Open call for group leaders in Innovative Biology

Institute of Molecular Genetics, Montpellier, France

The Montpellier Institute of Molecular Genetics (IGMM) recruits new group leaders.
The IGMM is an interdisciplinary CNRS (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique) and University of Montpellier (UM) joint research unit. We currently host 18 teams dedicated to the study of fundamental mechanisms underlying cellular processes and their links to human pathologies. Research areas covered include RNA biology, epigenetics, cell cycle regulation, cancer, immunology and virology (see https://www.igmm.cnrs.fr/). We are enthusiastic about welcoming new group leader colleagues who share our core values of collegiality, interdisciplinarity and scientific excellence.
Candidates should propose an innovative research program that fits within the global themes of the IGMM and addresses a fundamental biological question. Candidates developing new concepts, disruptive methodologies, and/or high-risk projects with strong potential, are particularly encouraged to apply. In addition, applicants are expected to have excellent training in a relevant field and a strong track record of publications adapted to their career stage.
Successful candidates will be granted autonomy to lead their research and full access to the facilities within the IGMM and the campus. The IGMM will provide comprehensive support for securing regional, national and international research funds. In addition, we will help successful candidates in obtaining a permanent research position.
The IGMM is ideally located on the main CNRS campus in Montpellier, a dynamic site comprising over 1500 scientists in the fields of life sciences, chemistry and ecology. The IGMM is also part of the BioLuM campus, where it shares premises and equipment with neighbour institutes that focus on cell biology (CRBM, https://www.crbm.cnrs.fr) and infectious diseases (IRIM, https://www.irim.cnrs.fr and CEMIPAI, https://www.cemipai.cnrs.fr). Performing cutting-edge interdisciplinary research is facilitated through excellent in-house technical facilities and access to 13 state-of-the-art platforms (see https://biocampus.cnrs.fr). The environment thus offers a vibrant scientific atmosphere where basic science, biomedicine, interdisciplinarity and team spirit are nurtured.
The IGMM is committed to act in favor of open science practices, implementation of green policies, as well as promoting equal opportunities. We thus welcome applicants of any nationality, race, religion, gender and orientation and are committed to equality of opportunity for people with disabilities.

Application procedure:
Applications are welcome from candidates who obtained their PhD in 2020 or later, or who already hold a permanent researcher position in France.
Applications should be uploaded onto https://application.igmm.cnrs.fr, and should contain a CV with a summary of main scientific achievements and selected publications (4 pages), a future research plan (4 pages) and a motivation letter (2 pages). Applicants should include the names and contact information of three references.

Key dates:
We welcome applications from the 1st of May 2026 until 15th June 2026. Interviews of selected candidates will take place in July 2026.

For inquiries about the procedure or IGMM, please write to search2026@igmm.cnrs.fr