Contrat doctoral / Doctoral contract | Concours doctoral de l'IGDR / IGDR PhD recruitment

The IGDR (Institute of Genetics & Development of Rennes) is seeking 5 to 10 motivated PhD students, starting October, 2026.
PhD students will conduct their research within one of the 16 teams of the IGDR. Cutting-edge training will be offered on topics encompassing the two main research axes of the IGDR: "Genetics, Genomics and Cancer" and "Cell Biology, Development and Biophysics".
The list of topics and the teams welcoming a PhD student in 2026 are available at

https://igdr.univ-rennes.fr/en/phd-projects-available-2026-call

Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes (IGDR)
Exploring living for tomorrow's health

At IGDR, we explore the living to create, improve and transmit fundamental knowledge and innovative tools at the heart of tomorrow's healthapplications. Cancers, genetic and developmental diseases, antibiotic resistance, the challenges are numerous. Our teams carry out work at theforefront of fundamental and clinical research, in cell biology and molecular genetics, to observe and understand the functioning of living organisms,from the molecule to the organism. The IGDR is distinguished by the use of diversified and complementary study models and the multidisciplinarity of its experts in biology, biophysics, bioinformatics and biomedical, by combining research and training. We thus benefit from a real ability to stimulate exchanges between disciplines to develop new approaches. Our attractiveness is reinforced by our network of international partners and our location in a territory with a strong scientific and technological dynamic and where life is good.

At the IGDR, PhD students will benefit from a dynamic and interactive research environment, and from the IGDR seminar program which attracts national and international speakers. Within the PhD program, the PhD students will also develop soft skills such as oral presentations, journal clubs and thematic workshops. In addition, they will have access to core facilities with state-of-the-art equipment. They will also deepen their scientific interests and knowledge by attending additional training at the University of Rennes, including Ethics in Science.

For international candidates, assistance with administrative issues (Obtention of a working Visa, health insurance, taxes, etc..) and for housing will be provided.

The duration of the PhD is generally three years. At the end of their studies, PhD students defend their PhD according to the French national guidelines.

Candidates must hold a national master's degree or another degree conferring the grade of master, following a course of training or professional experience establishing their aptitude for research. If this condition is not met, an exception will only be possible after approval from the doctoral school and the university.

There are no age-related restriction. International applications are welcome.

Candidates already enrolled in another PhD training program elsewhere are not eligible.

No prior knowledge of French is required (although a basic knowledge could be useful for daily life outside of the IGDR). Fluency in English is highly recommended.