27 Mar 2026
Job Information
- Organisation/Company
Universite de Montpellier- Department
Human Resources- Research Field
Biological sciences » Biology- Researcher Profile
First Stage Researcher (R1)- Positions
PhD Positions- Application Deadline
20 May 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Paris)- Country
France- Type of Contract
Temporary- Job Status
Full-time- Offer Starting Date
1 Oct 2026- Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?
Other EU programme- Reference Number
2026-D0015- Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?
No
Offer Description
- work environment: The proposed PhD thesis forms part of the Nexus network, which comprises five researchers and three PhD students working on a shared theme: ‘The microbial EXposome and the determinants of persistent infections in humans: an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the interaction between bacterial pathogens of environmental and zoonotic origin and the host’s innate immune system. ” In this thesis, we will develop structured partial differential equation models of bacterial persistence. A particular challenge, both for simulation and for machine learning, lies in the high dimensionality of these equations, which causes grid-based numerical methods to fail and necessitates the development of new approaches.
- main mission: Develop and analyze structured partial differential equations models to investigate the mechanisms driving bacterial persistence in chronic infections (Salmonella, Pseudomonas, and Achromobacter) by integrating spatial modelling, single-cell transcriptomics, advanced imaging data, and machine learning approaches. The goal is to identify common and pathogen-specific mechanisms of persistence and to generate quantitative predictions supporting experimental studies.
- activities:
- Develop three pathogen-specific mesoscale models based on structured partial differential equations (PDEs).
- Construct a unified modelling framework describing:
- Spatial tissue dynamics (gradients, chemotaxis, cell–cell interactions).
- Macrophage polarization (M1–M2 continuum and activation states).
- Bacterial phenotypic heterogeneity (replication, dormancy, intracellular survival).
- Integrate single-cell transcriptomic data to build molecular dynamical models of macrophage polarization and host response.
- Incorporate quantitative microscopy data to estimate parameters related to:
- Bacterial localization (intra-/extracellular),
- Replication dynamics,
- Infected macrophage populations.
- Perform parameter estimation using optimization and machine learning approaches
- Develop numerical schemes for high-dimensional structured PDEs (pseudospectral methods, meshfree/particle approaches).
- Conduct sensitivity analysis and model reduction to identify key drivers of persistence.
- Use models to simulate in silico scenarios (immune modulation, relapse, clearance vs persistence thresholds).
The gross monthly salary is €2,300
Contract duration: 3 years
Contract date from 01/10/2026 to 30/09/2029
Where to apply
ovidiu.radulescu@umontpellier.fr
Requirements
- Research Field
- Biological sciences » Biology
- Education Level
- Master Degree or equivalent
- Research Field
- Mathematics » Applied mathematics
- Education Level
- Master Degree or equivalent
- Research Field
- Physics
- Education Level
- Master Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
Essential
- Strong background in applied mathematics, mathematical biology, or computational modelling.
- Experience with partial differential equations (PDEs) and dynamical systems.
- Programming skills (Python, MATLAB, or equivalent).
- Interest in quantitative modelling of biological systems.
- Ability to work with interdisciplinary data (omics and imaging).
Desirable
- Experience with:
- Structured population models,
- Multiscale modelling,
- Numerical analysis of PDEs,
- Machine learning for parameter inference,
- Model calibration and sensitivity analysis.
- Familiarity with systems biology, immunology, or host–pathogen interactions.
- Experience handling transcriptomic or imaging datasets.
- Strong scientific writing and communication skills.
Diploma/field required: Master 2 / Applied Mathematics, Computational Physics, Computational Biology
Additional Information
Selection process
The application must include the following
- A CV
- A motivation letter
- One or two letters of recommendation.
- The most recent transcripts from Master 1 and Master2 (semester 1 and/or semester 2)
- Names and coordinates of 2 referees
If you would like to apply for this position, please send an e-mail to the thesis director Ovidiu Radulescu mailto:ovidiu.radulescu@umontpellier.fr+ co-director Anne Blanc-Potard anne.blanc-potard@umontpellier.fr , and exposum-aap@umontpellier.fr to inform them of your interest.
Application deadline: Before 20 May 2026.
Website Link : https://www.umontpellier.fr/articles/exposum-doctoral-nexus-sujets-de-t…
Work Location(s)
- Number of offers available
- 1
- Company/Institute
- Laboratory of Pathogens and Host Immunity (LPHI)
- Country
- France
- Geofield
Contact
- City
Montpellier- Website
http://www.umontpellier.fr/- Street
163 rue Auguste Broussonnet- Postal Code
34000
STATUS: EXPIRED
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