Open Call for 1 PhD Position at Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele in the frame of the MSCA Doctoral Network

22 Jan 2026
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele

Research Field

Biological sciences » Biological engineering
Medical sciences » Other

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Positions

PhD Positions

Application Deadline

28 Feb 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Rome)

Country

Italy

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Offer Starting Date

1 Nov 2026

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Horizon Europe - MSCA

Marie Curie Grant Agreement Number

101226660

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Multiple sclerosis (MS), is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS), characterized by demyelination and neuronal loss, along with immune cell brain infiltration and inflammation. While the contribution of autoreactive T cell immunity targeting CNS protein antigens to MS immunopathology is well recognized, the precise immune-mediated mechanisms are still not fully understood. The project will involve the optimization of an experimental workflow, combining in vitro screenings, ex vivo tetramers staining, single-cell RNA sequencing and T cell receptor sequencing, to detect and characterize unconventional T cell responses reactive to self-lipid antigens and restricted to CD1 molecules in human
biological samples (i.e., blood and cerebrospinal fluid) from MS patients and controls. The overarching goal of this project is to define signatures that may help stratify MS patients and healthy conditions and, given the monomorphic nature of CD1 molecules, potentially lead to a universal treatment. 

This position is a part of the TRANSCEND doctoral network, which comprises thirteen PhD projects (https://biomed.au.dk/TRANSCEND-network/ ). TRANSCEND is designed to develop a transdisciplinary approach to translational research on autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and MS, challenging traditional reductionist methods by integrating philosophical assessments with innovative experimental designs across basic, preclinical, and clinical studies. The candidate will collaborate closely with other Doctoral Candidates, benefiting from extensive training and networking opportunities throughout Europe.

Host Laboratory: The candidate be part of the group lead by Prof. Latorre, head of the Neuro-Immune Interactions Unit at San Raffaele Institute in Milan and Associate Professor of Applied Biology at UniSR. The group research focuses on the study of autoreactive immune responses in immune-mediated neurological disorders, encompassing both inflammatory peripheral neuropathies and diseases of the central nervous system. The laboratory has access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure, including facilities for handling primary human cells, advanced flow cytometry platforms, and microscopy facilities equipped with cutting-edge imaging technologies.

Secondments: The project offers exciting opportunities for visiting research opportunities, allowing the candidate to gain experience across different institutions, countries, and disciplines. Specifically, this project is carried out in strong collaboration with the following groups, and visits to their laboratories are expected during the project. A willingness to travel and spend time abroad is therefore essential.
- Prof. Klaus Eyer, Aarhus University, Denmark
- Prof. Victor Greiff, University of Oslo, Norway

Where to apply

E-mail

ceraolo.mariagrazia@hsr.it

Requirements

Research Field

Biological sciences » Biological engineering

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field

Biological sciences » Biology

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

Eligibility Conditions
• Master’s degree in Biology, Biotechnology or related field.
• Applicants must not already have a doctoral degree at the date of their recruitment.
• Mobility rule: Candidates must not have resided in Italy in the last 12 months. Comply with the mobility rule meaning that eligible candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the recruiting organisation for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their recruitment date (i.e. the starting date indicated in the employment contract/equivalent direct contract).

Required Skills
• Prior experience (e.g. through Master thesis work or research internships) in standard cellular and molecular biology techniques, including cell culture and multicolor flow cytometry. Experience in T cell immunology, in vitro T cell culture, and functional T cell assays will be a strong advantage.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English as well as good communication skills is required, which will be assessed with the motivation letter and the interview.

Specific Requirements

How to apply

Required documents:
• Motivation letter (up to 2 pages) outlining research experience, academic achievements, and interest in TRANSCEND and the specific research project

• Curriculum vitae et studiorum, including Personal details (full name, gender, nationality, and contact information), academic grades (Bachelor’s and Master’s, if available) and any publications or certificates

• Contact details of up to two academic references

All documents must be merged into a single PDF file, in the order listed above.
A limited number of applicants will be invited for an interview and will be required to provide contact. Full details regarding the interview process will be sent to invited candidates during the arrangement of interviews.

Additional Information
Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele

Country

Italy

Geofield

Contact

City

Milano

Website

https://research.hsr.it/en/institutes/institute-of-experimental-neurology/units/neuro-immune-interactions.html

E-Mail

ceraolo.mariagrazia@hsr.it
latorre.daniela@hsr.it

STATUS: EXPIRED

• X (formerly Twitter)
• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Whatsapp
• 
  More share options
  • E-mail
  • Pocket
  • Viadeo
  • Gmail
  • Weibo
  • Blogger
  • Qzone
  • YahooMail