PHD POSITION MSCA DOCTORAL NETWORK LIPIDBRIGHT - H/F - Inserm

Main activities:

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in Europe and a major public health concern, affecting over 49 million people and costing the EU approximately €200 billion annually. Despite advances in treatment, lifestyle-related challenges continue to complicate CVD management. Chronic inflammation, particularly in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), is a key issue. It arises from ineffective resolution of inflammation, leading to plaque instability and potentially severe events such as heart attacks and strokes. While lifestyle interventions, including a healthy diet and regular physical activity, can help control inflammation, elevated blood lipid levels remain a significant risk factor. Lipid-lowering therapies are effective, yet residual inflammation continues to pose a threat. Consequently, dietary strategies aimed at regulating lipids may complement existing preventive measures and provide new opportunities to tackle chronic inflammation and reduce cardiovascular risk.

The PhD student will investigate the mechanisms underlying the resolution of chronic lipid-driven vascular inflammation using in vivo and in vitro approaches. The project aims to identify and validate functional, molecular and immune-metabolic targets capable of diagnosing, preventing, and treating the transition from health to CVD by promoting effective inflammation resolution.

Researcher profiles: first stage researcher (PHD Candidate)

Research fields: biological sciences, medical sciences, pharmacological sciences, other: physiology, life sciences or a related field

Specific requirements or constraints:

MSc degree in Physiology, Life Sciences, Medical/Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field

Animal experimentation qualification

Strong background in Molecular Biology and Histology

Experience in Biochemistry, Mass Spectrometry, and Flow Cytometry

Experience in Proteomics and Metabolomics is highly advantageous

Eligibility criteria :

Are at the date of recruitment doctoral candidates (DCs) (must NOT have a doctoral degree)

DCs can be of any nationality

Must comply with the following mobility rule: not have resided in the country of the recruiting beneficiary for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the recruitment date (and not have carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in that country) — unless as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention. For beneficiaries that are international European interest organisations or international organisations: not have spent with the beneficiary more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the recruitment date.

Skills/qualifications: 

Strong organizational skills, dedication and proactiveness

Willingness to participate in networking activities

Required experience: 0 to 2 years

Required education level or diploma: MSc degree

Required languages:

Fluency in written and spoken English

Knowledge of French is appreciated

Type: Doctoral contract : MARIE SKŁODOWSKA-CURIE ACTIONS (MSCA)

Duration: 36 months

Salary: 

The doctoral candidate (DC) will receive a 36-month scholarship intended to cover living expenses. The amount of the scholarship is based on a monthly living allowance, adjusted through a country correction coefficient reflecting the cost of living in the host country. The final amount will be determined based on the candidate’s family situation, in accordance with MSCA rules. All training activities will be fully covered by the network through the Horizon Europe MSCA-DN grant, including travel and accommodation costs for annual meetings and other network-organised events. DCs will have access to a dedicated workspace and research facilities. Costs related to consumables and the execution of the research project will be covered by the host institutions

Envisaged start date: 1^st September 2026

Deadline for application: 30 april 2026