Doctoral Researcher (MSCA), Generation and tracking of armed rADV with imaging reporter genes Full-time

Doctoral Researcher (MSCA), Generation and Tracking of Armed rADV with Imaging Reporter Genes

ImmunoViroTherapy Lab at the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, invites applications for the position of a doctoral researcher (Generation and tracking of armed rADV with imaging reporter genes, DC 1 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 in engineering and in vivo tracking of armed reporter oncolytic viruses. 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 organisations in Italy and England. 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 engineering advanced recombinant oncolytic adenoviruses (rADVs) for glioblastoma therapy by incorporating therapeutic genes such as IL-12 or IL-2, along with imaging reporter genes to enable real-time tracking of viral activity. Their work will include designing and constructing these viral vectors, as well as validating their infectivity, biodistribution, and imaging performance in preclinical models. Through secondments at University of Naples Federico II, University of Glasgow and University of Rome Tor Vergata, the candidate will gain expertise in glioblastoma imaging in patient-derived models, neurostimulation and advanced imaging technologies such as ultrasound and MRI. Additionally they will address potential limitations in imaging sensitivity by optimizing detection methods and applying complementary histological approaches to ensure accurate evaluation of viral distribution.

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 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 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 Molecular Biology, Synthetic biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering, Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, or related field, ideally with a multidisciplinary background in molecular biology, microbiology and pharmacy.

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, University of Glasgow 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 University of Helsinki employees.