Marie Sklodowska Curie Actions Doctoral Network ON-TRACT
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON, United Kingdom
- Institution
- UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Position type
- PhD
- Subject area
- Chemistry
- Application deadline
- 28 October 2026
- Salary
- £40,000 to £50,000 Per Annum, subject to bi-annual review due to exchange rate
- Hours
- Full Time
- Location
- Southampton, Hampshire, GB
- Funding
- Fully funded position
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About this position
We have an opportunity 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 Horizon Europe MSCA Doctoral Network “OligoNucleotide Technologies for Rapid Advancement of Cancer Therapies ON-TRACT.” The studentship covers UK fees and provides a salary, consumables, and travel budget.
Based in the School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, you will research the design and evaluation of novel ON systems and analogue models to target specific structures of oncogenic mRNAs, avoiding global translation inhibition and testing efficacy in organoid models.
Responsibilities include defining research questions, conducting independent research, collaborating with ON-TRACT partners, engaging in training, and disseminating results in high-impact venues. You will 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 Chemistry. A strong background in organic chemistry is essential.
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: you must not have resided or carried out your main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the UK for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the recruitment date.
You should be able to start the job by 1st January 2027.
Upon appointment the role title will be "MSCA Doctoral Network Research Fellow"
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 Prof. Eugen Stulz (est@soton.ac.uk).
Apply by uploading your CV and a cover letter detailing how your skills and experience match the requirements of the role.
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applicants who support our mission of inclusivity.
Apply directly to UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON
Emerging Scholars Council is not the employer and does not recruit for this position. It is advertised by UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON, and your application goes to them. We help students prepare and strengthen their applications.
Go to the official application page →Applications close 28 October 2026.
Contact listed in the advert
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