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- Tasks: Develop novel oligonucleotide analogues for medicinal applications and conduct independent research.
- Company: Join a prestigious Horizon Europe MSCA Doctoral Network coordinated by the University of Udine.
- Benefits: Fully funded studentship covering UK fees, generous salary, consumables, and travel budget.
- Why this job: Gain world-class interdisciplinary training and make a real impact in biotechnology.
- Qualifications: UK 2:1 honours degree or Masters in Chemistry or Chemical Biology; strong organic chemistry background preferred.
- Other info: Collaborate with leading universities and companies across Europe for excellent career growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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.
Skills and Development
INT2ACT emphasizes both technological innovation and researcher development. Doctoral candidates will gain transferable skills in communication, data management, project organisation, collaboration, entrepreneurship, research ethics, and intersectoral exposure to real‑world challenges.
Qualifications
- 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 have 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.
Marie Sklodowska Curie Doctoral Network Fellow INT2ACT in Southampton employer: University of Southampton
Contact Detail:
University of Southampton Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Marie Sklodowska Curie Doctoral Network Fellow INT2ACT in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or past doctoral candidates in the INT2ACT network. They can give you insider tips and maybe even put in a good word for you. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the programme!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the latest research in oligonucleotide technologies. Being able to discuss recent advancements will impress the panel and show that you're not just passionate but also knowledgeable.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a strong online presence. Update your LinkedIn profile with relevant projects and skills. Engage with posts related to your field; it’s a great way to get noticed by potential supervisors.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Marie Sklodowska Curie Doctoral Network Fellow INT2ACT in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the field shine through! We want to see why you're excited about developing novel oligonucleotide analogues and how this aligns with your career goals.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight relevant experience in organic chemistry and any related projects. We love seeing how your background fits into the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us your story. Explain why you’re the perfect fit for the INT2ACT project and how you can contribute to our interdisciplinary team. Keep it engaging and personal!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your materials and can review them properly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Southampton
✨Know Your Chemistry
Brush up on your organic chemistry knowledge, especially regarding oligonucleotide analogues. Be prepared to discuss recent advancements in the field and how they relate to the project. This shows your genuine interest and expertise.
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
Prepare to talk about any previous research projects you've been involved in. Highlight your ability to define research questions and conduct independent studies. Use specific examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and creativity.
✨Emphasise Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Since this role involves working with various partners, be ready to discuss your experience in teamwork and collaboration. Share examples of how you've successfully worked in interdisciplinary teams and what you learned from those experiences.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the INT2ACT network and the specific project you'll be working on. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the position aligns with your career goals. Think about aspects like training opportunities and potential challenges in the research.
