PhD position in the MSCA-DN CanGoNano: Glycosylated polycation cellulose nanocrystals and mRNA polyplexes for precision delivery to antigen-presenting cells University of Florence in Italy

The University of Florence is recruiting one Doctoral Candidate within the MSCA-DN project CanGoNano, a European Training Network supported by Horizon Europe and focused on glyconanomaterials for cancer immunotherapy. The advertised PhD project, DC3, explores glycosylated polycation cellulose nanocrystals and mRNA polyplexes for precision delivery of genetic material to antigen-presenting cells.

The research is hosted by the Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff” at the University of Florence (Italy) and is supervised by Prof. Barbara Richichi and Prof. Marco Marradi, with co-supervision from Maria Elisa Perico and Sandra van Vliet. The project places the doctoral researcher at the intersection of organic chemistry, nanomaterials, and immunotherapy, with planned secondments at AUMC and APT to strengthen expertise in APC–T cell cross-talk and in vivo immunogenicity studies.

Research activities include synthesis of polycationic cellulose nanocrystals with quaternary ammonium groups, multiple functionalization with amine-bearing carbohydrate fragments and fluorescent probes via carbamate chemistry, synthesis and physicochemical characterization of pCNC/mRNA polyplexes, and evaluation of their immunogenicity. Training will cover synthesis and characterization of pCNC-based polyplexes, advanced microscopy, antibody isotyping, and T-cell culture.

The position is a 36-month full-time PhD fellowship funded under the MSCA Doctoral Networks scheme. The salary is provided as a temporary gross research fellowship according to MSCA rules. The post is open to candidates of any nationality, but applicants must meet MSCA eligibility rules, including having a Master’s degree or equivalent and not already holding a doctoral degree. Candidates must also satisfy the MSCA mobility rule, meaning they must not have lived or carried out their main activity in Italy for more than 12 months during the 3 years before recruitment.

Eligible applicants should hold a Master’s degree in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Biotechnology, (Nano)Materials Science, or a closely related discipline. Prior practical experience in organic chemistry, materials chemistry, and characterization techniques is expected, together with good English skills and a proactive, team-oriented attitude. Additional conditions include full-time commitment to the project, exclusive focus on the research programme, and compliance with intellectual property and confidentiality requirements.

Applications must be submitted via the project website and completed in English using the required 8-step procedure. Required documents include a CV, motivation letter, recommendation letter(s), and copies of diplomas and relevant supporting documents. The application deadline is 21 October 2026.

This is an attractive opportunity for candidates interested in glycoscience, nanotechnology, cancer immunotherapy, and advanced biomaterials research within a highly international and interdisciplinary doctoral network.