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Open positions

INT2ACT is seeking talented and motivated candidates with the skills, knowledge, and enthusiasm to help the network achieve significant research breakthroughs. Doctoral Candidates (DCs) will enrol in PhD degree programmes and be employed for 36 months in a network comprising 11 beneficiaries and 10 associated partners from 8 European countries, Israel, and China.

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Logo_BRIIn this project, we will identify blood-based biomarkers in CAR-T–treated patients using a multi-omics strategy that combines cfDNA, miRNA, methylomics, glycomics, and spectroscopy. Samples will be collected before treatment, during the first 10 days post-infusion, and at follow-up visits up to 12 months. Integrated datasets will be analysed with machine learning pipelines to uncover biomarkers of early response, disease progression, and therapy-related toxicities. Findings will be validated in an independent cohort of 120 patients.  Read the full project description and specific requirements here.

Host institution: IIS Biogipuzkoa Health Research Centre, Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain

Supervisor: Prof. Charles Lawrie 

Co-Supervisors: Dr. María Armesto, Biodonostia Research Institute (Academic); Dr Carlo Vascotto, University of Udine (Academic); Dr Marc Weber, Flomics Biotech SL (Industrial)

Secondments: This project is carried out in collaboration with the following groups and visits to their laboratories are expected during the project:
• Prof. Lei Zhang, Sino-Swiss Institute for Advanced Technology (SSIAT), Shanghai University, China
• Dr. Marc Weber, Flomics Biotech SL, Barcelona, Spain

In this project, we will identify and implement novel cfRNA-based biomarkers in blood plasma for the early detection of cancer. Using optimised protocols for RNA sequencing and an in-house dataset of ~1,100 samples from 5 types of cancer patients and healthy donors, we will explore mitochondrial-derived RNAs, circular RNAs, single nucleotide variants and novel transcripts. Bioinformatics pipelines and advanced machine learning models will be developed to distinguish cancer patients from healthy donors with high accuracy.  Read the full project description and specific requirements here.

Host institution: Flomics Biotech SL, Barcelona, Spain

Supervisor: Dr. Marc Weber

Co-Supervisors: Dr. Phil Sanders, Flomics Biotech SL (Industrial); Dr. Tomas Marques, Dr. Esther Lizano, Fundacio de Pais Vasco (Academic); Dr. Carlo Vascotto, University of Udine (Academic); Prof. Barbara Uszczynska-Ratajczak, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Science (Academic)

Secondments: This project is carried out in strong collaboration with the following groups, and visits to their laboratories are expected during the project:

Logo_BRIIn this project, we will develop and optimise a nanoparticle-based biosensing platform for rapid nucleic acid detection of infectious pathogens. Unlike PCR and sequencing, which are accurate but slow and centralised, this gold colloidal biosensor detects viral nucleic acids directly from biological fluids without purification or amplification. The goal is to expand the platform to multiple pathogens, validate it analytically and clinically, and prepare it for large-scale production and compliance with in vitro diagnostic legislation. Read the full project description and specific requirements here.

Host institution: IIS Biogipuzkoa Health Research Centre, Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain

Supervisor: Prof. Charles Lawrie 

Co-Supervisors: Dr. María Armesto, Biodonostia Research Institute (Academic); Dr. Carlo Vascotto, University of Udine (Academic); Dr. Thomas Frischmuth, baseclick GmbH (Industrial)

Secondments:  This project is carried out in strong collaboration with the following groups and visits to their laboratories are expected during the project:
Prof. Lei Zhang, Sino-Swiss Institute for Advanced Technology (SSIAT), Shanghai University, China

In this project, we will develop advanced protocols for Oxford Nanopore native RNA sequencing to overcome current barriers to clinical adoption. We will optimise sample and library preparation for clinical specimens, design targeted enrichment workflows that preserve single-molecule signals, and deliver a proof-of-principle diagnostic RNA panel based on direct RNA sequencing. Read the full project description and specific requirements here.

Host institution: Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Center for Genomic Sciences, Milan, Italy

Supervisor: Dr. Francesco Nicassio

Co-Supervisors: Prof. Winston Timp, Johns Hopkins University (Academic); Dr. Federico Forneris, Instituto Universitatrio di Studi Superiori di Pavia (Academic); Dr. Logan Mulroney, (NIH ),  (Academic); Dr. Thomas Frischmuth, baseclick GmbH (Industrial).

Secondments: This project is carried out in strong collaboration with the following groups, and visits to their laboratories are expected during the project:

In this project, we will exploit click-chemistry-mediated ligation to generate libraries for direct RNA sequencing on the Oxford Nanopore platform, with a focus on non-coding RNA (ncRNA). We will optimise the incorporation of modified nucleotides, establish efficient click reactions between RNA and sequencing adaptors, and screen adaptor designs for best performance. The overall aim is to streamline RNA library preparation, reduce input material requirements, and expand coverage of the non-coding transcriptome, including direct analysis of RNA modifications. Read the full project description and specific requirements here.

Host institution: baseclick GmbH, Neuried, Germany

Supervisor: Dr. Thomas Frischmuth

Co-Supervisors: Dr. Stefan Wiedemann, baseclick GmbH (Industrial).

Secondments: This project is carried out in strong collaboration with the following groups, and visits to their laboratories are expected during the project:

In this project, we will advance single-molecule RNA sequencing by integrating targeted enrichment, adaptive sampling, and structural analysis to achieve single-molecule resolution of RNA diversity. This approach will allow precise study of alternative splicing, RNA folding, and chemical modifications, with applications to long noncoding RNAs and cancer biomarker detection in liquid biopsies. The project bridges RNA biology, sequencing technology, and computational genomics, providing a platform for high-resolution RNA analysis and translational discoveries in molecular medicine. Read full project description and eligibility criteria here.

Host institution: Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poland

Supervisor: Prof. Barbara Uszczynska-Ratajczak

Co-Supervisors: Dr. Rory Johnson, University College Dublin (Academic); Dr. Joao Curado, Flomics Biotech SL (Industrial)

Secondments: This project is carried out in strong collaboration with the following groups, and visits to their laboratories are expected during the project. A willingness to travel and spend time abroad is therefore essential:

 In this project, we will extend dynamic combinatorial chemistry to oligonucleotides, creating libraries that can adapt and respond to templating molecules. By exploiting the reversibility of selected chemical reactions, we will generate large and diverse dynamic combinatorial libraries of oligonucleotides (DCL ONs) capable of amplifying the best binders in the presence of a target template. The project will involve the synthesis of tailored nucleoside analogues using advanced organic chemistry, alongside the development of analytical tools such as mass spectrometry and spectroscopy to monitor system behaviour. Applications will be pursued in sequencing, sensing, and aptamer formation, providing a foundation for novel biotechnological systems. Read full project description and eligibility criteria here.

Host institution: University of Southampton, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southampton, UK.

Supervisor: Prof. Eugen Stulz

Co-Supervisors: Prof. Barbara Uszczynska-Ratajczak, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences (Academic); Dr. Thomas Frischmuth, baseclick GmbH (Industrial).

Secondments: This project is carried out in strong collaboration with the following groups, and visits to their laboratories are expected during the project. A willingness to travel and spend time abroad is therefore essential:

In this project, we will investigate the role of Cyclophilin D (CyPD), a mitochondrial matrix protein with peptidyl-prolyl isomerase activity, in mitochondrial RNA metabolism. While CyPD is known for its role in regulating the mitochondrial permeability transition pore, emerging evidence suggests it may also contribute to the post-transcriptional regulation of mitochondrial gene expression. We will identify CyPD–RNA complexes, characterise their RNA species through sequencing and bioinformatics analyses, and assess CyPD’s functional relevance by modulating its expression in cell models. Read the full project description and specific requirements here.

Host institution: University of Udine, Department of Medicine, Udine, Italy

Supervisor: Dr. Carlo Vascotto

Co-Supervisors: Prof. Barbara Uszczynska-Ratajczak, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences (Academic); Dr. Alexander Jackson, Nanovery Ltd. (Industrial).

Secondments: This project is carried out in strong collaboration with the following groups, and visits to their laboratories are expected during the project:

In this project, we will develop and optimise a protocol to quantify oxidative lesions in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), with the goal of translating it into a standardised commercial kit. Building on molecular biology assays such as qPCR and lesion-specific polymerase arrest, we will refine and validate methods in biological and neuronal models. The final objective is to deliver a reproducible, scalable, and user-friendly kit for high-throughput applications, enabling new insights into mitochondrial genome stability and its role in disease. Read the full project description and specific requirements here. 

Host institution: University of Udine, Department of Medicine, Udine, Italy

Supervisor: Dr. Carlo Vascotto

Co-Supervisors: Prof. Lena Burbulla, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich (Academic); Dr. Thomas Frischmuth, baseclick GmbH (Industrial); Roma Galloway, Nanovery Ltd. (Industrial).

Secondments: This project is carried out in strong collaboration with the following groups, and visits to their laboratories are expected during the project:

In this project, we will develop tools to program host cells for targeted mRNA methylation in order to improve the yield of biotherapeutics. We will selectively modulate genes involved in RNA methylation in CHO, HEK293 and other target cells, create transgenic lines expressing programmable methyltransferases or demethylases, and assess the productivity of recombinant proteins and viral gene therapy vectors. The results will provide new strategies to enhance biotherapeutic production by harnessing epitranscriptomic modifications. Read the full project description and specific requirements here.

Host institution: National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training, Dublin, Ireland

Supervisor: Prof. Niall Barron

Co-Supervisors: Dr. Nga Lao, National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (Industrial); Dr. Jessica Ferti, baseclick GmbH (Industrial); Prof. Rory Johnson, University College Dublin (Academic).

Secondments: This project is carried out in strong collaboration with the following groups, and visits to their laboratories are expected during the project:

In this project, we will develop a genome-editing–based platform to accelerate the discovery of potent antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs). By combining CRISPR-Cas–based functional genomics with RNA biology and computational analysis, the project will identify highly active ASOs capable of efficiently modulating gene expression. This innovative approach aims to overcome current bottlenecks in ASO design, enabling faster translation of RNA therapeutics for cancer and other diseases. Read the full project description and specific requirements here.

Host institution: University College Dublin, Ireland

Supervisor: Prof. Rory Johnson

Co-Supervisors: Dr. Francesco Nicassio, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (Academic); Dr. Thomas Frischmuth, baseclick GmbH (Industrial).

Secondments: This project is carried out in strong collaboration with the following groups, and visits to their laboratories are expected during the project:

In this project, we will investigate how epitranscriptomic modifications of non-coding RNAs regulate 3D chromatin architecture and gene expression in cancer. We will implement a dCas13-m6A eraser system to selectively reverse m6A modifications on ncRNAs enriched in highly connected chromatin regions of glioma stem cells. Chromatin interaction assays and transcriptomic/epigenetic profiling will then be used to evaluate the impact on genome organisation and regulation. Read the full project description and specific requirements here.

Host institution: Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Centre for Human Technologies, Genova, Italy

Supervisor: Dr. Dafne Campigli Di Giammartino

Co-Supervisors: Dr. Francesco Nicassio, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (Academic); Prof. Federico Forneris, Instituto Universitatrio di Studi Superiori di Pavia (Academic); Prof. Niall Barron, National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (Industrial).

Secondments: This project is carried out in strong collaboration with the following groups, and visits to their laboratories are expected during the project:

In this project, we will develop RNA interference (RNAi)-based lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) as therapeutic vehicles for solid tumours. We will optimise lipid composition to ensure efficient RNA encapsulation, stability, and tumour-targeted delivery, while minimising the off-target effects. The formulations will be tested for tumour penetration, gene silencing activity, and in vivo biodistribution, with the aim of establishing a robust nanoparticle platform for clinical translation. Read the full project description and specific requirements here.

Host institution: 

Supervisor: Prof. Avi Schroeder

Co-Supervisors: Prof. Rory Johnson, University College Dublin (Academic); Dr. Jeny Shklover, Technion – Israel Institute of Tehnology (Academic); Roy Nevo, Mana Bio Ltd. (Industrial).

Secondments: This project is carried out in strong collaboration with the following groups, and visits to their laboratories are expected during the project:

In this project, we will develop lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) carrying the p53 mRNA for targeted delivery to the tumour microenvironment (TME) in breast cancer. We will design and optimise LNPs for efficient mRNA encapsulation, stability, and selective uptake by triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) microenvironment cells, including fibroblasts, immune cells and dendritic cells. The formulations will be characterised in vitro and tested in TNBC mouse models to assess biodistribution, TME accumulation, and therapeutic benefit. Read the full project description and specific requirements here.

Host institution: Technion Research and Development Foundation, Haifa, Israel

Supervisor: Prof. Avi Schroeder

Co-Supervisors: Dr. Dafne Campigli, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (Academic); Dr. Jeny Shklover, Technion – Israel Institute of Tehnology (Academic); Roy Nevo, Mana Bio Ltd. (Industrial).

Secondments: This project is carried out in strong collaboration with the following groups, and visits to their laboratories are expected during the project:

More information will be available soon. 

What INT2ACT will offer

  • A thorough scientific education in the frame of a doctoral training program.
  • The possibility to participate in specific international courses, workshops and conferences.
  • Strong involvement in a European research project with high international visibility.
  • The possibility to perform research visits to internationally renowned research labs in Europe.
  • A prestigious three-year MSCA Fellowship.

Who can apply

  • Applicants can be of any nationality.
  • Applicants must hold a MSc or equivalent in the field required for the corresponding vacancy.
  • Applicants must be eligible to enrol on a PhD programme at the host institution (or at a designated university in case the host institution is a non-academic organisation).
  • Applicants must have the necessary academic skills and background to make the success of a doctoral degree.
  • MSCA Mobility Rule: researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the host organisation for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the recruitment date. Compulsory national service, short stays such as holidays, and time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status are not taken into account.

    Additionally, DC applicants must fulfill the local requirements of the recruiting institutions.

Who we are looking for

  • MSc, MRes, MEng, or equivalent in Life Science (Biology, Biochemistry, etc.), Biotechnology, Chemistry or a related discipline.
  • Research experience, in particular in cellular and molecular biology techniques.
  • Interested in nucleic acid (NA) therapeutics for personalised medicine by advancing current methodologies for the detection  and sequencing, synthesis and analysis and target identification and delivery of NAs .
  • Appreciation for interdisciplinary work and proactive drive to collaborate across disciplines.
  • Proficient in the English language.
  • For detailed requirements, see the project description of your choice. 

How to apply

  • Download the “Application form” and fill in the required information. 
  • Compile your documents in one pdf file, following the order: 1) application form, 2) maximum two-page motivation letter, 3) CV, 4) copies of transcripts of any obtained degrees.
  • The application must be written in English.
  • Submit all the above documents via e-mail as a single pdf file to int2act@gmail.com.
  • As the subject of your email, please use INT2ACT application – your name.

A limited number of applicants will be invited for an interview and will be required to provide contact information of up to two contact persons for reference letters.

Download documents
Application form

Download the application form,  open it with a pdf reader and fill in the required information in the boxes or choose from the “drop-down”. 

Applications are accepted by 31 January 2026. You still have
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Enquiries

For general information about the INT2ACT Doctoral Network, send an email to int2act@gmail.com.

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