T-RAFIC_ Position as Doctoral Candidate at Humanitas University, Milan, Italy

Biological sciences » Biological engineering

Biological sciences » Biology

Pharmacological sciences » Clinical pharmacology

Medical sciences » Cancer research

Organisation/Company: Humanitas University

Department: Mucosal Immunology and Microbiota Lab

Research Field: Biological sciences » Biological engineering, Biological sciences » Biology, Pharmacological sciences » Clinical pharmacology, Medical sciences » Cancer research

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

Country: Italy

Application Deadline: 30 Apr 2025 - 00:00 (Europe/Brussels)

Type of Contract: Temporary

Job Status: Full-time

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - MSCA Marie Curie Grant Agreement Number 101168810

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

Offer Description

T-RAFIC – Tracking and controlling therapeutic immune cells in cancer is a Doctoral Network of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie program co-funded by the European Union, the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) and the UK Government.

Who we are:

T-RAFIC is a scientific network comprising 13 academic and four industrial partners from nine European countries. Its mission is to train the next generation of experts in the field of cell therapies of cancer.

T-RAFIC starts on March 1st, 2025, and will run for four years. Each Doctoral Candidate (DC) will be employed at a host institution for up to 36 months, working on a dedicated scientific project while preparing a doctorate.

A structured training program will bring together all DC for scientific meetings, skill development workshops, career events and international conferences. Additionally, the DC will undertake several secondments at different institutions within the network to gain specialized knowledge and acquire essential methodologies for their research projects.

Scientific Scope:

Cancer immunotherapies have been established in a growing number of clinical indications and the pace of development is massively accelerating. Currently, over 6,000 clinical trials are investigating immune-related treatments in oncology, especially in combinations. It includes both adoptive cellular therapies and immune-modulating treatments such as immune checkpoint blockade. In contrast, the understanding of how such therapies mediate their mode of action is still mostly poorly understood. In particular, the role of distribution and relocation of immune cells after therapeutic interventions remains unknown. T-RAFIC will enhance understanding of immune cell trafficking under therapeutic influence and open new paths and avenues to treatments, boost their efficacy and help prioritize the plethora of immune therapeutic combinations.

Open position:

Project 10 (DC8): Identifying microbiota-related strategies to improve cancer immunotherapies. In Italy, Milan, at Humanitas University, supervised by Maria Rescigno. Indicative monthly gross salary: 3,911.60€.

Specific requirements for this position: While theoretical knowledge in tumor immunology and microbiology is preferred, it is not a mandatory requirement for this position.

Skills/Qualifications

We seek: Excellent scientists seeking to obtain a doctorate, holding a Master’s degree or equivalent in natural sciences or related disciplines (such as medicine or pharmacy); practical skills in modern laboratory work, preferentially combined with experience in animal experiments are required.

Your profile: doctoral candidates, i.e. not already in possession of a doctoral degree at the date of 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. You cannot have spent more than 12 months within the past 36 months in the country where the position you are applying for is located (mobility rule); you must be proficient in the English language both written and spoken (proof required).

Languages: ENGLISH Level Excellent

Additional Information

We offer: Cutting edge research projects and training with leading experts in the field of cell and immune therapy; employment contract up to three years with the benefits of the EU Marie Skłodowska-Curie program with the possibility of earning a doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent).

Selection process

The same procedure and criteria of selection will apply for all positions.

1. First stage of selection:

• Eligibility check carried out by T-RAFIC management team.
• Assessment of the application forms by the Project Leaders and their team supervising the position.

• Quality of the presentation.