PhD position in Glycosylated Cellulose Nanocrystals/Gold Nanoparticles Hybrid for Precision Delivery of Antigenic Peptides (MSCA-DN CanGoNano) University of Florence in Italy

The University of Florence is offering a fully funded PhD position within the MSCA-DN “CanGoNano” European Training Network, focusing on glycosylated cellulose nanocrystals/gold nanoparticles hybrids for the precision delivery of antigenic peptides to antigen presenting cells. This innovative project is part of the Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Networks, aiming to advance glyconanomaterials as tools for cancer immunotherapy.

The research will be conducted at the Department of Chemistry ‘Ugo Schiff’, University of Florence, under the supervision of Prof. Barbara Richichi and Prof. Marco Marradi, with co-supervision from Dr. Jürgen Mairhofer (EnGenes Biotech GmbH, Austria) and Dr. Paula Videira (Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal). The project involves multiple functionalization and characterization of CNC-Au-LA with N3-tagged HER2/OVA peptides and fluorescent probes, biomolecular interaction studies using cryo-EM, and in vitro evaluation of functional activity. Training will cover synthesis of CNC-based glyconanomaterials, advanced microscopy, recombinant lectin expression, and cell biology.

Doctoral candidates will benefit from international, intersectoral, and interdisciplinary training, including planned secondments at EnGenes Biotech (industry, Austria) and Universidade Nova de Lisboa (academia, Portugal). The position is for 36 months, starting 1 November 2026, and includes enrolment in the PhD School of Chemical Science at the University of Florence.

Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Biotechnology, (Nano)Materials Science, or related fields, with practical experience in organic and materials chemistry and characterization techniques. Good English proficiency is required. Candidates must not already possess a doctoral degree and must comply with the MSCA mobility rule. Full-time commitment to research, adherence to intellectual property and confidentiality regulations, and submission of all required documents in English are mandatory.

The fellowship is paid in accordance with MSCA rules, with salary and benefits as per Horizon Europe guidelines. Equal opportunities policy applies, and candidates of all nationalities and genders are encouraged to apply. International mobility during the fellowship is mandatory and may account for up to 30% of the contract duration.

To apply, candidates must submit their application via the project website (www.cangonano.eu) using the 'APPLY NOW' function, following the 8-step procedure. Required documents include CV, motivation letter, recommendation letter(s), and relevant diplomas. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews with supervisors from the network. For questions not addressed in the guidelines, contact [email protected].

The application deadline is 26 April 2026. The position offers a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of glyconanotechnology and cancer immunotherapy, with tailored training and international collaboration across the CanGoNano consortium.