PhD in Nanoengineering of Oncolytic Viruses for Glioblastoma Treatment
Published: 23/04/2026
Deadline: 28/05/2026
Envisaged Job Starting Date:

September 2026

INTRABRAIN is a European Doctoral Training Network aimed at developing the next generation of low-cost and fast, personalised cancer immunotherapies. Within INTRABRAIN, Doctoral Candidates (DCs) will receive comprehensive, multidisciplinary training in nanomedicine and advanced delivery systems, with a focus on improving the therapeutic performance of biologics such as oncolytic viruses. As part of the INTRABRAIN network, CIC biomaGUNE will host one Doctoral Candidate to work on the development of nanomaterial-based platforms for virus encapsulation and delivery. The position will be supervised by Sergio Moya, with Paolo di Gianvincenzo as co-supervisor and Allegra Conti (University of Tor Vergata) acting as mentor. The project offers the opportunity to engage in high-level research at the interface of nanotechnology and virotherapy, while benefiting from tailored training, international secondments, and collaboration with academic and non-academic partners across the consortium.

Project Funding:

INTRABRAIN is a European Doctoral Training Network aimed at developing more effective cancer immunotherapies using polymeric nanoparticles (NPs), self-assembled nanoplatforms and modified oncolytic adenoviruses (ADVs).

Detailed description of the position for Doctoral candidate 3 (DC3):

Project Title: Encapsulation of virus in liposomes and complexation with chitosan

Project: The candidate will focus on the development of nanomaterial-based platforms for the encapsulation of oncolytic viruses (OVs), with the aim of improving their stability, evasion of immune clearance, and transfection efficiency. More specifically, the candidatewill focus on the encapsulation of oncovirus with polymer and lipid coatings to protect them against clearance after administration and enhance nasal delivery to target glioblastoma tumors. The DR will acquire self assembly and advance physico chemical characterization tools and will extensively collaborate with immunology and imaging experts. The candidate will contribute to advancing delivery strategies for viral therapies by enhancing their in vivo performance and enabling detailed tracking of their biological fate.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Design and engineering of nanomaterial platforms for virus encapsulation to prevent rapid body clearance
  • Encapsulation of individual oncolytic viruses within liposomes using microfluidic techniques
  • Evaluation of nanoparticle stability and controlled virus release under physiological conditions and in cellular models
  • Assessment of the biological fate and delivery performance of encapsulated viral systems
  • Analysis and interpretation of experimental data across in vitro and in vivo studies

The project envisages two secondments: (1) University of Helsinki (FI), under the direct supervision of Vincenzo Cerullo (Year 1, 3 months), focused on training in virus design; and (2) the University of Tor Vergata in Rome (IT), under the supervision of Allegra Conti (Year 3, 3 months), dedicated to training in in vivo transfection studies. These secondments will provide complementary expertise and hands-on experience, strengthening the candidate’s multidisciplinary skill set and enhancing the overall impact of the project.

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The application must contain the following documents as a single pdf, all provided in English (you can request more documents if needed but these are mandatory to all):

  • Filled INTRABRAIN DC application form (download here)
  • Curriculum Vitae (max 2 pages)
  • Cover letter (max 1 page): Indicate your motivation to apply for these specific DC position and your skills that are specifically adapted to the chosen topic, providing support evidence to your arguments.
  • Certificate of Master’s Degree (or equivalent) with transcript of records.
  • Proof of English proficiency, if any
  • Contact details of 2 previous supervisors or employers who can give recommendation letters
  • List of publications, if applicable.
  • Manuscript of listed publication, if applicable.
  • Work/research experience certificates, if applicable.

All official certificates should be provided in their original European language or associated official English translation for non-European documents. If you are applying for a country different from your native country, an English supplement of the certificates with transcripts should also be provided.

Required Education Level:

Master degree in Chemistry or equivalent.

Required Skills/Qualifications:

Required Skills/Qualifications:

  • Master Degree (M.Sc. degree) in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science and strictly related ones.
  • Background in nanotechnology, nanomedicine, or biomaterials science-
  • Good level of English proficiency.
  • Team spirit and pro-active attitude.

Specific Requirements

The selected candidate must meet the following requirements:

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  • Doctoral Candidate requirement: The applicant must not be in possession of a doctoral degree at the first day of the employment. Researchers who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but who have not yet been awarded the doctoral degree are not eligible.
  • Mobility rule: At the time of recruitment by the recruiting beneficiary, researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (e.g., work and studies) in the country of their recruiting beneficiary for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately prior to their recruitment. Compulsory national service, short stays such as holidays, and time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention are not considered.
  • Commit full-time to the research activity, unless authorization is granted by the European Commission for personal or family reasons.
  • Carry out exclusively the research activities related to the specified research program.
  • Refrain from receiving any additional income beyond what is specified in the call.
  • Agree to sign all necessary agreements concerning intellectual property rights.
  • Maintain confidentiality in accordance with the regulations of the European Project.
Duration:

3 year predoctoral contract.

According to the contract regulation, the candidate must be enrolled in a doctoral programme on the date of joining the centre.

Project Funding:

INTRABRAIN - 101227308 - (European Commission - Horizon Europe)

Informal Inquiries:

Informal requests for additional information can be sent to Sergio Moya at smoya@cicbiomagune.es

Applications sent directly to the emails listed above will be NOT be accepted.

Equal opportunities Policy:

CIC biomaGUNE is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to: age, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by European, national, or local law.

Open Transparent and Merit Based Recruitment Policy:

You can check here CIC biomaGUNE OTM-R Policy.

Job Offer is closed, Deadline was 28/05/2026