Doctoral Candidate / PhD Position in the SPACE-MEL MSCA Doctoral Network University of Florence in Italy

Doctoral Candidate / PhD Position in the SPACE-MEL MSCA Doctoral Network at the University of Florence (Università degli Studi di Firenze), Italy.

This fully funded PhD opportunity is part of SPACE-MEL, an EU-funded MSCA Doctoral Network focused on the next generation of spatial single-cell omics technologies for precision medicine. The project brings together European universities, technology providers, clinical partners, and innovative companies to tackle the experimental and computational barriers that currently limit the clinical translation of spatial biology.

The specific doctoral project (DC13) is centred on mucosal melanoma (MuM). The candidate will work at the Advanced Bioimaging Research Center (ABiR) in the Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, under the supervision of Prof. Daniela Massi. The research will use human MuM tissue repositories and a large cohort already collected at UNIFI to study tumour microenvironment (TME) features, sub-clonal heterogeneity, and biomarker colocalization. The work combines double and triple staining, spatial multi-omics, digital pathology, and computational analyses to refine the prognostic value of the Immunoscore and identify predictive biomarkers for MuM.

The project aims to investigate microenvironmental and sub-clonal heterogeneity during disease progression, comparing primary tumours and associated metastases. It will also explore treatment-induced relapse mechanisms through pseudotime modelling. The doctoral candidate will contribute to integrated spatial analyses, collaboration with SANOFI in Gentilly, France, and clinical assay exploration with Diatech Pharmacogenetics S.r.l. in Iesi, Italy. International secondments are therefore an essential part of the training.

ABiR offers a strong environment in tumour microenvironment research, computational pathology, and human tissue analysis. The laboratory provides advanced instrumentation such as a Roche Ventana Discovery Ultra immunostainer, Leica slide scanners, a Zeiss microscope with structured illumination, and HALO image analysis software. The position is particularly suitable for candidates interested in melanoma biology, pathology, bioimaging, spatial biology, translational cancer research, and data-driven biomarker discovery.

Eligibility highlights: Master’s degree or equivalent in Biology, Medicine, Dentistry, Biotechnology, or a related field; applicants must not already hold a PhD. Strong interest and background in cancer biology, molecular biology, pathology, omics, and computational analysis are expected. English proficiency is required, and applicants may need to provide a recognised English test score unless exempt.

Funding: MSCA Doctoral Network support for 36 months, including a living allowance, mobility allowance, and family allowance if applicable. Gross amounts are specified under MSCA-DN rules and subject to national deductions.

Application deadline: 31 August 2026, 13:00 (Europe/Rome).

Applications are submitted by email to [email protected] with the required supporting documents.