PhD Funded Position in Plant Genetics in Montpellier, France

PhD opportunity in Montpellier – Join the VigoRice project! The French Research Institute for Development (IRD) is recruiting a PhD student for the VigoRice project, dedicated to improving the adaptation of rice to growing conditions in West Africa through genome editing.

• Location: Montpellier, France
• Application deadline: August 22, 2026
• Contract start: October 1, 2026
• Duration: 36 months

On the program:

• Rice genome editing (CRISPR and related approaches)
• In vitro culture and genetic transformation
• Genotyping and genome sequencing
• Physiological Phenotyping in Greenhouse and Agronomic Field Trials
• Data analysis with R
• Scientific monitoring and student supervision

Profile sought:

• Master’s degree or engineering degree in genetics, plant biology or related field.
  Knowledge of plant biology and genetics.
  Basics in in vitro culture and laboratory manipulation.
  Data analysis skills under R.
  Motivation, rigor, scientific curiosity and a taste for teamwork.
• This thesis is part of the challenges of sustainable agriculture, food security and crop adaptation to climate change, with a direct impact on rice systems in West Africa.
• Consult the offer and apply before August 22, 2026: https://emploi-recrutement.ird.fr/offre-de-emploi/emploi-contrat-doctoral-projet-vigorice-h-f_795.aspx