Marie Sklodowska Curie Actions Doctoral Network ON-TRACT

Recruitment at the University of Southampton · Southampton, South East

Marie Sklodowska Curie Actions Doctoral Network ON-TRACT at Recruitment at the University of Southampton, based in Southampton, South East, paying £40,000 - £50,000 per annum. This is a permanent role.

Salary
£40,000 - £50,000 per annum
Location
Southampton, South East
Contract
Permanent
Posted
3 days ago
Closes
28 Oct 2026
Sector
IT & Software

29% below the typical rate for it & software

Reference 3318426EB-2R

About the role

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 ([email removed]).

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.

Closing Date: 28 Oct 2026

Section: Education, Research & Enterprise

Salary: £40,000 to £50,000 Per Annum, subject to bi-annual review due to exchange rate
Full Time Fixed Term for 36 months

Reference: 3318426EB-2R · Posted 3 days ago · Closes 28 Oct 2026 · Listed via Recruitment at the University of Southampton

Know someone who'd be great for this? Get a shareable card

Apply for this job

This role is listed via Recruitment at the University of Southampton. Applications are handled on the employer's site.

Apply on employer site

Opens the employer's website in a new tab.

Safe applying: a genuine employer will never ask you to pay for a DBS check, training or equipment, or move you onto WhatsApp before you are hired. If this listing does, report it and do not pay anything.

Report this job
Salary £40,000 - £50,000 per annum
Apply now