RAREFIND: MSCA-COFUND PhD Programme in Advanced Gene & Cell Therapy (Italy)

Oct 01, 2025
RAREFIND: MSCA-COFUND PhD Programme in Advanced Gene & Cell Therapy (Italy)

A new and exciting opportunity is now open: Fondazione Telethon invites all interested candidates to apply for 11 Marie Skłodowska-Curie (MSCA COFUND) Doctoral Candidate positions within RAREFIND, a doctoral training programme hosted at the Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM) in Pozzuoli (Naples) and the San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget) in Milan, in partnership with Scuola Universitaria Superiore IUSS Pavia. The programme trains the next generation of scientists in advanced gene and cell therapies, combining cutting-edge research with a structured curriculum in scientific and transferable skills.

Research & Training

Positions are full-time and focus on experimental research in gene editing, gene therapy technologies, immunology, in vivo disease models, next-generation sequencing (NGS), proteomics/spatial omics, and translational/clinical applications. Fellows train in a highly collaborative environment with access to state-of-the-art facilities across Fondazione Telethon institutes.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

  • Hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in life sciences, medicine, pharmacy, chemistry, or related fields.
  • Not already hold (or have defended) a doctoral degree.
  • Comply with the MSCA mobility rule (no residence or main activity in Italy for more than 12 months in the 36 months before the call deadline).
  • Demonstrate strong proficiency in English (spoken and written).

How and where to Apply

Applications must be submitted online via the RAREFIND website (section “Apply”): www.rarefind-cofund.eu. Required documents (in English):

  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Motivation Letter
  • Abstract of Master’s Thesis
  • Two Recommendation Letters

Employment & Benefits

  • Contract: Full employment under Italian law with comprehensive social protections; duration aligned with a three-year PhD.
  • Salary: €3,300/month gross (€2,800 living + €500 mobility) plus €100/month family allowance where applicable (subject to national deductions).
  • Leave & Welfare: Paid sick leave; maternity/paternity/parental leave.
  • Facilities & Support: Access to cutting-edge labs at TIGEM and SR-Tiget; administrative and project-management support; EURAXESS assistance for migration/relocation; induction materials (e.g., TIGEM Welcome Kit); on-site childcare where available.
  • Training & Career Development (credit-bearing): Structured curriculum (ECTS), summer school, research-integrity conference, translation/regulatory workshop, weekly seminars & data clubs, Career Development Plan and mentoring.
  • Intersectoral & International Exposure: Planned secondments between TIGEM and SR-Tiget across basic, translational, and clinical environments; interactions with partner biotech companies.

Deadline

December 31, 2025. Early applications are encouraged.

RAREFIND offers a unique pathway to develop as an independent, impact-driven scientist in gene and cell therapy. Interested candidates are encouraged to review the full programme details and apply via the official website.