Training opportunity for Ph.D Candidates in Ageing Research!

The San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy

Organisation/Company: San Raffaele Hospital

Department: The San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy

Research Field: Biological sciences » Biology, Medical sciences » Health sciences, Technology » Biotechnology

Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions, PhD Positions

Country: Italy

Application Deadline: 21 May 2025 - 12:00 (Europe/Rome)

Type of Contract: Permanent

Job Status: Full-time

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - MSCA

Reference Number: UNION Marie Curie Grant Agreement Number 101167421

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Our society is ageing rapidly due to declining birth rates and longer life expectancy. Whilst there is an evident increase in lifespan, the quality of life, especially in terms of health, is fairly poor, particularly in the last 15–20 years. Frailty in old age increases vulnerability to stressors such as falls, surgeries, and infections, highlighting the urgent need to improve the period of healthy living—known as healthspan. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the UNION project will educate 13 early-stage researchers about frailty for healthy ageing. It involves experts from various disciplines and uses cutting-edge technologies applied to clinical settings. The project aims to address the challenges of our ageing society.

Specifically, we are looking for one Ph.D. student to join UNION at the Di Micco's Lab at the San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, Milan, Italy. The project funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions UNION Network will focus on “Interplay between metabolism and chromatin as driver of hematopoietic stem cell aging and age-related immune dysfunctions,” with the goal of uncovering innovative approaches to improve healthspan.

If you’re interested or have questions, please contact Prof. Raffaella Di Micco (dimicco.raffaella@hsr.it) for more information.

Application Requirements:
Please provide by e-mail the following information (in English):

1. Personal details, including your full name, gender, nationality, and contact information.
2. A curriculum vitae, including academic grades from examination periods (bachelor’s and master’s if already available), and referees’ contact details.
3. A motivation letter (up to 2 pages) outlining your research experience, academic accomplishments, and your interest in UNION and the specific research project.

Join us in tackling this intriguing challenge and contribute to shaping a healthier future!

Eligibility Criteria

The recruitment process will adhere to the principles outlined in the European Charter for Researchers. We welcome applications from DCs of any nationality, gender, culture, religion, sexual orientation, or age to undertake a PhD in cancer research, fulfilling the following criteria:

1. Eligible candidates must not have a doctoral degree at the date of their recruitment. Researchers who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but who have not yet formally been awarded the doctoral degree will not be considered eligible.
2. Candidates must not have resided in Italy in the last 12 months. Comply with the mobility rule meaning that eligible candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the recruiting organisation for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their recruitment date (i.e., the starting date indicated in the employment contract/equivalent direct contract).
3. Eligible candidates must have a master’s degree relevant to the chosen position (including biology, medicine, biochemistry, bioinformatics, or a related discipline, depending on each PhD project) or its equivalent that would entitle them to a doctorate one month before the labor contract starts, or must hold an official university qualification from a country of the European Higher Education Area with a minimum of 300 ECTs of official university studies.
4. Successful candidates must have a high level of proficiency in written and spoken English, which will be assessed with the motivation letter and the interview, respectively.

Announcement of Preselection Results and Call for Interviews

The three top candidates per position will be invited to the online interviews. Full details regarding the interview process will be sent to invited candidates during the arrangement of interviews.

Communication of the Results

June/July 2025

Recommended Start of the Fellowship

From August to November 1st 2025

Additional Comments

The selected candidates will be hired full-time and with a fixed-term contract governed by the Italian labor legislation in force at the time of hiring, by the regulations of San Raffaele Hospital (Milan, Italy) and by the rules of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions.

Where to Apply

E-mail: dimicco.raffaella@hsr.it

Requirements

Research Field: Biological sciences » Biology

Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent

Languages: ENGLISH Level Excellent

Additional Information

Work Location(s)

Number of Offers Available: 1

Company/Institute: The San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy

Country: Italy