Jessica Fertl

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.