What is ION CHANNELS?
The Programme Stratégique IdEx (PSI) Canaux Ionique / Strategic Idex Program Ion Channels is a consortium exploring the pathophysiology of ion transport and excitability
It brings together leading research teams from seven local biology institutes:
C3M (Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire) ; iBV (Institut de Biologie Valrose) ; IPMC (Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire) ; LJAD (Laboratoire Jean Alexandre Dieudonné) ; LP2M (Laboratoire de PhysioMédecine Moléculaire) ; Inria research institute for computer science and applied mathematics ; UR2CA.
- Training the next generation of researchers through competitive PhD fellowships in partnership with the EUR LIFE program;
- Enhancing University Côte d’Azur’s international reach through global training programs, research networks, and collaborations;
- Organizing high-level scientific events to foster knowledge exchange;
- Driving technological innovations and strengthening partnerships
Its activities span the entire spectrum, from from basic science to translation and innovation, by combining:
- Cutting edge techniques (ex vivo & in vivo electrophysiology, optopharmacology, transcriptomics, high-speed imaging);
- Integrative science (animal models, computational modeling and AI);
- Pathophysiological investigations (pain, migraine, cancer, heart disease, autism, intellectual disabilities, Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s disease, mental disorders, epilepsy);
- Therapeutic innovation (development of novel strategies in neurostimulation, pharmacology and precision medicine).
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The Ion Channels PhD Program
The Ion Channels doctoral programme offers fully funded 3-year PhD fellowships across a wide range of ion channels topics, within an internationally visible and highly interdisciplinary research environment at Université Côte d’Azur. Université Côte d’Azur is a very dynamic and international University with over 30 000 students; located on the French Riviera in the South of France.
PhD projects will start in October 2026 and cover a broad range of topics related to Ion Channels such as ion channel roles in neurovascular signaling, cancer-associated fibroblast plasticity, joint PPi homeostasis, and mechanisms of pain including nociception, thalamic excitability, and light-driven ion channel–based analgesia.
PhD candidates will benefit from:
- Access to state-of-the-art experimental and computational platforms
- Strong supervision and interactions with teams of complementary expertise
- A rich training programme including advanced courses, workshops, and scientific events
- An international research ecosystem, with close interactions with local centres of excellence in artificial intelligence, machine learning, applied mathematics, and computational sciences
Applications
Please note : Applications must be sent before April 15, 2026.
- Who can apply?
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We accept applications from students of any nationality, who hold or expect to receive a Master or equivalent degree before September 2026.
- How and when to apply?
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Applications must be sent before April 15, 2026 by email to the potential future supervisors of the topic of their choice in the list below on this page.
PhD candidates are expected to contact their potential future supervisors and prepare a joint application, including the following documents:- CV of the candidate
- Motivation letter (max 1 page)
- At least 1 recommendation letter of previous supervisors/tutors
- Master transcript including detailed marks and ranks (if the Master is not finished yet, a transcript of the grades obtained so far)
- A 3 page-description of the project
We are looking for candidates with excellent academic level and strong motivation for a PhD project among the topics presented in the list.
Topics & supervisors
List of topics & supervisors contact details
| N° | Research Teams | Project Title | Contact |
| 1 | Team 1 : ‘Pathophysiology of Neural Circuits and Behavior’, Dr H. Marie Team 2 : ‘Microenvironment, Signaling and Cancer (MicroCAN)’, Dr M. Deckert |
Characterization of the impact of AETA-peptide-dependent NMDA receptor activation on brain endothelial cell functions | marie@ipmc.cnrs.fr |
| 2 | Team 1 : 'Ion channels and Cancer', Pr O. Soriani Team 2 : 'Biology of Ion Channels', Dr G. Sandoz |
Role of BKca channel and auxiliary β subunits in the plasticity of cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in pancreatic adenocarcinoma |
this position has been filled |
| 3 | Team 1 : 'Ion Channel and BioMineralization', Dr C. Duranton | ANKH channel and PPi homeostasis in joint disease | Christophe.duranton@univ-cotedazur.fr |
| 4 | Team 1: 'Molecular Physiology and Pathophysiology of Ion Channels', Dr D. Bichet Team 2: 'Ion channels and Pain', Dr A. Baron |
Role of the THIK1 channel in nociception and central sensitization | this position has been filled |
| 5 | Team 1 : 'Neural Circuits of Emotional memories', Dr B. Silva Team 2: ‘Pathophysiology of Neural Circuits and Behavio |
Excitability in the medial thalamus as a key regulator 5 of chronic neuropathic pain | this position has been filled |
| 6 | Team 1: 'Biology of Ion Channels', Dr G. Sandoz Team 2: 'Ion channels and Pain', Dr E. Deval |
From Ion Channel Biophysics to Light-Driven Analgesia: Targeting TREK in the Spinal Cord |
sandoz@unice.fr |
Detailed information on the different thesis projects proposed, including the scientific description and contact details of the supervisors, is provided in the document below: