Fully Funded PhD Positions in AI, Computer Science, Robotics and More – Inria, France (2026 Intake)

Inria, France’s national research institute for digital science and technology, is advertising around 50 fully funded PhD positions across its centres in Paris, Saclay, Lyon, Rennes, Lille, Bordeaux, Grenoble, Sophia Antipolis, and other locations. The openings span core areas of computer science and applied mathematics, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, human‑computer interaction, biomedical engineering, cryptography, quantum computing, distributed systems, NLP, and more.

This is a multi‑project call rather than a single programme: each PhD position is tied to a specific research team, topic, and supervisor, with its own deadline (mostly between mid‑July and end of August 2026, some into September/October).

Position snapshot

• Institution: Inria (French National Institute for Research in Digital Science and Technology), France

• Level: PhD / Doctorate (full‑time, typically 3‑year contracts)

• Locations: Multiple Inria centres (e.g., Paris, Saclay/Palaiseau, Rennes, Lyon, Lille, Bordeaux, Grenoble, Sophia Antipolis, Pau, Orsay, Villeneuve d’Ascq, etc.)

• Fields: AI & ML, robotics, HCI, biomedical engineering, cryptography, quantum computing, distributed systems, NLP, optimization, scientific computing, and related quantitative disciplines

• Funding: Fully funded doctoral contracts with an estimated gross stipend of around €2,300/month for most positions

• Deadlines: Project‑specific; many between mid‑July and 31 August 2026, some extending into September/October 2026

• Application portal: Inria jobs website (jobs.inria.fr) – each position has its own online listing and application form

About Inria and the PhD opportunities

Inria is one of Europe’s leading public research institutes in digital sciences, with a strong track record in fundamental and applied research, start‑up creation, and collaborations with industry and public partners. Doctoral researchers at Inria work within dedicated research teams (often in joint labs with universities and Grandes Écoles) on cutting‑edge topics ranging from theoretical foundations to real‑world applications in health, environment, industry, and society.

The current batch of PhD vacancies includes positions such as (illustrative, non‑exhaustive examples):

• AI & Machine Learning: defending deployed AI models, robust few‑shot learning for foundational models in CT imaging, generative models, Bayesian optimization, multi‑fidelity scientific ML, distributed learning, etc.

• Robotics & HCI: dexterous robot learning, perception and interaction via VR avatars, interactive presentation systems, human‑robot collaboration, etc.

• Quantum & Cryptography: theoretical foundations of distributed quantum computing, quantum many‑body systems, post‑quantum cryptography, etc.

• Biomedical & Health: AI for medical imaging (CT, MRI), computational biology, bias in evolutionary studies, etc.

• Scientific Computing & Optimization: Bayesian inverse problems for wave propagation at exascale, nonsmooth optimization for ML, multi‑fidelity modeling, etc.

• NLP & Language Technologies: multilingual NLP evaluation, task‑specific and linguistically motivated evaluation methods, etc.

Each listing specifies the research theme, required background, start date, contract duration, and application deadline.

Funding and financial support

Most Inria PhD positions are offered as fully funded, fixed‑term doctoral contracts (typically 3 years) with the following core features:

• Monthly gross salary: around €2,300 for the majority of positions (some may vary slightly depending on funding source and location).

• Contract type: fixed‑term employment contract as a PhD researcher (doctoral contract), not just a scholarship; this usually includes social security and standard employee benefits.

• Tuition and fees: Inria PhD positions are typically hosted in partnership with French universities or Grandes Écoles; doctoral tuition in France is generally low, and many positions cover or effectively offset these costs through the salary and benefits package.

• Additional benefits (typical for Inria staff):

  • Subsidized meals / meal vouchers.

  • Generous leave (around 7 weeks of annual leave plus additional RTT days in some cases).

  • Partial reimbursement of public transport costs.

  • Access to training, seminars, conferences, and professional equipment.

Exact terms (salary, benefits, start date) are detailed in each job posting and can vary slightly by project and funding source.

Who should apply

These positions are open to domestic and international candidates with a strong quantitative background and a clear interest in research in digital sciences.

Academic background

Applicants should hold (or be close to completing) a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in one of the following or closely related fields:

• Computer Science

• Applied Mathematics

• Electrical / Computer Engineering

• Physics (with strong computational focus)

• Data Science / Statistics

• Related quantitative disciplines (e.g., operations research, computational biology, etc.)

Some positions explicitly mention preferred specializations such as machine learning, optimization, robotics, HCI, NLP, cryptography, quantum computing, or scientific computing.

Skills and attributes

Ideal candidates will demonstrate:

• Strong foundation in mathematical modeling, algorithms, and programming (e.g., Python, C/C++, Java, MATLAB, Julia, or similar).

• Solid understanding of the specific domain relevant to the position (e.g., ML theory, computer vision, robotics control, formal methods, quantum information, etc.).

• Ability to conduct independent research, read and implement recent research papers, and develop novel methods or systems.

• Good written and spoken English (many teams work in English; French is an asset but not always required).

• Motivation to pursue a research career in academia, industry R&D, or innovation‑driven sectors.

Prior research experience (e.g., Master’s thesis, internships in research labs, publications) is highly desirable.

Application materials

Requirements can vary slightly by position, but most Inria PhD vacancies request the following documents uploaded via the online application system:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing education, research experience, technical skills, projects, and any publications or open‑source contributions.

• Cover letter / statement of purpose explaining:

  • Your academic background and key projects.

  • Your interest in the specific research topic and team.

  • How your skills and goals align with the position.

• Academic transcripts (Bachelor’s and Master’s, or current Master’s progress).

• (If requested) Contact details for referees (typically 2 academic references).

• (Optional but recommended) Copies of Master’s thesis, research reports, or preprints if they strengthen your application.

Some positions may ask for additional materials (e.g., code samples, portfolio, specific forms); always check the individual job description.

How to apply (step‑by‑step)

1. Browse the list of PhD vacancies

   • Go to the official Inria jobs portal: https://jobs.inria.fr (or the English version if available).

   • Filter by “Doctorant” / “PhD” to see all current PhD openings.

2. Select positions that match your profile

   • Read each listing carefully: research theme, required background, team, location, start date, and deadline.

   • Note the job reference number and the specific deadline for each position (they differ).

3. Prepare tailored application documents

   • Customize your CV and cover letter for each position, highlighting relevant coursework, projects, and skills.

   • If possible, mention specific papers, methods, or tools used by the team to show genuine interest and alignment.

4. Submit via the Inria online system

   • Click “Apply” on the job page and create an account (or log in) on the Inria recruitment platform.

   • Complete the online form and upload all required documents in the specified formats.

   • Double‑check that your email address is correct so you receive confirmations and updates.

5. Mind the deadline

   • Ensure your application is submitted before the deadline stated in the listing (many are in August 2026, some in September/October).

   • Late applications are generally not considered.

Deadlines and timeline

• Application window: Most positions are open from mid‑July 2026 onwards, with deadlines mostly between mid‑July and 31 August 2026, and a few extending into September/October 2026.

• Start dates: Many positions indicate intended start dates between September and November 2026, though this can vary by project and funding source.

• Selection process: Typically involves an initial review of applications by the research team, followed by interviews (online or on‑site) for shortlisted candidates; exact timelines are project‑specific.

Because deadlines differ, candidates should treat each listing individually and prioritize those whose deadlines are soonest.

Why this opportunity stands out

Inria PhD positions offer a compelling combination of:

• Fully funded, salaried doctoral contracts with competitive pay (around €2,300/month gross) and standard employee benefits in France.

• Access to world‑class research teams working at the forefront of AI, robotics, quantum, cryptography, biomedical engineering, and more.

• Strong links to industry, startups, and public partners, providing opportunities for applied research, internships, and future career paths in both academia and industry.

• An international, multilingual research environment with many teams operating primarily in English and hosting researchers from around the world.

For candidates seeking a fully funded PhD in Europe with a strong technical focus and excellent research infrastructure, Inria’s current batch of openings is one of the most attractive options in 2026.

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