2 MSCA-DN PhD's in advanced MRI biomarkers in leukodystrophies (Paris, FR)

About your role

Leukodystrophies are inherited disorders affecting the brain's white matter and can cause a wide range of neurological symptoms and disability. They can present at different stages of life, from infancy to adulthood. Although genetic diagnosis has advanced considerably, genetic information alone does not always predict when disease will develop, how quickly it will progress, or how an individual patient will be affected.

Cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy (C-ALD) is a common leukodystrophy and a progressive inflammatory demyelinating disorder. Regular clinical assessment and brain MRI are important for monitoring disease evolution.

Within this project, you will use C-ALD as a model to investigate whether advanced quantitative MRI techniques can provide sensitive and clinically meaningful measures of disease activity and progression. The project will contribute to the development of imaging biomarkers that could support clinical monitoring and future therapeutic trials.
About you

We are looking for candidates with an interest in neuroimaging, leukodystrophies, and clinical research, who would like to work in an international and multidisciplinary environment.

You:

• have excellent written and spoken English;
• have an interest in MRI and clinical research;
• are able to work independently and contribute actively to a multidisciplinary team;
• hold, or are expected to obtain before the start of the position, a Master's degree or equivalent relevant to the project;
• have a background in medicine, biomedical sciences, computer science, engineering, or a related discipline.Depending on the PhD project, experience or an interest in neurology, neuroradiology, coding, computational science, image processing, or quantitative MRI may be particularly relevant.The following would be an advantage:
• a medical degree, particularly in neurology or neuroradiology;
• experience in medical or scientific research;
• experience with coding, computational science, image processing, or quantitative MRI;
• experience working with clinical or neuroimaging data;
• basic knowledge of French.The two positions are designed to complement each other. We welcome applications from candidates with either a clinical/neuroimaging profile or a computational/coding profile.Eligibility criteriaImportant, strict eligibility criteria according to MARIE SKLODOWSKA CURIE programs apply to applicants:
• You must not already hold a doctoral degree.
• At the time of the application deadline, you must have a Master's degree and must not have resided or carried out your main activity (work, studies, etc.) in France for more than 12 months in the three years prior to the contract start date.
• You will participate in the network-wide training programme of POLARIS, which includes (international) training activities and planned secondments with POLARIS partner organizations throughout the EU.
  Our offer
  Financial compensation will be provided in accordance with the MSCA Doctoral Network funding rules and the applicable employment conditions at the Paris Brain Institute.Professional developmentThe Paris Brain Institute offers a broad range of training opportunities, including management, communication, transferable skills, and language courses, including French. Additional programmes include the Open Brain School, scientific integrity, leadership, and research communication.Well-being and healthThe Institute provides access to complementary health insurance, with 60% of the contribution covered, as well as prevention and support services.Additional benefitsEmployees benefit from:
• 26 days of paid annual leave.
• 10–12 additional RTT days, depending on working arrangements.
• Access to the hospital cafeteria.
• Public transport support.
• Partnerships with Action Logement and Studapart.
• Sports and cultural activities, including yoga, gym, chess, and other activities.