Summary:
The University of Naples Federico II invites applications for two full-time Doctoral Candidate (PhD student) positions under the MSCA Doctoral Network INTRABRAIN: “Nanoplatforms and Oncolytic Viruses for Novel Cancer Immunotherapy Strategies”. The program is funded by the EU (Agreement number 101227308) and focuses on developing innovative immunotherapy strategies for glioblastoma using nanoplatforms and modified oncolytic viruses.
2 Doctoral Candidate Positions – MSCA Doctoral Network INTRABRAIN, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
Designation: Doctoral Candidate (PhD Student)
Research Area:
- Cancer Immunotherapy
- Nanoplatforms & Oncolytic Viruses
- Molecular Oncology and Immunology
- Glioblastoma Research
Location: Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
Eligibility/Qualification:
- Applicants must not hold a doctoral degree at the time of employment.
- Compliance with MSCA mobility rule: candidates must not have resided or worked in Italy for more than 12 months in the past 36 months.
- Proficiency in English (written and spoken).
- Master’s degree in Medicine, Medical Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, or related fields is preferred.
- Experience with nucleic acids and cancer cells is a plus.
Salary: Competitive, aligned with MSCA Work Programme, including Living and Mobility allowance; conditional Family allowance may be included.
Job Description:
| DC Position | Focus Area | Key Responsibilities | Techniques & Methods |
|---|---|---|---|
| DC#7 | Preclinical to clinical translation | Evaluate efficacy and immunological impact of adenoviral-delivered Interleukin-12 (rADV-IL-12); study human/murine IL-12 relevance | Flow cytometry, co-culture assays, immune function characterization, M2 macrophage switch analysis |
| DC#9 | Nanoencapsulated recombinant adenoviral vectors (NanorADV-IL-12) | Proof-of-therapeutic action; assess specificity, efficacy, biodegradability, toxicity; study T-cell & NK-cell-mediated GBM elimination; evaluate synergy with PD-1 inhibitor nivolumab | Cellular models, co-culture experiments, cytokine release assays, activation marker analysis, advanced immunotherapy testing |
Program Highlights:
- Training at the intersection of oncology and immunology
- Collaboration with 10 academic research groups and 3 private sector partners
- Intersectoral and multidisciplinary mobility and training opportunities
- Structured interdisciplinary transferable skills development and secondments at top-ranking European universities and industry partners
How to Apply:
Submit a single PDF to Prof. Gerolama Condorelli at gecondor@unina.it including:
- Completed INTRABRAIN DC application form
- Curriculum Vitae (max 2 pages)
- Cover Letter (max 1 page) specifying motivation and relevant skills
- Master’s Degree certificate with transcript
- Proof of English proficiency
- Contact details of 2 referees
- List and manuscripts of publications, if applicable
- Work/research experience certificates, if applicable
- All documents in English or official translation
Last Date for Apply: 28 May 2026
