Marie Sklodowska Curie Actions Doctoral Network PhD Training Position (10 positions)
Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a full-time MSCA DN Doctoral Candidate (1.0 FTE) to pursue a PhD at the Institute of Organic Synthesis and Photoreactivity and University of Bologna, Italy.
Start date: June 2024.
Applications clonsing date: February 29TH 2024
The position is available immediately for 36 months.
https://www.universityofgalway.ie/cancercentre/research/no-cancer-net/
NO-CANCER-NET
NO-CANCER-NET: Advanced Engineering of Nitric Oxide Based Therapeutics for Triple Negative Breast Cancer Training Network. The position will help the PI to manage this award as project lead. The postholder will pursue a PhD under the supervision of Dr. Greta Varchi and co-supervisor Dr. Claudia Ferroni.
Project Description
> Required applicant profile: BSC and/or MSc in Chemistry/Industrial Chemistry (organic)/Pharmaceutical Chemistry/Medicinal Chemistry
Project Objectives:
- Use of light or ultrasounds to selectively induce the generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen oxygen species such as singlet oxygen (1O2) and nitric oxide (NO) represents a fascinating and powerful mean to spatiotemporally control the release of photo- toxic species.
- Design and develop novel molecular conjugates combining near infrared light activatable NO donors and properly selected photosensitizers to induce the concomitant formation of high local concentration of NO and ROS.
- Design and develop innovative molecular conjugates made of a LNOD unit connected through a TME- responsive linker with a cytotoxic drug to assess the effect of this combination on tumour cells growth
Secondment(s):
- The applicant will undertake three secondments including secondment 1 at Innovamol Consulting, for performing data analysis and molecular modelling (approx. 1 month);
- secondment 2 at the University of Udine under the supervision of Professor Rapozzi, for performing in vitro assays on novel conjugates (approx. 3 months);
- secondment 3 at the University of Galway under the supervision of Professor Glynn for performing in vitro assays on 3D cells cultures models (approx. 3 months).
Duties and Responsibilities:
>Performing research into the role of NO donors in triple negative breast cancer
>Attending and participating in consortium meetings and training activities
>Reporting of project milestones and deliverables in accordance with EU deadlines
Qualifications/Skills required:
>Master in chemistry/industrial chemistry (organic)/Pharmaceutical Chemistry/Medicinal Chemistry
> Excellent communication, organisational and interpersonal skills
> Excellent report writing, presentations and IT skills.
> Flexibility and ability to work in a team environment.
> Hands-on experimental and analytical skills
> Excellent skills in data interpretation
Qualifications: Desirable
> Any relevant working experience in laboratory research or a data management-related role will also be considered.
> If English is not the first language, an English language qualification (IELTS, Cambridge C1 Advanced, Cambridge C2 Advanced, TOEFL, iBT/TOEFL iBT Home Edition, Pearson PTE and Duilingo).
MSCA DN Eligibility criteria
To apply for this PhD position, the applicant should fulfil the following conditions:
> Have at the date of recruitment indicated in the project description specific to the beneficiary to which you are applying.
> Trans-national mobility (applicants at the date of recruitment should not have resided in the country where the research training takes place for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to recruitment, and not have carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in that country. For refugees under the Geneva Convention (1951 Refugee Convention and the 1967 Protocol), the refugee procedure (i.e. before refugee status is conferred) will not be counted as
> Be able to communicate fluently in English (speaking and writing).Oral interview with the prospective advisor may be required.
*For information on moving to Ireland please see
HOW TO APPLY:
Applications are to include
(1) a letter of motivation describing why you wish to apply to NO-CANCER-NET and your specific project of choice;
(2) an up to date CV;
(3) the contact details of three referees should be submitted via Google Application form
https://forms.gle/x2qQrv1p7Bb7PKWU6.
Please be aware that your application may be shared amongst the beneficiaries.
CLOSING DATE for receipt of applications is 5.00 PM on FEBRUARY 29TH 2024