Published on: October 29, 2026 | Article No: 352 | By: @rprasanth_kumar
Are you an Indian researcher looking to pursue a PhD or postdoctoral research position in France? Four research opportunities have been announced under the CEFIPRA Call 2026-4, covering mechanical & aeronautical engineering, sustainable aviation fuels, geotechnical engineering and cell biology.
The opportunities are coordinated through the French Institute in India and the Indo-French Centre for the Promotion of Advanced Research (CEFIPRA). Indian candidates are preferred, and knowledge of French is not required for these positions.
The offers include a monthly allowance, travel support and several fees associated with studying or working in France. Here is a detailed guide to all four opportunities, including research topics, eligibility, funding, required documents and application instructions.
If you have any questions, please feel free to use the comments section at the end of this article.
PhD in Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering
- Research project: Hydrogen-lubricated beam-foil bearings for high-speed hydrogen compressors.
- Reference number: IFI_CEF_26_15
- Host institution: Institut Pprime, Université de Poitiers, France
- Expected start date: 1 April 2027
- Duration: 36 months
What will you research? This project focuses on developing advanced gas-foil bearings for high-speed, oil-free hydrogen compressors. Hydrogen is an important potential energy carrier, but its storage and transportation require efficient compression technologies. The research aims to improve the performance and reliability of bearings used in high-speed compressor systems. The work combines analytical modelling, numerical simulations, thermal analysis, rotor dynamics and experimental testing.
Who should apply? The position is intended for candidates with a Master’s degree, or an equivalent five-year university qualification, in a relevant field such as: Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Mechanics, and Computational Physics. The offer also calls for expertise in areas such as nonlinear structural mechanics, thin-film flows, thermal-fluid interactions, rotor dynamics and numerical modelling. Experience with finite-element analysis, programming and experimental test rigs will be relevant.
PhD in the Production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel Components
- Research project: BIOJET-X, biomass to jet fuel using extra-large-pore zeolites.
- Reference number: IFI_CEF_26_16
- Host institution: Laboratoire Catalyse et Spectrochimie (LCS), ENSICAEN, Caen, France
- Expected start date: 1 April 2027
- Duration: 36 months
What will you research? The project explores ways to convert biomass-derived chemical compounds into hydrocarbons suitable for sustainable aviation fuel production. The research focuses on developing specialised catalysts that can improve chemical conversion, selectivity and catalyst stability. The work involves catalyst synthesis, materials characterisation, catalytic testing and spectroscopic analysis. It forms part of a collaboration between French and Indian research teams.
Who should apply? Applicants should have a Master’s degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline, with suitable knowledge of: Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Energy Engineering, Catalysis and porous materials, and Inorganic chemistry or related fields. Experience with zeolites, spectroscopy, catalytic testing or high-pressure reactors would be useful.
Postdoctoral Research Position in Geotechnical Engineering
- Research project: GRUPROSS
- Reference number: IFI_CEF_26_13
- Host institution: GEOMAS Laboratory, INSA Lyon, France
- Expected start date: December 2026
- Duration: 8 months
What will you research? This postdoctoral project investigates how geosynthetic materials can reinforce granular platforms and unpaved roads built on weak soil. The research aims to understand how reinforced soil structures respond to traffic loads and whether commercial numerical simulation software can accurately reproduce their behaviour. The work involves modelling and comparing simulation results with experimental data.
Who should apply? Applicants must hold a PhD or be in the process of obtaining one, with relevant experience in areas such as: Geotechnical Engineering, Geosynthetics and soil reinforcement, Numerical simulation using FLAC 3D, Simulation of cyclic loading, Computational modelling of soil and infrastructure systems. Experience with geotechnical simulation software and numerical programming is particularly relevant.
Postdoctoral Research Position in Cell Biology
- Research project: Characterisation of novel protein complexes involved in membrane contact site formation.
- Reference number: IFI_CEF_26_14
- Host institution: Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), France
- Expected start date: 1 February 2027
- Duration: 18 months
What will you research? Cells contain specialised structures called organelles, which communicate through contact sites between their membranes. This project investigates protein complexes that help establish these connections and regulate interactions between cellular organelles. The research combines cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology and quantitative fluorescence microscopy to study protein interactions, their locations within cells and their functional roles.
Who should apply? Applicants must hold a PhD or be in the process of obtaining one, with relevant training in areas such as: Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Imaging and image analysis, Strong analytical skills, scientific rigour and the ability to work collaboratively are important.
Eligibility requirements
Nationality:
- Candidates of all nationalities except French may apply.
- Applicants holding both French and another nationality are ineligible under the stated conditions.
- Indian candidates are preferred under the CEFIPRA programme.
Academic qualifications
- PhD positions: A relevant Master’s degree, or an equivalent five-year university qualification, is required by the application deadline. Candidates completing their qualification may be eligible if they meet the published conditions.
- Postdoctoral positions: Applicants must have a PhD or be in the process of obtaining one.
French-language skills The four offers state that French-language competence is not required. However, applicants must meet the scientific, technical and English-language requirements specified for their chosen position.
Research experience Eligibility is not based on the degree title alone. Applicants should carefully compare their academic background, research experience and technical skills with the specific requirements in the relevant PDF.
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Application Process
Documents required for the application,
- Cover letter: Explain your motivation, reasons for applying and professional plans. Maximum 2 pages.
- Academic qualification document: A copy of your relevant degree or proof of the programme you are completing, including the expected completion or defence date where applicable. Maximum 1 page.
- Previous scholarship results: Maximum 3 pages.
- International CV: Maximum 2 pages.
- Recommendation letter: One letter from an Indian institution is mandatory. Maximum 2 pages.
Combine the required documents into one PDF file of no more than 10 pages. Check the relevant offer for the precise requirements and make sure your application clearly identifies the research position you are targeting.
How to apply? Applications must be submitted through the Google Form specified in the offer documents.
- Step 1: Choose your research position. Read the full PDF for each position that matches your academic background and experience.
- Step 2: Check eligibility.Confirm that your nationality, qualifications and technical skills satisfy the requirements.
- Step 3: Prepare your application.Compile the cover letter, academic qualification document, scholarship results, CV and mandatory recommendation letter into a single PDF of no more than 10 pages.
- Step 4: Complete the application form.Use the official form and select the correct job-offer reference number.
- Step 5: Submit before the deadline.The announced deadline is 30 November 2026 at 23:59 Indian Standard Time (IST). Do not wait until the last minute. Allow time to check your PDF, verify the selected reference number and confirm that the form submission has been completed.
For queries about the opportunities, meenakshi.singh@institutfrancaisindia.in
Have you pursued a PhD or postdoctoral position in France? Share your experience and advice in the comments to help future applicants. For more practical guides on studying, working and living in France, visit PrasanthRagupathy.com and follow @prasanth_in_france.
Disclaimer: This article summarises the published position descriptions. Applicants should consult the official offers and application form for the final requirements and any updates.
