Call for applications: 3 doctoral contracts in computer science for the start of the 2026 academic year

The Graduate Programme in Computer Science of the University Paris Sciences et Lettres (PSL) will fund three PhD grants (“doctoral contracts”) for the start of the 2026 academic year (September or October 2026). Applications are open to all, regardless of nationality. If admitted, the student will have to register as a PhD student in computer science and prepare his or her thesis in one of the PSL research centres. Priority will be given to co-supervision between two PSL institutions and co-supervision between a PSL institution and an institution abroad.

This scheme, based on academic excellence, is open to students who have completed (or are in the process of completing)

• a Master 2 in computer science or mathematics; or
• an equivalent degree (e.g., engineering degree, foreign Master's degree).

Candidates and their supervisors submit an application for admission to the doctoral programme and the award of a doctoral contract. The contract will cover three years of thesis (as an indication, 2300 €/month gross in 2026-2027 for a first year doctoral student, i.e., approximately 1700 € net after taxes). The tuition (397 € per year in 2026) and campus life (CVEC, 105 € per year in 2026) remain payable by the students at the time of their administrative registration.

To apply, first fill in the application form then upload a single PDF file named {name of the phd candidate}_{name of the phd supervisor}.pdf containing the following on this online application:

• Thesis project (succintly written)
• Letter of commitment from the thesis director
• Letter from the candidate explaining why he/she has chosen this thesis
• Curriculum Vitae
• Transcripts (L1 to M2; if M2 in progress, grades available to the candidate)

Deadline for receipt of applications: Wednesday 6 May 2026 at 23:55.

If you are a potential advisor, do not hesitate to contact us (pg-info@ens.psl.eu) if you have any questions, or to inform us of your intention to apply.

Results

17 applications were received.

Three doctoral contracts were awarded, following the call for applications, to the following students (ranked ex æquo at the top):

• Justine Cauvi, for a PhD thesis supervised by Laurent Viennot within DI ENS
• Gabriel Desfrene, for a PhD thesis supervised by Xavier Leroy and François Pottier within the Collège de France
• Rachel Ruellé, for a PhD thesis supervised by Stefano Moretti and Hugo Gilbert within LAMSADE

The following candidates are on a supplementary list, in order. They will be contacted in case of students declining the position.

1. Doan-Dai Nguyen, for a PhD thesis supervised by Ana Busic within DI ENS
2. Cindy Angela Schnyder, for a PhD thesis supervised by Denis Cornaz within LAMSADE
3. Maxence Adly, for a PhD thesis supervised by Kimia Nadjahi within DI ENS
4. Florian Cottier, for a PhD thesis supervised by Ulysse Chabaud within DI ENS
5. Giovanni Dettori, for a PhD thesis supervised by Roland Grappe within LAMSADE
6. Lucas Haubert, for a PhD thesis supervised by Justin Carpentier within DI ENS
7. Yanees Dobberstein, for a PhD thesis supervised by Hugo Paquet and Jérôme Feret within DI ENS, in co-supervision with Benedikt Stufler at TU Wien
8. Bilal Zidna, for a PhD thesis supervised by Clément Royer within LAMSADE