MuSkLE 18 Fully Funded PhD Positions in France

Applications are now open for the MuSkLE PhD programme in France. This is a fully funded doctoral training initiative focused on the musculoskeletal system, locomotion, and exercise. It offers interdisciplinary research opportunities in muscle biology, development, regeneration, diseases, and related fields. The programme aims to train 55 PhD candidates across multiple calls.

The first competitive call is open now and closes on 6 May 2026. Selected candidates receive a 36-month employment contract with a competitive salary and benefits. There is no application fee. It is open to international applicants who meet the mobility rule (limited prior residence in France). You can check out BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here.

Key Details:

Degree Level: PhD (Doctoral Fellowship)
Host Country: France
Application Deadline: 6 May 2026
Programme Duration: 36 months (3 years)
Funding Type: Fully funded (MSCA COFUND programme)

Interested in More Positions? Follow links below

What This Scholarship Offers:

Possible additional benefits such as mobility allowance, research costs, and family support (typical of MSCA programmes).
You will get a gross monthly salary of about €2,100 for 3 years.
You receive a full employment contract with social security coverage.
High-quality interdisciplinary PhD training in musculoskeletal science (biology, physics, mathematics, and other fields).
International networking opportunities with researchers and partners.
Professional development and career support to help you grow.

Also Check: 100+ PhD Positions at Aston University, UK 2026

Eligibility Criteria:

You must not already hold a doctoral degree at the time of the deadline.
You should not have lived or worked in France for more than 12 months in the last 3 years (mobility rule; exceptions for compulsory national service or refugee status).
You need a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field before starting the PhD.
Strong academic background, research experience, and motivation are required.
Applications must be in English and follow the exact format.

Also Check: PhD, Postdoc & Academic Faculty Positions at University College London, UK

Available PhD Positions:

PP01 — Definition of the regenerating niche in muscle diseases (UCBL)
PP02 — Dissecting mutation-specific neuronal vulnerability in Friedreich’s Ataxia using zebrafish models (UCBL)
PP03 — Deciphering the mechanically-driven signalling in articular cartilage and the consequences for the cartilage homeostasis (UCBL)
PP04 — Extracellular vesicles from TREM2 macrophages in the alterations of skeletal muscle homeostasis in obesity (UCBL)
PP05 — Study of Physical Deconditioning During the Doctorate (UCBL)
PP06 — Investigating the molecular drivers of carotid atherosclerotic plaque hemorrhage and impact of physical activity (UCBL)
PP07 — Role of TRPV1 channels in exertional heat stroke (UCBL)
PP08 — Muscle pathophysiology in AGO1 and AGO2 genetic disorders (UCBL)
PP09 — Role of TGFβ signalling in connective tissue progenitors during musculoskeletal assembly (ENS)
PP10 — Spatio-temporal control of muscle diversity (ENS)
PP11 — dWdr45 Regulation of Locomotion via Dual Autophagy-Dependent and Independent NMJ Pathways (ENS)
PP12 — Mathematical modelling and cross species validation of a unified omic framework for muscle function (USMB)
PP13 — Combined Magnetic Resonance and X-ray phase contrast and dark-field to study Human embryonic and fetal development and its anomalies (UGA)
PP14 — Epigenetic control of muscle repair: the role of Lysine Demethylases in sex-specific skeletal muscle regeneration (UGA)
PP15 — Effects of obesity on neuromuscular function: impact of mechanical overload and metabolic alterations (UCA)
PP16 — Dystrophin and the Muscle Stem Cell Niche: Deciphering Early Mechanisms of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (UCA)
PP17 — Fighting muscle atrophy: from atrophy resistant model to new therapeutic target (UCA)
PP18 — Alterations of ribosomal RNA epitranscriptomics across the spectrum of muscle biology: from normal to pathological myogenesis (CLB)

Notes:

You can apply to up to 3 projects per application (via the official form).
Full project details are available in the linked PDFs on the site.

Also Check: HZDR PhD and Postdoc Positions in Germany 2026 (Fully Funded)

How to Apply:

Submit only through the official online application form.
Choose up to 3 projects in order of preference (you may also propose your own project fitting a supervisor’s topic).
Prepare one single PDF file (max 8 MB) containing:
- Detailed CV (max 2 pages) with clear 3-year residence/work history
- Personal statement (max 1 page) explaining your motivation and project choices
- Ethics self-assessment (if proposing your own project)
Provide contact details for two referees.
Read the Guide for Applicants and FAQs before applying.
Deadline: 6 May 2026