This PhD project focuses on the development of RNA interference (RNAi)-based lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) as advanced therapeutic vehicles for the treatment of solid tumours. The research will center on the chemical design and optimization of lipid components to achieve efficient RNA encapsulation, stability, and targeted delivery to cancer cells. Special attention will be given to tailoring lipid composition and integrating targeting strategies that promote selective uptake by tumour cells while minimizing off-target effects. The project will involve evaluating the formulations for their ability to penetrate tumour tissue and induce gene silencing in cancer cell models, followed by in vivo studies to assess biodistribution, tumour accumulation, and therapeutic efficacy. The ultimate goal is to establish a robust nanoparticle platform that combines efficient RNA encapsulation, tumour-targeted delivery, and significant therapeutic activity, paving the way for clinical translation of RNAi-based nanomedicines in oncology. The host institution is the Technion Research and Development Foundation in Haifa, Israel, with research conducted in the Louis Family Laboratory for Targeted Drug Delivery and Personalized Medicine Technologies, led by Prof. Avi Schroeder. The laboratory specializes in innovative medical technologies, particularly targeted drug delivery systems for cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, and offers a multinational, multidisciplinary research environment. The project includes strong collaborations and secondments with Prof. Rory Johnson at University College Dublin, Ireland, and Roy Nevo at Mana Bio Ltd., Israel, requiring a willingness to travel and spend time abroad. Applicants must have a Master’s degree in Organic Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, or related fields, and must not already possess a doctoral degree. Research experience in organic chemistry and biochemical techniques is required, with additional experience in chemical synthesis and nanoparticle formulation considered advantageous. Proficiency in English is mandatory, with proof required unless exempted. The position is funded through a doctoral fellowship, including stipend and support for travel and secondments. The application deadline is January 31, 2026. For more information and to apply, visit the INT2ACT recruitment web page.

This PhD project, hosted at the University of Udine in collaboration with the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT) in Dublin, Ireland, focuses on developing innovative tools to target epitranscriptomic modifications on transgenic mRNA. The research is motivated by the growing interest in mRNAs as vaccines and therapeutics, especially following the success of Covid-19 mRNA vaccines. The project aims to engineer biotherapeutic production cell lines by programming host cells to introduce or remove specific mRNA methylation events, thereby improving the yield and stability of biotherapeutics. Key objectives include selectively deleting or overexpressing genes involved in RNA methylation in CHO, HEK293, and other target cells, creating transgenic cell lines that stably express programmable RNA methyltransferases or demethylases, and examining the productivity of recombinant proteins and viral gene therapy vectors from these novel host cell lines. The host laboratory specializes in understanding and improving cell systems for manufacturing biological medicines, with a focus on cellular molecular mechanisms and advanced omics technologies. The research involves genetic engineering strategies to enhance host cell lines for efficient production of monoclonal antibodies, therapeutic proteins, and viral gene therapy vectors. The project includes secondments to collaborating laboratories at University College Dublin and baseclick GmbH in Germany. Applicants should have a BSc or Master’s degree in Biology, Biotechnology, or a related field, and must not already possess a doctoral degree. Research experience in cellular and molecular biology is required, with RNA biology experience considered a strong advantage. Proficiency in English and good communication skills are essential. The application process requires a statement of interest, CV, university examination certificate, and a final degree certificate translated into English, all merged into a single PDF. The deadline for applications is January 31, 2026. For more information, candidates can visit the INT2ACT project website or contact the project coordinator.

This PhD project, hosted at the Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences in Poland, focuses on advancing single-molecule RNA sequencing and structure analysis for custom genomic regions. The research addresses the limitations of conventional RNA sequencing, which often fails to capture the full diversity of RNA species, particularly those with complex structures, low abundance, or extensive alternative splicing. The project aims to develop an integrated strategy combining targeted enrichment, adaptive sampling, and structural analysis to achieve precise single-molecule resolution of alternative splicing, RNA folding, and chemical modifications. These methods will be applied to study long noncoding RNAs and detect cancer biomarkers in liquid biopsy samples, with broad applications in transcriptomics, cancer diagnostics, and RNA therapeutics. The successful candidate will join the cobRNA Lab, a vibrant and multidisciplinary team dedicated to developing innovative genomic and bioinformatic approaches for the identification and functional characterization of long noncoding RNAs across vertebrate genomes. The lab fosters a collaborative and inclusive environment, actively participating in international initiatives such as GENCODE and organizing scientific events like the EMBO Workshop “Non Coding RNA Medicine.” The project includes secondments to collaborating groups in Ireland and Spain, requiring a willingness to travel and spend time abroad. Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in Biology, Biotechnology, or a related field, and must not already possess a doctoral degree. Required skills include basic knowledge of RNA sequencing, experience with human cell line culture, and proficiency in English. Familiarity with Linux and bioinformatics is desirable. The position is funded as part of the INT2ACT Doctoral Network, with details on stipend and benefits available via the recruitment web page. The application deadline is January 31, 2026. For more information, candidates can contact Prof. Barbara Uszczyńska-Ratajczak or visit the INT2ACT website.