Piera Di Martino

G. d’Annunzio University Chieti-Pescara is offering 1 full-time Doctoral Candidate (DC)/PhD student position within the INTRABRAIN Project (Grant Agreement No. 101227308), a Horizon Europe / Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Networks initiative focused on advanced nanomedicine approaches for glioblastoma. The appointed DC will be based at the Department of Pharmacy at Università degli Studi “G. d’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara in Italy and will work under the main supervision of Professor Piera Di Martino. The project combines polymeric nanoparticles, self-assembled nanoplatforms, and modified oncolytic viruses to improve therapeutic delivery and antitumour efficacy in glioblastoma. The DC will specifically focus on the formulation of PLGA nanoparticles loaded with oncolytic virus, enhancement of transfection in glioblastoma cells, and evaluation of antitumour effects in glioblastoma cell models. The work includes investigating encapsulation efficiency under different production techniques, physicochemical characterisation of the nanoparticles, and biological testing of transfection and anticancer performance. This is an interdisciplinary research and training opportunity at the intersection of oncology, immunology, molecular pathology, biology, and data analysis. The INTRABRAIN consortium brings together leading research groups and research institutes, offering an international environment and strong training potential for early-stage researchers. Eligibility is restricted to candidates who hold a Master’s degree or equivalent and who satisfy MSCA Doctoral Networks mobility and doctoral candidate rules. Applicants must not already hold a PhD at the start date, must not have spent more than 12 months in Italy during the previous 36 months, and must demonstrate strong written and spoken English. A background in Pharmacy, Chemistry, Materials Science, Medical Biotechnology, or related fields is considered advantageous, as is experience with nanoparticle formulation or cancer-related formulations. The position is full-time and temporary, with MSCA funding covering a living allowance, mobility allowance, and potentially a family allowance where applicable. The application deadline is 16 October 2026 at 23:59 (Europe/Rome). Candidates should submit the required PDF application by email and follow the specified subject line instructions. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an online interview.