Doctoral Researcher (MSCA), Assessing the Immunological Response of Oncolytic Virus Nanoplatforms Full-time

Doctoral Researcher (MSCA), Assessing the Immunological Response of Oncolytic Virus Nanoplatforms

ImmunoViroTherapy Lab at the Faculty of Pharmacy invites applications for the position of a Doctoral Researcher (Assessing the Immunogenic Cell Death Response Induced by Oncolytic Virus Nanoplatforms, DC 8 in MSCA-DN INTRABRAIN) for a full-time position funded for three years. Earliest starting date is in November 2026, with the exact starting date negotiable after selection.

Position Description: Prof. Vincenzo Cerullo's lab is seeking a PhD student to investigate the efficacy of nanoplatform encapsulating oncolytic viruses for glioblastoma treatment. The selected PhD candidate will obtain degree at the University of Helsinki. The PhD position consists of studies at Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki (UH, Finland) and secondments at University of Naples Federico II and University of Rome Tor Vergata, Italy. The position is funded by the Doctoral Network (DN) project “INTRABRAIN” of the Horizon-Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA).

The topics of the PhD candidate: investigate the immunogenic cell death (ICD) induced by NanorADV-IL-12, with a particular focus on the release and characterization of nanoparticles and microvesicles (NPs/MVs), including exosomes, extracellular microparticles and apoptotic bodies. Their work will involve analysing tumour cell killing mechanisms and evaluating immune responses in preclinical models. The candidate will collaborate with partner institutions, including University of Naples Federico II and University of Rome Tor Vergata, to study circulating vesicles in plasma, interpret immune-response assay data and gain experience in clinical anticancer therapies. Additionally, they will address technical challenges related to vesicle quantification and immunological monitoring by applying advanced analytical techniques and optimizing experimental protocols.

INTRABRAIN Project Description: The INTRABRAIN project is an ambitious and highly innovative research and training initiative aimed at revolutionising the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) through next-generation cancer immunotherapy. By integrating cutting-edge nanotechnology, virotherapy and immunology, the project focuses on developing novel therapeutic strategies based on polymeric nanoparticles delivering engineered oncolytic adenoviruses encoding the immune-stimulating cytokines. This approach is designed to overcome major clinical challenges such as the blood–brain barrier and tumour-induced immunosuppression, enabling targeted, efficient and less invasive treatment via intranasal delivery. In parallel, INTRABRAIN fosters the training of a new generation of highly skilled doctoral researchers through interdisciplinary, intersectoral and international collaboration, equipping them with advanced scientific and transferable skills. Overall, the project aims not only to advance groundbreaking therapeutic solutions but also to contribute significantly to the future of personalised cancer medicine and biomedical innovation in Europe.

Requirements: To be a doctoral candidate (DC): You must, at the time of recruitment, be in the first four years (full-time equivalent) of your research career and have not been awarded a doctoral degree. Full-time equivalent research experience is measured from the date when you obtained the degree, which formally entitles you to embark on a doctorate, either in the country in which the degree was obtained or in the country in which the research training is provided, irrespective of whether or not a doctorate was envisaged. Mobility rule: At the time of the recruitment, you must not have resided or carried out your main activity (e.g. work and studies) in Finland for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to your recruitment. Short stays, such as holidays, are not taken into account. English language: Network fellows (DCs) must demonstrate that their ability to understand and express themselves in both written and spoken English is sufficiently high for them to derive the full benefit from the network training. Master level in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering, Nanotechnology, Nanomedicine, Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Molecular Biology or related field, ideally with a multidisciplinary background in nanomedicine, pharmacy and immunology. Right to pursue a doctoral degree Please note that the appointee must obtain the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki and approval by a suitable doctoral programme (Doctoral Programme in Drug Research – DPDR) by the end of the standard 6-month probationary period of the employment, unless having already existing study right. The research plan and other application material will be prepared together with the PhD supervisor(s) in the beginning of the employment period.

Salary and Benefits: Salary, pension and terms of employment are in accordance with the requirements from the European Commission related to the MSCA programme. The salary (monthly living allowance) is 3,639.84 € per month before taxes. Additionally, a monthly mobility allowance 546.15 € per month before taxes will be paid. If applicable, a conditional monthly family allowance of 507.69 € per month before taxes is paid. The guaranteed PhD funding is for 36 months (i.e., funding from the European Commission). In addition to their individual scientific projects, all DCs will benefit from further education, including secondments to University of Naples Federico II and University of Rome Tor Vergata, a variety of training modules as well as transferable skills courses and active participation in workshops and conferences. Standard Finnish pension benefits and occupational health care are provided for the University of Helsinki employees.