The Institute of Plant Molecular Biology (IBMP) is delighted to announce the opening of five fully funded IMCBio PhD fellowships for the 2026 academic year.
Located in Strasbourg, at the heart of a vibrant scientific ecosystem, IBMP provides an outstanding research environment combining molecular biology, genomics, biochemistry, advanced imaging, structural biology and systems biology.
This year’s PhD topics cover some of the institute’s core strengths: RNA biology, translation, organellar gene expression, epigenetics, stress responses and molecular mechanisms governing plant adaptation.
Available PhD Projects at IBMP (IMCBio 2026)
PhD-2026-23 — RNase E and double-stranded RNA homeostasis in chloroplasts
Supervisors: Castanet
This project aims to decipher the molecular mechanisms controlling the stability and turnover of double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) in chloroplasts. Using next-generation sequencing, mutants of chloroplast ribonucleases, dsRNA immunoprecipitation and advanced RNA profiling, the student will identify key factors involved in chloroplast RNA quality control.
PhD-2026-21 — Translation initiation in Chlamydomonas mitochondria
Supervisors: Giegé
This project investigates the mechanisms of translation initiation in the mitochondria of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, an algal model with a unique mitochondrial genome.
The work will combine genetics, biochemistry, Ribo-Seq, next-generation sequencing and cryo-electron microscopy to identify specific initiation factors and determine how they interact with conserved translational machinery.
PhD-2026-22 — Global recording of cytosolic mRNA decay under stress in mature plant organs
Supervisors: Gagliardi / Zuber
This project aims to monitor in real time the dynamics of cytosolic mRNA decay in adult plant tissues exposed to environmental stresses.
Using innovative RNA-end-capture methods and high-resolution Nanopore/Illumina sequencing, the student will map decay pathways, uncover molecular determinants of mRNA turnover, and evaluate their impact on stress adaptation.
PhD-2026-33 — Functional and structural analysis of a dsRNA-binding protein in plants
Supervisor: Ritzenthaler
This project focuses on a conserved plant protein recently identified for its high affinity to double-stranded RNA, a key component of antiviral defence.
Through CRISPR-generated mutants, transcriptomic analyses, immunoprecipitation assays, advanced microscopy and structural studies of protein–dsRNA complexes, the project aims to elucidate its physiological roles and molecular mechanisms during viral infection.
PhD-2026-30 — Characterization of the deadenylation machinery in Arabidopsis seeds
Supervisors: Gagliardi / Zuber
This project aims to identify and dissect the enzymatic complexes responsible for mRNA deadenylation in Arabidopsis thaliana seeds, a crucial layer of post-transcriptional regulation during germination.
The student will combine biochemistry, genetic approaches, poly(A)-tail profiling and mass spectrometry to uncover the main components of the deadenylation machinery and their functional interplay.
Why Choose IBMP?
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State-of-the-art technological platforms in genomics, proteomics, microscopy, cryo-EM, bioinformatics and imaging.
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A dynamic, international research community.
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A strong expertise in plant molecular biology, RNA mechanisms, organellar biology and responses to environmental stress.
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Opportunities to address major global challenges, from crop resilience to food security.
Application Timeline & Procedure
IMCBio International PhD Program — Call for 2026 Applications
🗓️ Opening: 24 November 2025 (6:00 CET)
🗓️ Closing: 25 January 2026 (18:00 CET)
📝 Online registration is open until 18 January 2026 at 18:00 CET.
All official information and application platform:
👉 https://imcbio-phdprogram.unistra.fr
Join IBMP and contribute to advancing cutting-edge plant science in an exceptional research environment!
Strasbourg is waiting for you.
