesecchi and Dr. Albert Tsai

About the Project

This research project explores how transcription factor-RNA interactions influence nuclear organization and developmental robustness under environmental stress using Drosophila melanogaster. The project combines CRISPR genome editing, multi-omics techniques (transcriptomics and proximity proteomics), super-resolution imaging, and biophysical quantitative analysis to examine co-transcriptional regulation under thermal stress and genetic variations.

Key Responsibilities

• Generate and validate a CRISPR-based RNA binding mutant (K58A) of the Ultrabithorax (Ubx) transcription factor in Drosophila.
• Map the nuclear organization of Ubx with cofactors, splicing factors, and target genes in the ectoderm and mesoderm using quantitative spatial and topological metrics.
• Determine how temperature stress (14°C, 25°C, 32°C) and altered transcriptional kinetics affect nuclear hub spatial organization, splicing, and associated protein networks.
• Conduct quantitative microscopy experiments using 3D AiryScan, Expansion Microscopy, Lattice Lightsheet Imaging, and HCR-RNA FISH on whole Drosophila embryos.
• Analyze differential splicing, transcriptomic profiles (xRIP, RNA-seq), and proximity labeling proteomics data (BioID).
• Present research results at lab meetings and scientific conferences, and contribute to peer-reviewed publications.

Required Skills

• Hands-on experience with Drosophila melanogaster genetics and embryonic development.
• Practical background in confocal microscopy and quantitative computational image analysis.
• Fluency in English (B2 level minimum) for scientific communication and literature synthesis.

Who Should Apply

Candidates holding a Master's degree or equivalent qualifying degree in Molecular Biology, Cell/Developmental Biology, Biophysics, or a related field, with practical experience in Drosophila melanogaster genetics, embryonic development, confocal microscopy, and quantitative computational image analysis.

Benefits

• 44 days of annual leave and RTT
• Remote working options/compensation
• 75% public transport cost coverage
• Sustainable mobility package up to €300/year
• Access to state-of-the-art BioCampus Montpellier technological platforms

About the Employer

The Centre de Recherche en Biologie Cellulaire de Montpellier (CRBM) and the Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier (IGMM) operate under the CNRS and are located on the CNRS Campus in Montpellier, France.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where will the PhD position be located?

The position is located at the CNRS Campus (CRBM UMR 5237 & IGMM UMR 5535) in Montpellier, France.

What is the duration of the PhD contract?

The contract duration is 36 months full-time.

What level of English proficiency is required?

Fluency in English at a minimum of B2 level is required.

What is the application deadline?

The application deadline is 23 November 2026 at 23:59 (CET).

What educational degree is required for this position?

Applicants must hold a Master's degree or equivalent degree qualifying for doctoral studies in Molecular Biology, Cell/Developmental Biology, Biophysics, or a related discipline.