Doctoral Researcher (MSCA), Assessing the Immunological Response of Oncolytic Virus Nanoplatforms

ImmunoViroTherapy Lab at the Faculty of Pharmacy, invites applications for the position of a

DOCTORAL RESEARCHER (Assessing the Immunogenic Cell Death Response Induced by Oncolytic Virus Nanoplatforms, DC 8 in MSCA-DN INTRABRAIN)

for a full-time position funded for three years. Earliest starting date is in November 2026, with the exact starting date negotiable after selection.

Position Description

Prof. Vincenzo Cerullo's lab is seeking a PhD student to investigate the efficacy of nanoplatform encapsulating oncolytic viruses for glioblastoma treatment. 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 University of Naples Federico II and University of Rome Tor Vergata, Italy. 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: investigate the immunogenic cell death (ICD) induced by NanorADV-IL-12, with a particular focus on the release and characterization of nanoparticles and microvesicles (NPs/MVs), including exosomes, extracellular microparticles and apoptotic bodies. Their work will involve analysing tumour cell killing mechanisms and evaluating immune responses in preclinical models. The candidate will collaborate with partner institutions, including University of Naples Federico II and University of Rome Tor Vergata , to study circulating vesicles in plasma, interpret immune-response assay data and gain experience in clinical anticancer therapies. Additionally, they will address technical challenges related to vesicle quantification and immunological monitoring by applying advanced analytical techniques and optimizing experimental protocols.

INTRABRAIN Project Description

The INTRABRAIN project is an ambitious and highly innovative research and training initiative aimed at revolutionising the treatment o