La Rochelle Université, in collaboration with the European Commission under the Horizon Europe program, is launching the MSCA COFUND project “EU-DOCS for Smart Urban Coastal Sustainability (SmUCS)”.The program will recruit 12 PhD candidates for the 2026 academic year, offering interdisciplinary training and international co-supervision (cotutelle) between La Rochelle Université and one of its partner universities.
The initiative aims to strengthen research collaboration and train the next generation of researchers focusing on Smart Urban Coastal Sustainability—integrating urban systems, coastal dynamics, and sustainable innovation.
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) by the application deadline (December 12, 2025).
Comply with the Marie Skłodowska-Curie mobility rule: must not have resided or carried out main activities (work, studies, etc.) in France for more than 12 months between December 2022 and December 2025.
Not in possession of a PhD at the time of application.
Demonstrate previous research experience or training.
Application deadline: December 12, 2025Information session: November 4, 2025 (2:00–4:00 PM, online)
Required documents (all in English, combined in one PDF file):
Curriculum Vitae (maximum 5 pages)
Motivation letter (maximum 2 pages)
Proof of identity (passport or ID card)
Copy of Master’s diploma (or equivalent)
Completed and signed Application Form
(Optional) Subject Proposal Form if proposing your own thesis topic
Applications must be submitted to: eudocs_cofund@univ-lr.fr
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Doctoral candidates will be offered a competitive salary exceeding the minimum requirements of French legislation.They will also receive a mobility allowance and have access to dedicated budgets for research, training, and professional travel.
Full information on thesis topics, eligibility, and application procedures is available on the La Rochelle Université official website:👉 Visit the official “EU-DOCS for SmUCS” call page
Applicants are encouraged to review and download the official documents provided by La Rochelle Université before applying:
EU-DOCS for SmUCS – Guide for Applicants (PDF)
EU-DOCS for SmUCS – Application Form (PDF)
EU-DOCS for SmUCS – Guide for Subject Proposal (PDF)
EU-DOCS for SmUCS – Subject Proposal Form (PDF)
(All documents are available and regularly updated on the official La Rochelle Université website.)
For further inquiries, please contact:Email: eudocs_cofund@univ-lr.frProgram Coordinator: La Rochelle Université, France
For any question about the programme, you can contact the project team.
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