Marie Sklodowska Curie Doctoral Network Fellow INT2ACT in Southampton

We have an exciting opportunity for you to join us and study for your PhD, developing novel oligonucleotide (ON) analogues for medicinal applications. We are seeking an outstanding Doctoral Candidate (DC) for a fully funded studentship as part of the prestigious Horizon Europe MSCA Doctoral Network “Innovative Nucleic Acids Technologies for Analysis, Detection and Treatment INT2ACT”, coordinated by the University of Udine (Italy). The studentship covers UK fees and provides a generous salary, consumables, and travel budget. INT2ACT unites leading universities, hospitals, SMEs, and pharmaceutical companies across Europe.

As a doctoral candidate, you will receive world‑class interdisciplinary training, including academic, industry, and hospital placements, plus courses in cutting‑edge science and transferable skills. Based in the School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, you will research the design and evaluation of novel ON systems. Dynamic combinatorial chemistry is emerging as a valuable tool in drug discovery, where suitable precursors are selected and amplified from a pool of interchanging molecules. This unique system will be extended to oligonucleotides, where you will develop the chemistries necessary to create dynamic combinatorial libraries of oligonucleotides (DCL ONs) which will respond to suitable templating. The project will include high level organic chemistry for the synthesis of tailored nucleoside analogues and development of analytical tools to study the system’s behaviour. Applications in sequencing, sensing and aptamer formation (targeting) will be pursued, leading to entirely novel systems for biotechnology.

Responsibilities

• Define research questions, conduct independent research, collaborate with INT2ACT partners (including extended study periods abroad), engage in training, and disseminate results in high‑impact venues.
• Work as part of an interdisciplinary team and develop a wide‑ranging skill set.

Entry requirements

• You must have a UK 2:1 honours degree or Masters, or its international equivalent in one of the following or related disciplines: Chemistry or Chemical Biology.
• A strong background in organic chemistry is strongly preferred.
• You must fulfil the following Marie Skłodowska‑Curie Doctoral Network criteria: you must not yet been awarded a doctoral degree and be eligible to enrol in a PhD programme.
• Mobility rule: At the time of recruitment (i.e. first date of employment), you must not have resided or carried out your main activity (work, studies, etc…) in the UK for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to recruitment under this project. Compulsory national service and/or short stays such as holidays are not taken into account.
• You should be able to start the job by May 2026 or soon thereafter.

In order to be considered for this post, please also complete the postgraduate application process at: Dynamic combinatorial oligonucleotides libraries | University of Southampton.

Fees and funding

The funding for this PhD studentships is offered as part of the ON‑TRACT network coordinated by Southampton; further information can be obtained from Dr Eugen Stulz (est@soton.ac.uk). Due to restrictions in international tuition fees, the projects are only available to candidates from the EU/EEA or certain associated countries.

Apply by uploading your CV and a cover letter detailing how your skills and experience match the requirements of the role. £40,000 to £50,000 per annum, subject to bi‑annual review due to exchange rate.