Associate Professor

The Lefoulon-Delalande Foundation, in partnership with Université Paris Cité, is launching a call for applications for the creation of a « Lefoulon-Delalande Associate Professor Chair ». This program aims to support outstanding early-career scientists in the field of cardiovascular research in France.

Objectives of the program

• The goal is to offer young scientists the opportunity to create and lead their own research team within a research structure in France affiliated with Inserm or CNRS, and Université Paris-Cité.
• It also aims to encourage the development of high-quality, mid-term research projects in the cardiovascular field.
• The Chair is open to early-career researchers of any nationality, who have at least three years of postdoctoral research experience and who obtained their PhD within the past ten years. Candidates must demonstrate strong potential in mentoring, team leadership, and participation in national, European, or international projects.
• Applicants who have already received early-career funding to establish their own research team, such as ERC grants, ATIP-Avenir, ANR JCJC or FRM-Amorçage, are not eligible.

Funding of the chair

• Each Chair will receive funding of €1 million over 5 years, i.e. €200,000 per year.
• This funding will cover: The laureate’s salary, through an Associate Professor contract with the host University; Research environment costs (project operating expenses, funding for PhD students, postdoctoral fellows, and technical staff).
• The Chair will be financed by the Foundation associated with the host university.
• The laureate’s salary will be determined by the host institution, with a minimum annual gross salary of €65,000.
• If the laureate obtains a permanent research or teaching position (Inserm, CNRS, or university) after the first two years of the contract, the salary will no longer be covered under the Lefoulon-Delalande Associate Professor Chair. However, the laureate may continue to benefit from the associated funding for related expenses (staff, operational costs). If a permanent position is obtained within the first two years, funding will cease.

Selection criteria

• Excellence of the candidate
• Scientific quality, originality and innovative potential of the project
• Feasibility of the research project
• Collaborative nature and ability to create synergies with existing teams at the host institution
• Candidate’s capacity to integrate sustainability into the French academic research system during or after the Chair period

Timeline

• March 2026 : Launch of the call for proposals
• May 31, 2026, 6:00 pm: Application deadline
• June 1 – June 19, 2026: Eligibility check and scientific evaluation by a committee composed equally of researchers appointed by Université Paris Cité and members of the Lefoulon-Delalande Foundation Research Committee.
• June 22 – July 10, 2026: Publication of results
• From September 2026: Implementation of the « Lefoulon-Delalande Associate Professor » contract and allocation of funding for associated research costs.

Submission procedure

• The application package should include (in English, PDF version):
  • cover letter
  • Curriculum vitae (2 pages maximum)
  • research proposal (4 pages maximum)
  • letters of recommendation from two referees
  • letter of commitment from the host laboratory director
• The Application should be emailed before May 31, 2026 at 6:00 pm (CET) at
• No additional documents will be accepted after the deadline.
• For further information or inquiries, contact Alain TEDGUI