Looking for a fully funded PhD in Europe focused on artificial intelligence, robotics, climate resilience, and environmental systems?

The INRAE (French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment) has announced five exciting PhD opportunities for 2026, based in France with strong international collaboration across Denmark, Belgium, Ireland, and Poland.

These positions are part of the prestigious MSCA GreenField Data project, focused on IoRT (Internet of Robotic Things) and sustainable agriculture innovation. Application deadline for most positions: 15 April 2026

Why Choose INRAE for Your PhD?

INRAE is one of the world’s leading research institutions in:

• Agricultural sciences
• Environmental science
• AI for sustainability
• Food systems innovation
• Climate change adaptation

With over 12,000 staff members and 272 research units across France, INRAE offers doctoral candidates:

• Competitive salary packages
• International mobility
• Access to industry partnerships
• Up to 30 days annual leave + 15 RTT days
• Family and mobility allowances (MSCA funded positions)

For researchers aiming to combine AI, robotics, and climate impact, these PhDs offer strong career prospects in academia and industry. If you are seeking a high-impact PhD in Europe combining AI, robotics, and environmental sustainability, these five positions at INRAE represent exceptional opportunities. With strong funding, international mobility, and real-world applications, they offer a powerful launchpad for careers in both academia and advanced technology industries.

Salary and Benefits

All MSCA-funded positions include:

• Competitive gross salary (~€3,100–€4,720/month)
• Mobility allowance
• Family allowance (if applicable)
• International research exposure
• Industrial secondments

These benefits make INRAE among the most attractive fully funded PhD programs in France.

Eligibility Requirements

Most positions require:

• Master’s degree (300 ECTS equivalent)
• Strong English proficiency (C1 level)
• Background in AI, computer science, robotics, fluid mechanics, or environmental sciences
• Compliance with MSCA mobility rules

Important: You must not have resided in the host country for more than 12 months in the last 36 months before recruitment.

Overview of the 5 PhD Positions

1. Optimization & Supervision of Autonomous Agricultural Robot Fleets

Location: Aubière (France) & Aarhus (Denmark)

In collaboration with Aarhus University, this PhD focuses on:

• Optimization-simulation coupling
• Real-time planning of robot fleets
• Greenhouse gas emission optimization
• AI-driven re-planning based on live field data

Salary:

• €3,100/month in France
• 28,800 DKK/month in Denmark
• Mobility + family allowances
• Start date: 01 September 2026
• Reference: OT-28119.
• This is ideal for candidates in operations research, applied mathematics, or robotics.
• Application link click here

2. AI-Based Tree Stress Detection Using Acoustic Signals

Location: Clermont-Ferrand (France) & Dublin (Ireland)

In collaboration with University College Dublin, this PhD develops AI models to detect drought and frost stress in trees using acoustic emissions.

Research includes:

• Machine learning for multimodal data
• Acoustic signal analysis
• Climate stress detection systems
• Development of intelligent sensor networks
• Salary: ~€3,100/month + allowances
• Reference: OT-28358
• Application link click here

Perfect for candidates in machine learning, signal processing, and environmental AI.

3. PhD in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics

Location: Aubière (France) & Brussels (Belgium)

In partnership with Université libre de Bruxelles, this position focuses on:

• Foundation Models for agricultural robotics
• Trajectory learning
• Human-in-the-loop robotic navigation
• Autonomous systems in agroecology

Salary:

• €4,720 gross/month (~€3,140 net)
• €660/month family allowance
• Application link click here

Reference: OT-28054

High-RPM keywords: AI PhD Europe, Robotics PhD Belgium, Foundation Models Research.

4. Assessing Drought Effects on Grasslands Using IoT Visual Sensors

Location: Clermont-Ferrand (France) & Poznań (Poland)

In collaboration with Poznan University of Technology, this PhD integrates:

• IoT-enabled camera systems
• Machine learning for vegetation monitoring
• Climate adaptation modeling
• Early-warning drought detection
• Application link click here

Salary: ~€3,100/month + allowances
Reference: OT-28395

Grasslands represent 39% of Europe’s agricultural land, making this research highly relevant for EU climate policy.

5. Flow Kinematics in 3D Porous Media

Location: Le Tholonet (Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, France)

Registered with Aix-Marseille University, this PhD focuses on:

• Fluid mechanics in porous media
• 3D velocity field reconstruction
• Experimental visualization techniques
• Applications in soil, aquifers, and environmental systems
• Application link click here

Start date: 01 October 2026
Deadline: 31 July 2026
Reference: OT-28822

Ideal for candidates in fluid mechanics or geotechnical engineering.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are these PhD positions fully funded?

Yes. All five positions are funded with competitive salaries and additional MSCA mobility allowances.

Can international students apply?

Yes. International candidates are encouraged to apply, provided they meet mobility rules and academic requirements.

What is the salary range?

Between €3,100 and €4,720 gross per month depending on the position and country.

Are these industry-connected PhDs?

Yes. Several positions include secondments with industry partners for real-world validation.

When do the PhDs start?

Most begin in September 2026. One position starts in October 2026.

What fields are prioritized?

AI, robotics, machine learning, climate science, fluid mechanics, IoT systems, and sustainable agriculture.