This funded PhD position at the University of Udine, Department of Medicine, is part of the INT2ACT Doctoral Network and focuses on developing and optimising a protocol for quantifying oxidative lesions in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). The project aims to translate this protocol into a standardized commercial kit, addressing a critical need for sensitive and reproducible methods to detect mtDNA oxidative damage—a key factor in neurodegenerative diseases and other pathological conditions. The research will integrate advanced molecular biology techniques, including qPCR-based assays, DNA damage quantification, and lesion-specific polymerase arrest assays, to measure oxidative modifications in mtDNA. Initial work will refine and validate the protocol in standard biological models, followed by adaptation for complex systems such as neuronal cell models relevant to neurodegeneration. A major goal is to produce technical guidelines for applying the protocol across species and experimental contexts. The final phase will focus on high-throughput and commercial adaptation, ensuring scalability, reproducibility, and user-friendliness. The host laboratory, led by Dr. Carlo Vascotto, specializes in DNA repair mechanisms, mitochondrial RNA processes, and the role of mitochondria in tumor progression and resistance, with access to state-of-the-art facilities for cell culture, flow cytometry, confocal and nanoscope microscopy, and in vivo fluorescence imaging. The project includes secondments to collaborating groups in Germany (Prof. Lena Burbulla, Ludwig Maximilian University; Dr. Thomas Frischmuth, baseclick GmbH), requiring willingness to travel and spend time abroad. Eligibility requires a Master’s degree in Biology, Biotechnology, or related field, compliance with the mobility rule, and proficiency in English. Applicants should have research experience in cellular and molecular biology, with mitochondrial biology and nucleic acids analysis as strong assets. Application involves submitting a statement of interest, CV, examination certificate, and degree certificate (in English) as a single PDF. The deadline is January 31, 2026. For more information, visit the INT2ACT project website or contact Dr. Carlo Vascotto.

This PhD position focuses on the development of next-generation sequencing (NGS) library technology for direct RNA profiling using click chemistry, specifically targeting non-coding RNA (ncRNA). The project aims to exploit click-chemistry-mediated ligation to generate libraries for direct RNA sequencing without the need for reverse transcription or amplification, utilizing the Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT) platform. Key objectives include optimizing the incorporation of azido- and alkyne-modified nucleotides at both ends of RNA, establishing optimal conditions for copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) reactions between RNA and ONT sequencing adaptors, and screening click-modified adaptors for best performance in both sequencing directions. The overarching goal is to streamline RNA library generation for direct sequencing on the ONT platform, reducing input RNA requirements and potentially increasing coverage of the non-coding transcriptome, including direct epitranscriptome analysis. The host institution, baseclick GmbH, is a specialized company near Munich, Germany, providing fully equipped laboratories for chemical and biochemical research, including Oxford Nanopore sequencing capabilities. The project is part of the INT2ACT Doctoral Network and involves strong collaboration with research groups in Italy and Poland, with expected secondments and travel. Applicants must have a Master's degree in a relevant field, research experience in biochemical techniques, and proficiency in English. Funding is provided according to EU MSCA regulations, and the application deadline is January 31, 2026. For more information and to apply, candidates should visit the INT2ACT recruitment web page and prepare the required documents as specified.

This PhD position, hosted at the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT) Center for Genomic Sciences in Milan, focuses on developing advanced protocols for native RNA sequencing using Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT). The project aims to overcome current barriers to clinical adoption of ONT direct RNA sequencing by optimizing sample and library preparation for clinical specimens, designing targeted enrichment workflows that preserve single-molecule signals (including RNA modifications), and delivering a proof-of-principle diagnostic RNA panel. The research is part of the INT2ACT Doctoral Network and involves strong collaboration with academic and industrial partners, including Prof. Winston Timp (Johns Hopkins University), Dr. Federico Forneris (Instituto Universitatrio di Studi Superiori di Pavia), Dr. Logan Mulroney (National Human Genome Research Institute), and Dr. Thomas Frischmuth (baseclick GmbH). The candidate will receive training in RNA modification analysis, protocol optimization on ONT platforms (MinION/PromethION), and targeted approaches using click-chemistry for selective library preparation. Validation and optimization on clinical-grade samples will be performed with Flomics Biotech. The host laboratory is recognized for its expertise in non-coding RNAs, RNA modifications, and long-read sequencing, with ongoing projects in cancer transcriptomics and epitranscriptomics. The position includes opportunities for secondments abroad, providing a unique intersectoral and international training environment. Applicants must have a Master’s degree in Biology, Biotechnology, or related fields, and meet the mobility rule. Prior experience in molecular biology, genomics, or protocol development is preferred. Proficiency in English and strong communication skills are required. The position is fully funded, with stipend and support for travel and training. Application requires a statement of interest, CV, examination certificate, and degree certificate (all in a single PDF). The deadline for applications is January 31, 2026. For more information, visit the INT2ACT website or contact Dr. Francesco Nicassio.

This PhD project focuses on developing and optimizing a novel nanoparticle-based biosensor platform for the rapid detection of nucleic acids from infectious pathogens. Traditional diagnostic methods such as PCR and sequencing, while accurate, are slow, expensive, and require centralized laboratory facilities, limiting their scalability for widespread diagnostic needs. The research aims to address these limitations by advancing a gold colloidal biosensor technology capable of direct detection of viral nucleic acids from biological fluids, eliminating the need for purification or amplification steps. The project will expand the platform to detect multiple clinically relevant pathogens, validate its analytical and clinical performance, and prepare it for commercialisation and compliance with in vitro diagnostic regulations. Hosted at IIS Biogipuzkoa Health Research Centre in Spain, the work will be conducted within Dr. Charles Lawrie’s Molecular Oncology group, which integrates biomarker discovery, diagnostic tool development, and therapeutic innovation. The laboratory offers access to advanced facilities for cell culture, flow cytometry, microscopy, genomics, histology, and clinical trials, as well as strong links to oncology medical services. The position is part of the INT2ACT Doctoral Network, providing opportunities for secondments at collaborating institutions, including Shanghai University in China. Candidates should have a Master’s degree in materials science, biomedical engineering, biotechnology, chemistry, or a related field, and must not already hold a doctoral degree. Desirable skills include bioinformatics, computational biology, nucleic acid detection, nanomaterials, biosensor development, and experience with medical device translation or regulatory aspects. Strong motivation, multidisciplinary research interest, and proficiency in English are required. The position is fully funded under EU MSCA regulations, including salary, benefits, and travel support. Applications require a statement of interest, CV, academic certificates, and degree documentation, submitted as a single PDF. The deadline for applications is January 31, 2026.