Call for an interdisciplinary Group leader in Chemistry of Biological Systems

The Dynamics of Biomolecular Networks (DYNABIO) cluster of excellence at the Université Côte d’Azur (Nice, France) brings together 87 research teams from six local biology institutes: C3M (Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire); iBV (Institut de Biologie Valrose); IPMC (Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire) ; IRCAN (Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging, Nice); ISA (Institut Sophia Agrobiotech) and LP2M (Laboratoire de PhysioMédecine Moléculaire) as well as the Inria research institute for computer science and applied mathematics.

DYNABIO is dedicated to advancing cutting-edge research in systems and computational biology, with a central focus on the architecture, dynamics, and interactions of biomolecular networks. The interdisciplinary approach of DYNABIO bridges biology with computer science, mathematics, chemistry, and physics. Research carried out within DYNABIO teams spans a wide range of biological models and addresses fundamental questions in biological mechanisms, pharmacology, cell and developmental biology, and agrosciences to understand the roles & regulatory principles of biological networks in the development and function of organs and organisms as well as in human disease etiologies (cancer, inflammation, cardiometabolic disease, aging, immune and neurological disorders) and plant-microorganism interactions. DYNABIO is launching an international call for an Interdisciplinary leader to further enrich its community of researchers working at the interface of different disciplines.

Join DYNABIO as a Group Leader in Chemistry of Biological Systems and Dynabio chair holder

This is a unique opportunity for an outstanding scientist to develop an innovative research program at the interface of chemistry and biology within one of the three major DYNABIO-affiliated institutes eligible for this call (C3M, IPMC, ISA). We welcome candidates proposing ambitious, interdisciplinary projects that apply chemical approaches to study and experimentally manipulate biological systems. Research themes of particular interest include, but are not limited to:

• Design, synthesis and use of fluorescent probes
• Small molecule approaches linked to medicinal chemistry
• In silico molecular modeling of biological interactions

The candidate may be junior or more mid-career. She/he must have demonstrated her/his ability to address biological questions and have a strong publication record reflecting this interdisciplinary engagement.

She/he will benefit from the dynamic, interdisciplinary ecosystem of Université Côte d’Azur and is expected to establish close collaborations with researchers from the Nice Institute of Chemistry (ICN), recognized for its expertise in chemical biology.

Starting package and Support

The selected Chair holder will receive a highly competitive start-up package of €500,000 covering operating costs and salaries. The host institute will provide office and lab space, basic laboratory equipment, and full access to state-of-the-art core facilities. Furthermore, DYNABIO is committed to supporting the Chair holder in securing long-term academic positions. In return, the Chair holder is expected to contribute to the university community through either teaching or engagement in local interdisciplinary networking activities (25 hours/year).

Eligibility

The call is open to candidates of all nationalities, including those already holding permanent positions in France. However, applicants must not be affiliated with any DYNABIO member institute at the time of application. The interdisciplinary scope and scientific impact of the proposed research project will be key evaluation criteria.

Application Procedure

Applications must be submitted by January 9th, 2027 to the DYNABIO direction (florence.besse@univ-cotedazur.fr and jean-francois.tanti@univ-cotedazur.fr) as well as to the direction of the targeted host institute (see contact list below).

C3M: sophie.tartare-deckert@univ-cotedazur.fr

IPMC : lesage@ipmc.cnrs.fr

ISA : philippe.castagnone@inrae.fr

Applicants should submit their application as a single PDF file organized as follows:

• Applicant’s full name, contact information (email, phone), project title, and the targeted host institute
• Cover letter including the contact details of two referees (1 page)
• Summary of past research activities (2 pages)
• Project description (4 pages): objectives, rationale, methodology, novelty, feasibility, and added value to the DYNABIO network and host institute
• Curriculum vitae and full list of publications (2 pages)

Shortlisted candidates will be first interviewed online by host institutes and then invited onsite for subsequent interview by the DYNABIO sel