Doctoral Researcher (MSCA), Generation and optimization of oncolytic viruses for treatment of GBM
About this role
ImmunoViroTherapy Lab at the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, invites applications for the position of a
DOCTORAL RESEARCHER (Generation and optimization of armed oncolytic viruses (e.g. rADV-IL-12 variants) for treatment of GBM, DC 2 in MSCA-DN INTRABRAIN)
for a full-time position funded for three years. Earliest starting date is in September 2026, with the exact starting date negotiable after selection.
Position Description
Prof. Vincenzo Cerullo's lab is seeking a PhD student to validate novel recombinant armed oncolytic virus variants as potential therapeutic agents for glioblastoma (GBM). The selected PhD candidate will obtain degree at the University of Helsinki. The PhD position consists of studies at Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki (UH, Finland) and secondments at consortium partner organisations in Italy, Spain and France. The position is funded by the Doctoral Network (DN) project "INTRABRAIN" of the Horizon-Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA).
The topics of the PhD candidate: The doctoral candidate will focus on developing and validating novel rADV-IL-12 variants as potential therapeutic agents for glioblastoma (GBM). Their work will involve generating recombinant oncolytic adenoviruses, evaluating their efficacy through in vitro and in vivo experiments, and analysing the immune response and antigenic profile of treated tumours. In addition, the candidate will contribute to scaling up the most promising viral constructs from laboratory research to production-ready systems. Through secondments they will gain expertise in intranasal delivery strategies, focused ultrasound technologies for enhancing drug delivery across the blood-brain barrier and nanomaterial integration. The candidate will also address technical challenges related to viral vector design and delivery by applying advanced (bio)nanotechnology-based solutions.
INTRABRAIN Project Description
The INTRABRAIN project is an ambitious and highly innovative research