ACTIVE

PhD in Life and Health Sciences, Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

University of Toulouse (Institute of Pharmacology and Structural Biology - IPBS)
🇫🇷France
Application Deadline:28 Aug 2026
Reference Number: IFI_CEF_26_12. Principal Investigator: Dr. Albertus Viljoen (albertus.viljoen@ipbs.fr).

1. Program Overview

  • Duration: 36 months, with an expected starting date of 01 January 2027.
  • Location: Institute of Pharmacology and Structural Biology (IPBS), University of Toulouse, France.
  • Level: PhD in Life and Health Sciences, Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology.
  • Language: English (No competence in the French language is required).

2. About the Program The research project is titled "Molecular basis of carbohydrate-binding adhesin function in mycobacterial biofilm formation". It focuses on Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), and the emerging pathogen Mycobacterium abscessus (Mabs). The project aims to identify and characterize the molecular factors contributing to biofilm formation and integrity, particularly the role of glycan-binding adhesins (lectins), using molecular biology, biochemistry, and biophysical approaches.

3. Financial Support

  • 💰 Monthly allowance of 1870 euros for PhD.
  • ✈️ Travel allowance.
  • 🎓 University fee.
  • 🛂 Carte de séjour fee.
  • 🏢 Campus France management fee.
  • 🏥 Registration to the French social security scheme.

4. Scientific Objectives

  • Objective 1: To biochemically and biophysically characterise mycobacterial lectins. This includes determining carbohydrate specificities, identifying glycan ligands in biofilms, and elucidating interaction mechanisms.
  • Objective 2: To determine the role of lectins in biofilm formation, drug tolerance, and host-pathogen interactions. This involves assessing biofilm cohesion, architecture, nanomechanical properties, and resilience against treatments.

5. Eligibility Criteria

  • Nationalities: All nationalities except French (candidates with double nationality including French are not eligible). Indian candidates are preferred in the context of CEFIPRA.
  • Education: Applicants must have a Master's degree (or be in the process of obtaining one) or a University degree equivalent to a European master's (5-year duration) at the time of the deadline.
  • Candidate Know-How: Background in biology, molecular biology, and/or biochemistry. Familiarity with cloning, protein expression, and biochemical assays is required.

6. Program Structure

  • Activity Axis 1: Heterologous production, chromatographic purification, and biophysical analysis of recombinant Mtb/Mabs lectins to investigate glycan-binding mechanisms (Months 1-36).
  • Activity Axis 2: Deciphering the role of mycobacterial lectins in biofilm formation and host-pathogen interactions by generating and characterizing lectin deletion mutants (Months 1-36).

7. Available Departments & Research Areas

  • Life and Health Sciences
  • Biochemistry
  • Genetics and Molecular Biology

8. Application Process & Deadlines

  • 📅 Application Deadline: 28th August, 2026 (23:59 IST).
  • Step 1 - PI Contact: Candidates are requested to contact the French scientific principal investigator (Dr. Albertus Viljoen) before submission.
  • Step 2 - PI Recommendation: Obtain a mandatory recommendation letter from the scientific principal investigator.
  • Step 3 - Portal Submission: Applications must be submitted through the designated Google Form selecting the appropriate reference number (IFI_CEF_26_12).

9. Required Documents

  • A cover letter explaining the reasons for candidature and professional project (max 2 pages).
  • A copy of the master's/PhD degree or a proof of the program followed (max 1 page).
  • A copy of results for previous scholarship (max 3 pages).
  • International curriculum vitae (max 2 pages).
  • One letter of recommendation from any Indian institution (MANDATORY, max 2 pages).
  • Note: All documents should be submitted within 1 PDF file of no more than 10 pages.

10. Selection Timeline

  • Deadline: 28th August, 2026.
  • Pre-selection: Conducted by the French principal investigator.
  • Final Selection: Made by a dedicated selection committee of scientific experts.
  • Program Start: 01 January 2027.

11. Program Benefits

  • Fully funded CEFIPRA PhD opportunity in France covering living, travel, and administrative expenses.
  • Opportunity to conduct high-impact research on leading infectious agents like Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
  • Access to advanced biochemical, biophysical, and microscopy techniques.

12. Additional Resources