Fondazione Telethon
2 weeks ago
Fully Funded PhD Opportunities in Advanced Gene and Cell Therapy – MSCA COFUND RAREFIND Fondazione Telethon ETS in Italy
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Chemistry
Funding
Available
Deadline
Dec 31, 2026
Country
Italy
University
Fondazione Telethon

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About this position
Fully funded PhD opportunities are available within RAREFIND, an MSCA COFUND doctoral training programme led by Fondazione Telethon ETS. The positions are hosted at the Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM) in Pozzuoli (Naples) and the San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget) in Milan, with partnership involvement from Scuola Universitaria Superiore Pavia (IUSS).
The programme is designed to train the next generation of researchers in advanced gene and cell therapy, combining cutting-edge experimental research with structured training in scientific and transferable skills. Research themes include gene editing, gene therapy, genome and epigenome editing, miRNA-based therapeutics, vector engineering, and immuno-oncology. The therapeutic focus spans inherited retinal diseases, enzymatic deficiency disorders, lysosomal storage disorders, and cancer.
Successful fellows will work in a highly collaborative environment with access to state-of-the-art facilities across the Fondazione Telethon institutes. Training includes a credit-bearing curriculum (ECTS), summer school, research integrity conference, translation/regulation workshop, weekly seminars and data clubs, mentoring, and a Career Development Plan. The programme also includes secondments between TIGEM and SR-Tiget, giving exposure to basic, translational, and clinical research environments, as well as interactions with connected biotech companies.
The positions are fully funded under Horizon Europe – COFUND / MSCA. The gross annual base salary is €32,840 plus any applicable family allowances, with comprehensive social coverage and paid leave. Eligible candidates may also benefit from tax relief under the Italian “Return of Researchers” scheme, and relocation assistance is available through EURAXESS support services.
Eligibility requires a Master’s degree or equivalent in life sciences, medicine, pharmacy, chemistry, or a related discipline. Applicants must not already hold a doctoral degree and must satisfy the MSCA mobility rule for Italy. Strong English proficiency is required.
The application deadline is 31 December 2026. Applications should be submitted via the RAREFIND website.
Funding details
Available
What's required
Applicants must hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in life sciences, medicine, pharmacy, chemistry, or a related discipline. Candidates must not already hold or have defended a doctoral degree. Applicants must comply with the MSCA mobility rule, meaning they must not have lived or carried out their main activity (work or studies) in Italy for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the call deadline. Strong proficiency in English, both spoken and written, is required.
How to apply
Apply through the RAREFIND website using the online application portal. Review the programme information and eligibility rules before submitting. Ensure that your CV and supporting documents demonstrate MSCA mobility compliance and English proficiency.
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