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Organisation/Company Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz Research Field Chemistry » Biochemistry Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Country Germany Application Deadline 15 Feb 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Berlin) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 39 Offer Starting Date 1 Sep 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - MSCA Marie Curie Grant Agreement Number 101226733 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

MSCA and EURECA:

Are you a highly motivated early-stage researcher with a passion for molecular biology, RNA, and cancer research? Do you aspire to work in a dynamic, international, and interdisciplinary research environment?

EURECA – The European Epitranscriptomics of Cancer Academy invites applications for 14 doctoral positions across Europe, offering a unique opportunity to be part of a cutting-edge training network in cancer epitranscriptomics, the study of RNA modifications and their impact on cancer initiation, progression, and treatment.

EURECA is an innovative and interdisciplinary Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network (MSCA-DN) funded by the European Union. Coordinated by Erasmus University Medical Center (Rotterdam, The Netherlands), the network brings together 21 academic, clinical, and industrial partners from across Europe. Each doctoral candidate will undertake a cutting-edge research project, receive structured training, and benefit from international mobility through secondments at partner institutions to acquire the skills, knowledge, and entrepreneurial mindset needed to drive breakthroughs in cancer biology and contribute to the development of novel diagnostic tools and therapeutics. For more information visit us at eureca-dn.com

PhD Project tile: Modulation of RNA modification in cancer by synthetic mRNA

PhD project is integrated into the EURECA consortium. The overarching objective of EURECA – The European Epitranscriptomics of Cancer Academy – is to train young doctoral candidates at the frontiers of basic and translational research by exploiting the cancer epitranscriptome to answer unmet clinical needs in cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutics and to drive change through knowledge and research. Epitranscriptomics studies RNA modifications (epitranscriptomic marks) and their function in regulation of gene expression. Many different RNA modifications exist. Yet, true dimensions of the epitranscriptome were unveiled only in the last decade. RNA modifications affect stability, function, subcellular localization and immunogenicity of RNA to modulate essential cell programs like proliferation, differentiation and stress response. Pathological changes in the epitranscriptome are seen as a new cancer hallmark: an independent mode of genetic reprogramming shaping cancer’s cell fate. We foresee the epitranscriptome as a fundamental layer of gene regulation amenable to the clinic as a valuable tool in cancer diagnosis, prognosis and therapy.

The PhD student will develop mRNAs that augment the levels of certain RNA modification enzymes to study gain‑of‑function effects. Using immune‑silent modifications, formulations that do not trigger innate immunity will be developed, since immune reactions are particularly important when studying cancer. These tools will allow spatio‑temporal determination, if an increase of a given type of RNA modification is directly linked to over‑expression of a specific modification enzyme. This will also delineate the borders of modification signatures of specific cancer cell lines. The project is planned with three internships of two months each in academic labs in Paris and Brussels, and in an enterprise in Vienna.

E‑mail: cornelju@uni-mainz.de

Research Field Chemistry » Biochemistry Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

• Master Degree in life sciences, biomedical sciences, molecular biology, bioinformatics, or related fields.
• Experience in at least one of the following areas: cell and/or molecular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, bioinformatics.
• Demonstrated interest in cancer research and RNA biology.
• Demonstrated academic excellence is a prerequisite.
• Practical experience in laboratory environment is a plus (optional for bioinformatics).
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office, statistics, graphical data presentation.
• Excellent organisation, communication skills and a collaborative mindset.
• Willing to travel for short or longer periods.
• Flexible and co‑operative with a well‑structured and autonomous working style.
• Fluency in written and spoken English is a must.

• Research field: RNA synthesis, processing, modification and degradation.
• Education level: European Master Degree or equivalent.

The employment contract will follow the conditions and salary adapted to the life cost in each host country, set by the Horizon Europe Work Programme 2023‑2025, MSCA.

The monthly gross salary will comprise a gross living allowance (€4058.12/month) minus all compulsory deductions under national legislation such as employer and employee social security contributions and direct taxes, a mobility allowance (€710/month) and, if applicable, a family allowance (€660/month).

Additional allowances and benefits are subject to applicable national regulations.

• You must hold a Master of Science degree (MSc) or equivalent at the date of recruitment.
• You must not hold a doctoral degree at the date of recruitment. Researchers who have defended their doctoral thesis but have not yet formally been awarded the doctoral degree will not be considered eligible.

3 steps selection process including:

• A pre‑selection based on eligibility and written application.
• First interview with a small panel from host institution.
• Second interview with a larger panel.

Send a CV, motivation letter and the contact information of two references to cornelju@uni-mainz.de. IMPORTANT: label your application with “application to EURECA” in the subject line.

Candidates can be of any nationality. Candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Germany for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their recruitment date. Compulsory national service, short stays such as holidays and time spent by the researcher as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention are not taken into account.

Recruitment will be carefully executed and monitored in accordance with the principles of the European Charter for Researchers, the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers and in the MSCA DN mobility rules as specified in the Horizon Europe Work Programme 2023‑2025. EURECA aims for a representative gender balance amongst the researchers to be recruited, based on an equal opportunity policy during the recruitment phase.

Number of offers available 1. Company/Institute: Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Science, Country Germany, State/Province Rheinland-Pfalz, City Mainz, Postal Code 55128, Street Staudingerweg 5.