Call for application 42nd cycle

Bando ordinario


Educational goals and objectives

IMMUNOLOGY, MOLECULAR MEDICINE AND APPLIED BIOTECHNOLOGY The Ph.D. Course in Immunology, Molecular Medicine and Applied Biotechnology is an innovative interfaculty learning experience in Tor Vergata University in Rome, finalized to foster scientific skills and spread knowledge in basic, translational medicine, and clinical research. The PhD course will further pursue the objective of technology transfer following the idea of an Open Science platform.
The learning objectives are: • To pursue the advancement of knowledge through training in basic and applied research, as well as an excellent profile, under the guidance of a mentor, taking into account the relevant Standards and Guidelines for quality assurance aimed at contributing to the realization of European Higher Education Area (EHEA);
• To contribute with transversal skills, to the pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals identified by the UN General Assembly, to the goals indicated in the UN Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and to their declinations in European policies;
• To carry out a 3 year-long training in an attractive and stimulating institutional environment, in which the Ph.D. student can acquire autonomy and responsibilities, understanding of translational research methodology and career development, useful for the subsequent career path according to European standards;
• To promote interdisciplinary training opportunities, even in non-academic fields, such as the industrial sector, with the involvement of experts in training activities; this purpose is aimed to facilitate career opportunities in the fields of medicine, health science, and biomedical research;
• To contribute to the strengthening of networking in the field of research, also by activating joint Ph.D. programs and forms of co-mentoring, and ensure mobility periods abroad for a suitable duration according to the doctoral project;
• To provide for the acquisition of transversal skills in order to facilitate their portability and development in the scientific and professional fields;
The content of the doctoral studies is outlined in the individual study plan, written together by the Ph.D. student and supervisor. The individual study plan describes the goals of the Ph.D. program and consists of a research and a financial plan. The Ph.D. course program provides for the use of specific and qualified operational and scientific structures for the study and research activities of the Ph.D. students, adequate to the number of scholarships envisaged, and in relation to the specific characteristics of the project. The program disposes for advanced research training activities, including seminars, carried out within laboratories or in collaboration with other Ph.D. programs of our university, and research infrastructures at international level. A European Ph.D. Label is attainable in accordance with European standards, elaborated by the Confederation of European Union Rectors' Conference.

Available Positions and Scholarships

University scholarship4University scholarship reserved to foreign applicants0Department scholarship0
Scholarship funded by private research institution0Scholarship funded by private non-research institution0Scholarship funded by public research institution0
Scholarship funded by public non-research institution0PhD position under national research programs2PhD position under EU research programs1
Foreign independent candidates0Employee of private research institution/organisation under a cooperation agreement1Employee of private non-research institution/organisation under a cooperation agreement0
Employee of public research institution/organisation under a cooperation agreement4Employee of public non-research institution/organisation under a cooperation agreement1PhD under higher education and research apprenticeship contract at a private research institution/organisation0
PhD under higher education and research apprenticeship contract at a private non-research institution/organisation0PhD under higher education and research apprenticeship contract at a public research institution/organisation0PhD under higher education and research apprenticeship contract at a public non-research institution/organisation0
No scholarship2

Research topics


Founded by: Fondo Italiano per la Scienza

Research topic: Adverse-Risk Acute Myeloid Leukemias
Description: In recent decades, outcomes for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) have improved, yet specific subtypes remain a major clinical challenge. This project focuses on three critical groups: high-risk acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) and APL-like forms, extramedullary AML (EM-AML), and FLT3-mutated AML.Complications such as differentiation syndrome (DS) and early death still affect 20% of APL cases. We will launch a nationwide study to collect data from a large cohort, applying single-cell transcriptomics at diagnosis, DS onset, and resolution. Cell migration will be modeled using NB4 and HPMEC-1 lines treated with ATRA/ATO. Morphological changes and expression profiles will be analyzed via confocal microscopy and RNA-seq to define preventive strategies. Single-cell sequencing and the Harmony database will help distinguish risk profiles and investigate rare APL-like forms.For EM-AML, we will explore the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and cross-talk with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The microenvironment and immune dysregulation will be assessed through MSC genomic profiling and T-cell analysis. Finally, to combat relapse in FLT3-mutated AML, we will use single-cell proteo-genomics to clarify clonal hierarchy. Resistance evolution will be monitored via nCounter and ddPCR to identify markers of immune evasion
Scholarship type: DOTTORANDO SU PROGRAMMA DI RICERCA NAZIONALE

CUP : E53C25002420001
Principal Investigator: Maria Teresa Voso
Program: FIS-2024-06156
Project: Clinical and Laboratory Exploration of Adverse-Risk Acute Myeloid Leukemias
Lenght: 36
Amount: € 66224,25
Founded by: UE

Research topic: Applied multi OMIC technologies in the field of pediatric immunization strategies
Description: This PhD program will be focused in multiOMIC analysis to be delivered in the field of pediatric immunology and more specifically in the context of pediatric immunization in both syncytial respiratory virus (RSV) in Pipeline and anti HIV broadly neutralizing Ab in the Enable project. More specifically: Pregnancy and Infant PrEparedness pLatform IN Europe (PIPELINE)- RSV International immunisation will recruit about 1500 pregnant women from across Europe. The study will include three study groups with different prevention options used in each: (1) a vaccine given to the mother in pregnancy, (2) an injection given to the baby at the beginning of RSV season, or (3) both a vaccine given to the mother in pregnancy and an injection given to the baby at around 4 months of age. The impact of vaccination status at the moment of immunization will be investigated with state of the ART biotechnologies. On the other hand the ENABLE project is evaluating whether broadly neutralising antibodies (bnAbs) against HIV could make the virus undetectable in young children living with HIV. Methods have been developed to isolate these antibodies and to manufacture them in large quantities so that they can be used to block infection. The ENABLE project is assessing whether two bnAbs in clinical development (ePGT121v1-LS and VRC07-523-LS), can provide an additional layer of protection against infection in young infants.
Scholarship type: DOTTORANDO SU PROGRAMMA DI RICERCA EUROPEO

CUP : E53C24003640006 - E53C24004570006
Principal Investigator: Paolo Palma
Program: EDCTP: European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership / Horizon 2.1 Health
Project: EARLY NEUTRALIZING ANTIBODIES IN INFANTS LIVING WITH HIV TO ENHANCE THEIRLIFE / Pregnancy and Infant PrEparedness pLatform IN Europe
Grant Agreement: n.a. / 101155852
UpB: n.a. / n.a.
Lenght: 36
Amount: € 66224,25
Founded by: Fondo Italiano per la Scienza

Research topic: Adverse-Risk Acute Myeloid Leukemias
Description: In recent decades, outcomes for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) have improved, yet specific subtypes remain a major clinical challenge. This project focuses on three critical groups: high-risk acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) and APL-like forms, extramedullary AML (EM-AML), and FLT3-mutated AML.Complications such as differentiation syndrome (DS) and early death still affect 20% of APL cases. We will launch a nationwide study to collect data from a large cohort, applying single-cell transcriptomics at diagnosis, DS onset, and resolution. Cell migration will be modeled using NB4 and HPMEC-1 lines treated with ATRA/ATO. Morphological changes and expression profiles will be analyzed via confocal microscopy and RNA-seq to define preventive strategies. Single-cell sequencing and the Harmony database will help distinguish risk profiles and investigate rare APL-like forms.For EM-AML, we will explore the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and cross-talk with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The microenvironment and immune dysregulation will be assessed through MSC genomic profiling and T-cell analysis. Finally, to combat relapse in FLT3-mutated AML, we will use single-cell proteo-genomics to clarify clonal hierarchy. Resistance evolution will be monitored via nCounter and ddPCR to identify markers of immune evasion
Scholarship type: DOTTORANDO SU PROGRAMMA DI RICERCA NAZIONALE

CUP : E53C25002420001
Principal Investigator: Maria Teresa Voso
Program: FIS-2024-06156
Project: Clinical and Laboratory Exploration of Adverse-Risk Acute Myeloid Leukemias
Lenght: 36
Amount: € 66224,25

Self-certification of the academic qualification obtained through Model A:

  • Master’s Degree
  • Single-cycle Degree
  • Specialist Degree
  • Old-system Degree
  • Degree obtained abroad corresponding to EQF Level 7
  • provided that they belong to the following classes: LM-13, LM-42, LM-41, 14/S, 46/S, 47/S, LM-6, LM-8, LM-9, LM-21, LM-61, 6/S, 8/S, 9/S

Admission Procedure

Qualifications assessment Candidates' qualifications relevant to the PhD program will be assessed according to the criteria established by the Selection Committee
The project proposal must include a description of the proposed methodologies and the laboratory technical expertise possessed by the candidate, and must align with one of the Ph.D. program’s research areas.
does not require the presence of the candidates

Oral interview Candidates shall present, in English, their technical and scientific expertise as well as the objectives of their proposed research project. They are expected to outline the methodologies for its implementation within the laboratories supervised by a member of the Doctoral Committee
language ITALIANO


contacts and info Segreteria :Dott.ssa Jennifer M. Faudella _ 06 6859 3649 - jennifer.faudella@opbg.net Coordinatore : Prof. Nicola Cotugno - nicola.cotugno@opbg.net

Required documentation

§ research project
mandatory
The project proposal must include a description of the proposed methodologies and the laboratory technical expertise possessed by the candidate, and must align with one of the Ph.D. program’s research. areas, the file must be uploaded within the call deadline

§ List of publications
optional, the file must be uploaded within the call deadline

§ letter of motivation (by the candidate)
optional, the file must be uploaded within the call deadline

§ Curriculum Vitae
optional
A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae, including a list of publications and any certifications of technical and scientific competencies in the fieald of Immunology, molecular medicine and applied biotechnologies. , the file must be uploaded within the call deadline

Language Skills

the candidate must know the following languages
ENGLISH

Exam Schedule

Qualifications assessment
day30/06/2026
notesnone
La valutazione titoli non prevede la presenza dei candidati.
publication on notice boardNO
publication on the web siteYes
web sitehttps://phd.uniroma2.it/web/IMMUNOLOGIA-MEDICINA-MOLECOLARE-E-BIOTECNOLOGIE-APPLICATE_nD1006.aspx
date of publication17/07/2026
contactsjennifer.faudella@opbg.net

Oral interview
day30/06/2026
notesnone
time09:30
classroom1A6
addressFacoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia
publication on notice boardNO
publication on the web siteYes
web sitehttps://phd.uniroma2.it/web/IMMUNOLOGIA-MEDICINA-MOLECOLARE-E-BIOTECNOLOGIE-APPLICATE_nD1006.aspx
date of publication05/08/2026
contactsjennifer.faudella@opbg.net _ nicola.cotugno@opbg.net

Università degli Studi di Roma "Tor Vergata" - Via Cracovia, 50, 00133 Roma RM