Molecular approach for mRNA profiling of antisense ONs in Huntington disease and cancer cellular models

Project description

The Department of Medicine of the University of Udine is seeking to recruit an Early Stage Research (ESR) Fellow as part of the H2020 MSCA Innovative Training Network “Oligonucleotides for Medical Applications -OLIGOMED”. The successful candidate will join an international cohort of 15 ESR PhD student fellows researching key topics in the use of synthetic oligonucleotides (ONs) for medical applications leading to submission of their PhD thesis after 3 years. A successful thesis will receive the PhD degree in Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences from the University of Udine.

The use of synthetic oligonucleotides (ONs) in the treatment of genetic diseases is a rapidly growing field, and the most promising alternative to gene therapy using small molecules. This multicentre project is structured in four research work packages (WPs). WP1: Design and synthesis of ONs; WP2: Regulation of mRNA expression; WP3: ONs and non-canonical DNA structures in regulation of gene expression; WP4: Delivery of ONs.

The aim of this ESR PhD project will be mainly focused on the characterization of the biological effects of ONs using different cellular models. In particular, we plan to evaluate how antisense oligonucleotides affect gene expression by performing gene array and pathway analysis. During secondments in partner organizations the students will validate the pathways activated in response to ONs treatment and extend his/her knowledge on gene ontology analysis.

Host laboratory

Research activities in the group of Dr. Vascotto are focused on the study of DNA repair mechanisms, mitochondrial RNA degradation processes, and the role of mitochondria in tumour progression and resistance. The laboratory has full access to laboratories for handling mammalian cell cultures and primary human cells under normal and hypoxic conditions; flow cytometry facility; microscopy facility equipped with state of the art microscopes for confocal and nanoscope analyses, and in vivo fluorescence microscopy; instruments for monitoring cell parameters (e.g. viability, apoptosis, mitochondrial respiration, and more).

Secondments

This project is carried out in strong collaboration with the following groups, and visits to their laboratories is expected during the project. A willingness to travel and spend time abroad is therefore essential:

·     Dr. Ling Peng, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Marseille, France;

·     Dr. Krzysztof Kucharczyk, BioVectis, Wasrsaw, Poland.

Eligibility conditions

·     Early-Stage Researchers must, at the time of recruitment, hold a Master’s degree and be in the first four years (full-time equivalent research experience) of their research careers and have not yet been awarded a doctoral degree.

·     The Master’s degree must be in Biology, Biotechnology or related field.

·     At the time of recruitment researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc) in Italy for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the reference date.

Required Skills

·        Research experience (e.g. through Master thesis work or research internships) in cellular and molecular biology techniques are required. Basic knowledge in bioinformatics are welcome.

·        Proficiency in the English language is required, as well as good communication skills, both oral and written. Successful candidates will need to provide an English test (e.g. IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge English). You may be exempt if you are a national of a majority native-English speaking country, or have qualifications / degree that has been taught and assessed in English. The supervisor can also confirm that a candidate has the required level of English.

Benefits

·     A thorough scientific education in the frame of a doctoral training program.

·     The possibility to participate in specific international courses, workshops and conferences.

·     A strong involvement in a European research project with high international visibility.

·     The possibility to perform research visits to internationally renowned research labs in Europe.

·     A prestigious three-year MSCA Fellowship.

·     A competitive salary including mobility and family allowances.

Enquire

For general information about Oligomed project visit the web page (www.oligomed.soton.ac.uk).

For additional information on this project please contact Dr. Carlo Vascotto ([Email Address Removed])

How to apply

To complete your application, send an email to [Email Address Removed] with the following documents in a single PDF file:

1.   Your statement of interest (limit of 2,500 characters) explaining why you wish to be considered for the fellowship and which qualities and experience you will bring to the role.

2. Curriculum vitae et studiorum.

3.   A certificate of University examinations taken (with marks).

4.   A final degree certificate translated in English. If, at the time of application, candidates should not be yet in possession of a degree certificate, they can submit it at the time of the examination.

5.   Up to two recommendation letters.

Application deadline

The closing date for application is 15 April 2021 or until the position will be filled.