Fully Funded PhD Opportunities in Advanced Gene and Cell Therapy – MSCA COFUND RAREFIND

Fondazione Telethon ETS; Italia; On-site; EUR 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

EURAXESS relocation assistance

On-site childcare

Career development & Seminars

Welcome Kit

Job summary

Fondazione Telethon ETS invites applicants for First Stage Researcher (R1) PhD positions in Italy. The funded roles concentrate on experimental research in gene editing and gene therapy, addressing therapeutic applications for inherited retinal diseases, enzymatic deficiency disorders, lysosomal storage disorders, and cancer.

Trainees will benefit from state-of-the-art facilities across the Fondazione Telethon institutes, with mobility opportunities under MSCA rules, and a gross annual base

Qualifications

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in life sciences, medicine, pharmacy, chemistry, or related disciplines.
• Not yet holding or having defended a doctoral degree.
• Comply with the MSCA mobility rule: applicants must not have lived or carried out their main activities in Italy for more than 12 months in the 36 months preceding the call deadline.
• Demonstrate strong proficiency in English, both spoken and written.

Skills

English proficiency

Education

Master’s degree (or equivalent)

Job description

Organisation/Company Fondazione Telethon ETS Research Field Biological sciences Chemistry Medical sciences Pharmacological sciences Other Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 31 Dec 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Rome) Country Italy Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 1 Nov 2027 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe – COFUND Marie Curie Grant Agreement Number 101217387 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

The fully funded positions focus on experimental research in gene editing and gene therapy, addressing therapeutic applications for inherited retinal diseases, enzymatic deficiency disorders, lysosomal storage disorders, and cancer. Fellows will also engage with cutting-edge approaches, including genome and epigenome editing, miRNA-based therapeutics, vector engineering, and immuno-oncology. Trainees will benefit from a highly collaborative environment and state-of-the-art facilities across the Fondazione Telethon institutes.

• Hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent)in life sciences, medicine, pharmacy, chemistry, or related disciplines.
• Not already hold (or have defended) a doctoral degree.
• Comply with the MSCA mobility rule: applicants must not have lived or carried out their main activities (work, studies) in Italy for more than 12 months in the 36 monthsimmediately before the call deadline.
• Demonstrate strong proficiency in English, both spoken and written.

Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent

Additional Information

• Employment & salary:The gross annual base salary amounts to €32,840, plus any applicable family allowances, in accordance with the rules of the MSCA programme. The amount indicated is gross and is subject to the tax and social security deductions provided for under Italian law.

Tax relief and incentives under Article 44 of Decree Law No. 78/2010 ("Return of Researchers" scheme): Candidates who meet the eligibility requirements may benefit from a reduction of up to 90% of taxable income, resulting in significantly lower tax deductions and a substantial increase in net salary.

• Leave & social security:Paid sick leave, maternity/paternity/parental leave, and comprehensive social coverage.
• Facilities & services:Access to state-of-the-art labs at TIGEM and SR-TIGET, strong admin and PMT support, EURAXESS migration/relocation assistance (visas, permits), induction materials (e.g., Welcome Kit), and on-site childcare options.
• Training & career development (credit-bearing):Structured curriculum (ECTS), summer school, conference on research integrity, workshop on translation/regulation, weekly seminars and data clubs, plus Career Development Plan and mentoring.
• Intersectoral & international exposure:Planned secondments between TIGEM and SR-TIGET across basic, translational, and clinical environments; interactions with connected biotech companies.

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available 5 Company/Institute TIGEM - Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine Country Italy City Pozzuoli (Na) Postal Code 80078 Street Via Campi Flegrei, 34 Geofield

Number of offers available 5 Company/Institute SR-Tiget - San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy Country Italy City Milano Postal Code 20132 Street Via Olgettina, 60 Geofield