Doctoral Researcher (MSCA), Generation and optimization of oncolytic viruses for treatment of GBM Full-time

Doctoral Researcher (MSCA), Generation and Optimization of Oncolytic Viruses for Treatment of GBM

ImmunoViroTherapy Lab at the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, invites applications for the position of a doctoral researcher (Generation and optimization of armed oncolytic viruses (e.g. rADV-IL-12 variants) for treatment of GBM, DC 2 in MSCA-DN INTRABRAIN) for a full-time position funded for three years. Earliest starting date is in September 2026, with the exact starting date negotiable after selection.

Position Description: Prof. Vincenzo Cerullo's lab is seeking a PhD student to validate novel recombinant armed oncolytic virus variants as potential therapeutic agents for glioblastoma (GBM). 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 consortium partner organizations in Italy, Spain and France. 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: The doctoral candidate will focus on developing and validating novel rADV-IL-12 variants as potential therapeutic agents for glioblastoma (GBM). Their work will involve generating recombinant oncolytic adenoviruses, evaluating their efficacy through in vitro and in vivo experiments, and analyzing the immune response and antigenic profile of treated tumors. In addition, the candidate will contribute to scaling up the most promising viral constructs from laboratory research to production-ready systems. Through secondments they will gain expertise in intranasal delivery strategies, focused ultrasound technologies for enhancing drug delivery across the blood–brain barrier and nanomaterial integration. The candidate will also address technical challenges related to viral vector design and delivery by applying advanced (bio)nanotechnology-based solutions.

INTRABRAIN Project Description: The INTRABRAIN project is an ambitious and highly innovative research and training initiative aimed at revolutionizing 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 tumor-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 personalized 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, molecular biology, biomedical engineering, nanomedicine, pharmacy, pharmaceutical chemistry and technology, or related field, ideally with a multidisciplinary background in molecular biology, immunology and microbiology.

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 are 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 Technion Research and Development Foundation Ltd., Image Guided Therapy and CIC biomaGUNE, 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 University of Helsinki employees.