Chrono
Join a cohort of 12 doctoral researchers in ChronoBridge, a European Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network. The programme connects biological clocks, physiology and metabolism through international collaboration.
Host and supervision
The position is supervised by Prof. David Jacobi in the “Rythmes mitochondriaux nycthéméraux et maladies métaboliques” research team (Daily Mitochondrial Rhythms and Metabolic Diseases), L’Institut du Thorax, Inserm, in Nantes. His research team studies daily mitochondrial rhythms and metabolic disease, linking cellular energy production with circadian timing, nutrition and physical activity. Its work combines experimental research with clinical questions related to obesity and metabolic health.
You will receive regular supervision, advice from senior researchers, quarterly meetings with an independent advisor, an annual committee review and support from a non-academic mentor. A local co-supervisor will guide each research visit.
Research project
This WP3 project investigates whether timed targeting of DHODH, a mitochondrial enzyme, can reproduce some benefits of time-restricted eating in obesity. It combines mechanistic mouse studies with samples from human dietary interventions.
Your research will involve:
- Testing timed DHODH interventions in genetic and diet-based mouse models.
- Measuring energy use, mitochondrial function and the use of metabolic fuels.
- Investigating links between biological clocks, DHODH-related pathways and metabolic rhythms.
- Analysing clinical samples and biobanks before and after time-restricted eating.
The project aims to assess DHODH as a potential timed target and explain its relationship with metabolic responses to dietary timing.
Suggested profile
- A completed Master’s degree, or equivalent, in metabolism, physiology, biochemistry, molecular biology or a related discipline.
- Interest in mitochondria, obesity and research connecting laboratory mechanisms with human health. Previous laboratory or data-analysis experience is useful; specialist training will be provided.
- Scientific curiosity, critical thinking, careful research practice and enthusiasm for collaboration across Europe.
Skills you will develop
- Formulate hypotheses and design rigorous experiments or analyses.
- Interpret results critically and solve research problems.
- Write scientific papers and present findings clearly.
- Manage projects and collaborate across disciplines and countries.
- Apply research ethics and reproducible methods.
Planned research visits
Research visits to the University of Geneva, the University of Lübeck and Charité total approximately 2.5 months. They provide complementary methods, international collaboration and local supervision. See the ChronoBridge “Training & network” page for mobility information.
Allowance
This is a full-time position as a doctoral researcher.
Remuneration follows the recruiting institution’s applicable salary arrangements and MSCA funding requirements.
The grant supports eligible personal and family circumstances. Your employer will explain salary, allowances and deductions.
Eligibility
Candidates of any nationality may apply, provided they:
Do not hold a doctoral degree or have successfully defended a doctoral thesis at recruitment.
Meet the doctoral programme’s admission requirements.
Have not lived or mainly worked or studied in France for more than 12 months during the 36 months immediately before recruitment, subject to defined exceptions.
Have professional English, with evidence assessed by the recruiting institution.
See “Who can Apply?” on the ChronoBridge “How to Apply” page for the detailed criteria and exceptions.
Network training
You will benefit from at least 100 hours of scientific and transferable-skills training, three years of Nature Masterclasses access, network congresses, workshops, online clubs and an individual career-development plan. The programme offers connections with academic, industry and clinical partners. See “Training & network” for the full programme and practical arrangements.