Investigating the contribution of attached Leishmania parasite forms in human infections

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Country: UK

Type: Ph.D. Project

Deadline: December 13, 2024

Details: https://www.dimen.org.uk/applications

 

About the Project

Leishmania parasites are responsible for causing a collection of devastating diseases affecting millions of people worldwide. They are spread via infected female sand flies, who feed on blood to produce eggs. Inside the sand fly, Leishmania proliferate and eventually differentiate into one of two forms. The metacyclic form parasites are the motile, infectious cells that invade human macrophages and the second, haptomonad form remains less well characterized. Haptomonad form parasites attach to the sand fly stomodeal valve, maintaining infections after a bloodmeal, and causing damage to the valve, which improves regurgitation during a feed (Yanase et al. 2024, Serafim et al. 2018). Interestingly, recent data shows that haptomonad form cells may also infect macrophages and form a large part of the infectious dose (Catta-Preta et al. 2024). This implicates haptomonad form Leishmania as an important and understudied component of human infections. The cellular signalling involved in commitment to becoming a haptomonad and mechanism of attachment remains elusive. You will uncover how attached Leishmania contribute to infection by addressing the following objectives:

• Determine infectivity of haptomonad form Leishmania 

• Uncover the mechanism by which Leishmania establish an attachment 

• Explore strategies to disrupt disease transmission 

This project will entail a range of cutting-edge technologies in genetic manipulation, protein-protein interactions and cell signalling pathway deconvolution. You will expand a barcoded knockout library for the development and optimization of an attachment assay. Next generation sequencing will produce results for quantitative analysis of barcode representation.  Protein-protein interactions will be explored by expression of Leishmania extracellular domains as biotinylated proteins expressed in HEX cells. These will be clustered around streptavidin to make tetramers to probe for attachment to PSG and sand fly culture lines. Validation and characterization of outputs will involve genetic manipulation, cell staining, flow cytometry and proteomic methods.

Impact and Novelty:

This research will provide an improved understanding of the parasite life cycle, specifically disease transmission. There are no vaccines or drugs which can prevent infection. New transmission blocking strategies depend on a comprehensive knowledge of parasite-insect interaction. The primary supervisor has Leishmania mutants which can be used to produce cell cultures containing an exceptionally high proportion of this life cycle stage which is otherwise rare. These, along with proteomic and transcriptomic datasets generated using them, provide a unique tool. Two novel methods will be used for assessing attachment, a kinome-wide barcoded library (Baker et al. 2021) and a Leishmania cell surface library (Roberts et al. 2024). 

Supervision and support:

The supervisory team combines expert knowledge in molecular parasitology and host-parasite interactions through cellular signalling. The primary supervisor is the recent recipient of a career development award and will provide much of the practical training. During the project you will gain training in a variety of both lab-based skills and computer-based analysis of data. Our laboratories provide a supportive and collaborative environment in which a PhD student can expand their range and learn new techniques.

Supervisor: Nicola Baker

Second supervisor: Prof. Gavin Wright

Benefits of being in the DiMeN DTP:

This project is part of the Discovery Medicine North Doctoral Training Partnership (DiMeN DTP), a diverse community of PhD students across the North of England researching the major health problems facing the world today. Our partner institutions (Universities of Leeds, Liverpool, Newcastle, York and Sheffield) are internationally recognised as centres of research excellence and can offer you access to state-of-the-art facilities to deliver high impact research.

We are very proud of our student-centred ethos and committed to supporting you throughout your PhD. As part of the DTP, we offer bespoke training in key skills sought after in early career researchers, as well as opportunities to broaden your career horizons in a range of non-academic sectors.

Being funded by the MRC means you can access additional funding for research placements, training opportunities or internships in science policy, science communication and beyond.

References:

Yanase, R., Pruzinova, K., Owino, B.O. et al. Discovery of essential kinetoplastid-insect adhesion proteins and their function in Leishmania-sand fly interactions. Nat Commun 15, 6960 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-51291-z

Serafim, T.D., Coutinho-Abreu, I.V., Oliveira, F. et al. Sequential blood meals promote Leishmania replication and reverse metacyclogenesis augmenting vector infectivity. Nat Microbiol 3, 548–555 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41564-018-0125-7

Carolina Catta-Preta, Kashinath Ghosh, David Sacks et al. Single-cell atlas of Leishmania major development in the sandfly vector reveals the heterogeneity of transmitted parasites and their role in infection, 18 March 2024, PREPRINT (Version 1) available at Research Square. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4022188/v1

Baker, N., Catta-Preta, C.M.C., Neish, R. et al. Systematic functional analysis of Leishmania protein kinases identifies regulators of differentiation or survival. Nat Commun 12, 1244 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-21360-8

Roberts AJ, Ong HB, Clare S, Brandt C, Harcourt K, Takele Y, Ghosh P, Toepp A, Waugh M, Matano D, Färnert A, Adams E, Moreno J, Mbuchi M, Petersen C, Mondal D, Kropf P, Wright GJ. A panel of recombinant Leishmania donovani cell surface and secreted proteins identifies LdBPK_323600.1 as a serological marker of symptomatic infection. mBio 15:e00859-24 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1128/mbio.00859-24

Funding Notes

Studentships are fully funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC) for 4yrs. Funding will cover tuition fees, stipend (£19,237 for 2024/25) and project costs. We also aim to support the most outstanding applicants from outside the UK and are able to offer a limited number of full studentships to international applicants.

Studentships commence: 15 Sep 2025

Good luck!

Investigating the Role and Regulation of Biomolecular Condensate Enabling Trypanosome Parasites Host Adaptation

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 Country: UK

Type: Ph.D. Project

Deadline: December 13, 2024

Details: https://www.dimen.org.uk/applications

 

About the Project

Applications are invited to a PhD project investigating RNA:protein (mRNP) condensates formed during pathogen differentiation and host adaptation. 

Working environment

Our team provides a collaborative environment in which the PhD student can thrive with individual support, expand their intellectual range and learn new techniques with the Technology Facility at their disposal. The PhD student will join a team of researchers in the York Biomedical Research Institute investigating cellular processes in parasites that cause African trypanosomiasis and leishmaniasis. York is internationally renowned  for Parasitology research, and is ranked in the Top 10 for both Research and Teaching. The first to attain (and retain) an Athena Swan Gold award in the UK, our Department provides a positive environment which allows all staff and students to contribute fully, flourish and excel.

Supervisor: Dr. Mathieu Cayla

Second supervisor: Dr. Pegine Walrad

Project 

Kinetoplastid parasites transition between insect and mammalian hosts, requiring quick adaptation through post-transcriptional gene regulation without extensive transcriptional control1. We recently demonstrated that quorum sensing of T. brucei in the mammalian bloodstream generates a specific and programmed hierarchy of biomolecular condensate assembly. These condensates have distinct components, including kinase regulators that contribute to downstream signalling of key pathways essential for life cycle progression2. 

The Aim of this project is to understand molecular regulation of parasite condensates by:

• Revealing the protein signature and architecture of biomolecular condensates.
• Investigating protein modifications regulating formation and stability of condensates.
• Identifying mRNAs critical to condensate formation.

Key responsibilities

The student will use super-resolution microscopy and cryoEM to visualise and quantify the extent and diversity of biomolecular condensate during the trypanosomes life cycle. Furthermore, the student will purify the different types of condensates using our established complementary approaches of UV crosslinking, protein tagging and proximity labelling. The student will identify modifications of proteins associated with these condensates via Mass Spectroscopy. They will use a kinome-wide RNAi library and perform single point mutations using CRISPr to investigate condensate regulatory mechanisms  during the parasite lifecycle. They will identify the mRNA and modifications associated with granules using next generation and nanopore direct sequencing. Finally, the student will use genetic and chemical tools to destabilise the condensate and examine the impact on parasite development.

Impact

The PhD student will be trained in the quantitative, computational and statistical analyses of -omics data. They will acquire critical transferable skills and professional resilience necessary for the success of this project and their future career. 

This research will reveal the unknown diversity, architecture and regulation of biomolecular condensates in an exceptional tractable model of medical importance. Understanding mRNP regulation will provide critical knowledge of how parasitic diseases persist. This will inform us on how such condensates enable parasites survival, transmission and disease progression. 

Benefits of being in the DiMeN DTP:

This project is part of the Discovery Medicine North Doctoral Training Partnership (DiMeN DTP), a diverse community of PhD students across the North of England researching the major health problems facing the world today. Our partner institutions (Universities of Leeds, Liverpool, Newcastle, York and Sheffield) are internationally recognised as centres of research excellence and can offer you access to state-of-the-art facilities to deliver high impact research.

We are very proud of our student-centred ethos and committed to supporting you throughout your PhD. As part of the DTP, we offer bespoke training in key skills sought after in early career researchers, as well as opportunities to broaden your career horizons in a range of non-academic sectors.

Being funded by the MRC means you can access additional funding for research placements, training opportunities or internships in science policy, science communication and beyond. 

The Sanger Prize Competition 2025, An Internship Opportunity

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 Country: UK

Type: Prize Competition with Internship

Deadline: January 10, 2025

Details: https://www.sanger.ac.uk/about/the-sanger-prize-competition-2025/

 

The winner of the Sanger Institute Prize will be offered a three-month internship with a research group at the Wellcome Sanger Institute. Travel, living and research expenses are all covered by the award.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for the Sanger Prize applicants must meet all of the criteria below:

• Be from a low or middle income country – a full list of eligible countries is available from https://wellcome.org/grant-funding/guidance/prepare-to-apply/low-and-middle-income-countries
• Be studying an undergraduate degree that includes a genomics element or course at a University/Institute in a low or middle income country at the time of the first stage application. This could include (but is not limited too) any biological science degree, bioinformatics, medicine or veterinary science. (please note that if you have completed your course but are awaiting graduation then you are eligible to apply).
• Demonstrate an active interest in research in the genomics field (this can be through your undergraduate course and through extracurricular activities such as seminar attendance and reading materials).
• Have a good command of English (demonstrated by the clear writing within the application form, no certificate of English is required).
• Be over 18 at the time of applying.
• Two academic references must also have been submitted by the deadline (further details are available below).

Applicants who do not meet all of the above criteria will not be considered for the second stage of the competition and no exceptions will be made.

Application process

The application form for the 2025 competition is now open.

Please ensure you read all the information given below before clicking on the link and completing the form. 

Stage 1a - Application Form 

Dates for Submission:

Applications for the Sanger Prize Competition 2025 will open in mid November.

The closing date for applications is 5pm on Friday 10th January 2025 (this is UK time so please check the time difference in your own country and submit in plenty of time) The application form must be completed and submitted by this date, there are no exceptions and no late applications will be accepted.

The Sanger Institute is not responsible for applications which are not received in time due to last minute technical issues. There will be no email support available on the 10th January 2025 and so you are advised to submit your application well before this date in case of any problems.

Completing the form:

Please read the following before accessing the application form, please note that all application forms must be completed in English.

The application form is in four parts:

• personal details
• expression of interest
• referees details
• your curriculum vitae (CV)

You must complete each part before moving on to the next part, mandatory sections are marked and you wont be allowed to proceed to the next part of the form until you have completed these sections.

The Expression of Interest:

The expression of interest (EoI) should include the following:

• Information about your scientific interests (this should not be a copy of what is in the CV)
• A demonstration of their interest and knowledge in genomics
• Details of why you want to come to the Sanger Institute

The maximum word count for the EoI is 500 words and you should write close to this amount in order to fully demonstrate your interest and suitability in the prize. Any EoI with less than 400 words or more than 500 words will not be reviewed. The application form does not count the words for you and so it is important that you do not go over 500 words as the EoI will cut of in the middle of a sentence.

You are advised to type your EoI in a word document to ensure that it is an appropriate number of words and then copy and paste it into the application form.

Your CV:

Your CV should be no longer than two pages long and detail genomics related courses and work experience as well as university education. PDF format is preferred but word would be accepted.

The details of two academic referees are also required at this stage within the application form (further details about the referees is available below).

After you have completed the form as detailed above, and added your CV a page confirming all the details you have inputted will appear. Please check this page carefully as this is your last chance to go back and make any changes before submitting the form.

Submitting the form:

Once you have checked all the details click the button next to the data protection statement, this will turn the confirm button green and allow you to submit the form. You will then receive an email from the Sanger Prize confirming your submission.

The Sanger Prize Administrator is unable to release a form back to the applicant for amendment once it has been submitted so it is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure the details are correct before they submit. If you need to make any changes to the form after submission you will need to complete it again. 

You are advised to save a copy of your final Expression of Interest in a word  document, along with the other details you have inputted into the form in case of problems with submission or a need to resubmit the form for any reason.

The Outcome:

Successful applicants will be informed of the results of this stage during March 2025 and be invited to take part in the second stage of the competition.

If you have not received an email by end of March 2025 please assume that your application has been unsuccessful this time.

Due to the high number of applications received we do not contact unsuccessful applicants to inform them of the decision.

Stage 1b - Academic References

Academic references should be from the University or Institute where you are currently studying and at least one of them should include the university tutor or supervisor from your genomics course. Contact details for the referees will be required when completing the form and the referees will then be emailed directly with a form for them to complete which will then be emailed directly to the Sanger Prize Committee.

Applications will not be valid without two complete references so you should choose referees who are available to supply a reference and check with them before submission that they are happy to write the reference for you. It is your responsibility to ensure that the reference is submitted on time.

The referees will be sent an email request directly the same day that the application form is submitted and it is your responsibility to ensure that they have received the email. If the email has not been received then please ask the referee to check their junk mail inbox. If they still can’t find it then the referee should email sangerprize@sanger.ac.uk directly to receive a form to complete.

The deadline by which the referee must submit the reference is Friday 17th January 2025 at 5pm UK time. There will be no support available from the Sanger Prize Administrator on the 17th of January and so it is recommended that the references are submitted well before this date. 

Only applications which have two references submitted by the deadline will be accepted and reviewed.

Stage 2 - Essay

A number of shortlisted candidates will then be asked to take part in stage two of the process, which is to write an essay with a given title. Details of this stage will be emailed to the successful candidates during March 2025 and they will be given approximately one month to complete the essay.

The judges’ decision will be communicated by the end of May 2025 (this date may be subject to change), the decision is final and no further correspondence will be entered into.

Stage two participants who have not won will be informed by email and offered a Certificate of Participation. No further feedback on applications will be available.

Information about the internship

All essential expenses will be paid for by the prize fund including travel costs, visa costs, accommodation and reasonable food costs during the three-month internship.

The Sanger Institute will fully support the winner with visa applications, booking travel and finding accommodation for their stay. They will be allocated a mentor within the lab they are working in and will be supported during their work and given opportunities to network with other staff during the internship.

The winner will be able to choose the lab and faculty host they work with, subject to the availability of the host. A list of faculty hosts is available on the Sanger website (https://www.sanger.ac.uk/people/faculty/).

The winner will be able to choose the timing of their internship which should be taken within a year of being awarded (travel restrictions due to Covid -19 or other unexpected events will be taken into consideration and exceptions made).

Queries

If you have any queries which are not answered within the information supplied on this page please contact: sangerprize@sanger.ac.uk

We will endeavour to give a response to email queries within five working days (between 5pm on the 19th December 2024 and 8am on the 2nd January 2025 there will be no one available to answer queries, please send any queries after the 2nd January and they will be answered as soon as possible.)

Help with CV’s and Expressions of Interests cannot be given by the Sanger Prize Committee, please seek this help from your University tutors or mentors.

Only applications submitted via the form linked above will be accepted. Please do not email CVs and reference letters directly to the Sanger Prize Committee unless you have been requested to do so by the Sanger Prize Administrator as they will not be accepted.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a query about the application process or the Sanger Prize in general, please check to see if it has been answered below.

My referees haven’t received the email request, what should I do?

Please ask them to check their junk or spam email accounts and if they still cant find the email then they should contact the Sanger Prize administrator directly at sangerprize@sanger.ac.uk for a form to complete. This form wont be sent to the applicant, only the referee.

I have made an error on my application form, can I amend it?

No, the form cannot be amended once you have submitted it, you can either email the Sanger Prize administrator to inform them of the error, or submit another form with the correct information on it.

I submitted my application, received a confirmation email and have not heard anything else from the Sanger Prize Committee, have i been selected?

If it is between January and March 2025 you may still be contacted to write an essay, if it is after the end of March 2025 then unfortunately you have not been selected as all second stage entrants will have been contacted by this time. We do not send emails to the first stage applicants who have not been selected due to the high number of applications.

What can I do to maximise my chances of being selected this year?

Before entering the competition, you must ensure that you meet all of the criteria listed above. Then please ensure that you read all of the information supplied very carefully and submit your application well in advance of the closing date to allow for any technical issues which may occur and to allow your referees time to submit their references.

Please allow plenty of time to write the expression of interest which is very important. There is guidance for writing it which is supplied above and you should read this carefully.

I am interested in applying but I am not sure my degree course is relevant, can I still apply?

This would depend on the course and whether you have studied genomics as part of it. The Sanger Institute is a genomics Institute and the winner will be working in a genomics lab so they will be expected to have studied genomics at an undergraduate level and be able to carry out some research, with supervision.

Can I apply as a postgraduate?

No, the application criteria is very strictly undergraduates only and no exceptions to that rule are made.  If you are a graduate and are looking for an opportunity to  study at the Sanger Institute, please visit the ‘Study at Sanger’ pages of this website: https://www.sanger.ac.uk/about/study/

Post-Doc Fellowship in the Project “VirulenceControl — ERC-2021-COG” Funded by “Horizon 2020 – European Commission”

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Country: Portugal

Type: Post-Doc Fellowship

Deadline: November 29, 2024

Details: https://gimm.pt/jobs/postdoctoral-researcher-6/

 

Fellowship Reference GIMM/BIPD/10-2024

Gulbenkian Institute for Molecular Medicine (GIMM) opens a call for one research fellowship under the project “VirulenceControl — ERC-2021-COG” with the funding support from “Horizon 2020 – European Commission”.

Scientific Area(s): Host-Pathogen Interaction/ Cell biology/ Biochemistry.

Fellowship recipients / Admission requirements: Any National, foreign and stateless candidate(s).  

Applicants must hold the following requirements:

– Hold a PhD in Live Sciences;

– Doctorate must have been obtained less than 3 years ago (mandatory);

– Background in structural biology, protein biochemistry, proteomics or cell biology; 

– Ability to work as an individual as well as in a team;

–  A competitive track record as evidenced by publications or oral presentations at international meetings. 

The international experience of the candidates, although not a determining criterion for selection, will be valued.

Work Plan and Objectives: 

– We are looking for a postdoc with a recent PhD interested to work on host-pathogen interaction of the human malaria causing parasite Plasmodium falciparum with the host cell it infects. The parasite exports ~10% of its proteome into the infected host cell to remodel it to its needs and prevent clearance by the human host. This is an ERC funded project where we aim to understand how an atypical kinase family expanded in only one of 5 human infecting species allows the parasite to sense and respond to conditions found in the host;

– We are seeking researchers with strong skills in cell biology, protein biochemistry, mass-spectrometry or structural biology that are interested in the study of how the malaria parasite FIKK kinases remodel the host red blood cell, and how we can inhibit them. 

– We are looking for team players that can drive their individual project to develop their niche. 

– We provide a stimulating and supportive research environment (www.treecklab.org).

Legislation and Applicable Regulation: Estatuto do Bolseiro de Investigação (Lei n.º 40/2004, de 18 de Agosto, republished in attachment to Decreto-Lei n.º 202/2012, de 27 de Agosto, changed by Decretos-Leis n.º 123/2019, 28 de Agosto e nº 65/2024, 1 de outubro). 

Predicted start date, duration and renewal conditions: The fellowship contract is predicted to start in December 2024, for a period of 36 (thirty-six) months on an exclusive basis, eventually renewable until the maximum stipulated in applicable regulations, not exceeding the eligibility period of the project.  

Work place and Scientific orientation: The research activities will be developed at the Cell Biology of Host – Pathogen Interaction Laboratory of GIMM, under the supervision of Dr. Moritz Treeck.

Non-discrimination and equal access policy: GIMM undertakes to ensure compliance with the principles of non-discrimination and equality and to that extent, provides that no candidate can be privileged, benefited, harmed or deprived of any right or exempted from any duty due in particular ancestry, age, gender, sexual 

orientation, marital status, family status, economic status, education, social origin or condition, genetic heritage, reduced working capacity, disability, chronic disease, nationality, ethnic origin or race, place of origin, language, religion, political or ideological convictions and trade union membership.

International environment and experience: Diversity is a fundamental aspect of the essence of GIMM, where researchers and non-researchers of different nationalities, backgrounds and areas of study work together, promoting the exchange of experiences and interactions, contributing to the personal and professional development of each person and to the existence of an international, inclusive and stimulating environment.

Research Fellows Support Centre: The Research Fellows Support Centre works everyday from 09:00AM to 11:00AM at People & Culture Unit Office.

Fellowship financial conditions: The fellow will benefit from a monthly stipend in the amount of 2.260,00€. The amount will be paid by wire transfer at the end of each month. The fellow will also benefit from a personal accident insurance to execute the proposed research activities as well as the right to Social Security through Voluntary Social Insurance regimen, if wanted, under the terms of Código dos Regimes Contributivos do Sistema Previdencial de Segurança Social, and the contributions costs will be supported by the research project. 

Application documents: – Motivation Letter (explaining why this position interests you and how you fit the criteria); – Detailed CV; PhD certificate; – Contacts of 3 (three) references; – Candidate’s declaration of honor indicating previous fellowships, if any, its typology and duration.  The non-compliance with these requirements determines the immediate rejection of the application.

In case the applicant does not have yet the required degree certificate, a declaration of honor stating the conclusion of the necessary qualifications for the purposes of this process will be accepted and must be sent by the end date of the call. 

Jury evaluation and selection: The applications will be evaluated by a jury consisting of Dr. Moritz Treeck, Dr. Ilana Gabanyi and Dr. Miguel Soares (GIMM). 

Selection methods: All candidates will be evaluated in a first stage by their CV (40%) and letter of Motivation (30%). Only candidates that score 60% in the first stage will be selected for interview, which is weighted  (30%). From all candidates that collectively reach 80%, the top ranking candidate will be made an offer, followed by the second and third candidate. 

Deadlines and application process: The call will be open from November 11^th 2024, until November 29^th 2024.

Applications should be submitted to People & Culture Unit, through the email people@gimm.pt. The non-compliance with these requirements determines the immediate rejection of the application.

Notification of results: Within 90 days after the termination of the applications submission deadline, both admitted and excluded candidates list and final classification list shall be communicated to all admitted candidates through email.

Preliminary Hearing and Final Decision Deadline: After notification, all candidates have 10 working days to respond. Panel’s final decisions are pronounced within a period of 90 days, from application deadline.

Selection reserve list: Not applicable. 

Fellowship contracting: The Fellowship is granted through the signature of a contract between GIMM and the selected fellow and after the fellow send the following mandatory documents: copy of identification document (in case of non-European citizens is mandatory the work visa / valid resident permit), document proving the required academic degree. 

For each Fellowship period an Activity Report must be prepared by the fellow as well as the Report by the supervisor.

MOPGA 2025: Visiting Fellowship Program for Early Career Researchers

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 Country: France

Type: Post-Doc Fellowship

Deadline: December 05, 2024

Details: https://www.campusfrance.org/en/mopga-2025

 

Launched in 2018, the Make Our Planet Great Again (MOPGA) initiative has met with worldwide enthusiasm, generating expressions of interest from a large number of highly qualified students and researchers.

France, as a major player in the fight against climate change and guarantor of the spirit of the Paris Agreement, is launching a new MOPGA visiting fellowship program geared towards strengthening scientific contributions to climate change issues raised by the COPs. 

This eighth Make Our Planet Great Again (MOPGA) call for applications is intended to welcome at least 60 early career researchers wishing to carry out their research in France. The program is funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the French Ministry for Higher Education and Research, and implemented by Campus France. 

The MOPGA 2025 Visiting Fellowship Program for Early Career Researchers will support researchers working on topics listed in the "Research Themes" section.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RESEARCH PROJECT (IN ENGLISH OR FRENCH)

• Research Project Title
• Keywords (6)
• Abstract of the Research Project (2,000 char. max.)
• Context and Motivation (2,000 char. max.)
• Scientific Objectives (2,000 char. max.)
• Methodology and Timeline (4,500 char. max.)
• Project position in relation to the MOPGA scientific domain (2,000 char. max.)
• Collaborations and/or impacts for the candidate's country of origin or residence in relation to the research project proposal (2,000 characters max.)

WHO MAY APPLY?

• Foreign researchers holding a doctoral degree for less than 5 years
• No nationality restrictions (except France)
• 60 fellowships will be awarded for a 12-month period from September 2025

This fellowship includes the following benefits :

• Monthly allowance of 2,500 euros
• Moving allowance of 500 euros
• Health Insurance plan covering civil liability and repatriation assistance until the MOPGA Fellow's registration to the French Social Security Scheme
• Complementary Health Insurance plan covering civil liability and repatriation assistance once the Social Security registration process is effective.  

A Hosting Agreement (convention de séjour de recherche) will have to be established between the MOPGA Fellow and the host institution. This Agreement will specify the means and resources made available by the host laboratory so that the researcher can carry out the research project. For more information, visit the dedicated page on the French Ministry for Higher Education and Research website.

RESEARCH THEMES

Five broad research themes are eligible:

• Earth systems
• Climate change and sustainability
• Energy transition
• Societal challenges of environmental issues
• Human, animal and ecosystem health as part as a "One Health" approach.

For more information, visit the dedicated page.  

Innovative approaches promoting advanced technologies will be favoured during the selection.

SELECTION PROCESS

In line with the ambitions and requirements of this call for applications, the selection process will unfold in two phases. In the first phase, scientific experts in each relevant field will evaluate the applications. In the second phase, an international committee will select the final fellows for the MOPGA 2025 program. 

ELIGIBILITY 

Individuals fitting the following criteria are eligible to apply:

• Applicants who do NOT hold French citizenship 
• Foreign researchers holding a doctoral degree for less than 5 years (must have passed their thesis defense between December 2019 and December 2024)
• Foreign researchers who have not resided in France between Sept. 5th, 2024 and Dec. 5th, 2024 (more than 90 days) 

DOCUMENTS NEEDED

1.     CV including the list of your publications in English (4 pages max)

2.     PhD Diploma (or certificate of PhD diploma)

3.     CV of your research supervisor in the French host institution (2 pages max)

4.     Letter of support from the French host institution

5.     Letters of recommendation (3 max)

6.     Passport or proof of ID

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications should be submitted via the following link: 

https://campusfrance.smapply.io/prog/mopga-2025/  

TIMELINE

• September 5th 2024: Application period opens
• December 5th 2024: Application period ends  
• May 2025 : Notification of the results
• Between September 2025 and December 2025 (at the latest): Arrival in France and start of the fellowship