BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

Call for application 42nd cycle

Bando ordinario

Educational goals and objectives

The PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology represents a path of excellence in the field of biomedical sciences, drawing on the cultural and scientific evolution of the fields of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Students have access to cutting-edge laboratories and international collaborations, which foster the development of both technical and soft skills. The main areas of innovative research include: i) the study of biological macromolecules and their interactions; ii) molecular mechanisms underlying complex diseases; iii) development of innovative therapies and biotechnologies; iv) applications of bioinformatics and systems biology.
The program is structured to ensure solid methodological training, with advanced courses, seminars, and workshops, as well as the opportunity to participate in national and international conferences. Using cutting-edge technologies and an interdisciplinary approach, research topics ranging from nanotechnology to cancer research—constantly evolving topics—are addressed.
The overall objective of the PhD program in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is to provide the advanced multidisciplinary training needed to independently conduct not only research but also service and control activities in various sectors such as the biotechnology, food, and pharmaceutical industries.

Available Positions and Scholarships

University scholarship	6	University scholarship reserved to foreign applicants	0	Department scholarship	1
Scholarship funded by private research institution	0	Scholarship funded by private non-research institution	0	Scholarship funded by public research institution	1
Scholarship funded by public non-research institution	0	PhD position under national research programs	0	PhD position under EU research programs	0
Foreign independent candidates	2	Employee of private research institution/organisation under a cooperation agreement	0	Employee of private non-research institution/organisation under a cooperation agreement	0
Employee of public research institution/organisation under a cooperation agreement	2	Employee of public non-research institution/organisation under a cooperation agreement	0	PhD under higher education and research apprenticeship contract at a private research institution/organisation	0
PhD under higher education and research apprenticeship contract at a private non-research institution/organisation	0	PhD under higher education and research apprenticeship contract at a public research institution/organisation	0	PhD under higher education and research apprenticeship contract at a public non-research institution/organisation	0
No scholarship	0

Research topics

Founded by: Istituto di Farmacologia Traslazionale IFT-CNR

Research topic: Investigating the role of ABCC1 in HNSCC: from metabolic detoxification to immune evasion
Description: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the seventh most common cancer worldwide characterized by a high mortality rate and intrinsic resistance to chemotherapy. In recent years immunecheckpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been approved for recurrent or metastatic HNSCC. However, the highly immunosuppressive microenvironment of HNSCC limits the efficacy of immunotherapy.The ABC transporter subfamily member ABCC1 (also known as MRP1) has been widely studied for its role in promoting the extracellular efflux of chemotherapeutic agents contributing to the multidrug resistance (MDR) phenotype observed in many tumors, including HNSCC. This research proposal aims to redefine ABCC1 beyond its traditional role as a multidrug resistance gene in HNSCC. In detail, we foresee to functionally link the impact of ABCC1 on the metabolic detoxification pathway to the modulation of the molecular circuits regulating the inflammatory status of HNSCC. We also aim to provide in vivo evidence of the impact of ABCC1 on squamous carcinogenesis, with a particular focus on its role in shaping the immunosuppressive phenotype in order to improve the immunotherapy efficacy in HNSCC.
Scholarship type: BORSISTA ENTE ESTERNO PUBBLICO DI RICERCA

Principal Investigator: Dott. Angelo Peschiaroli
Lenght: 36
Founded by: Ministero dell'Agricoltura, della sovranità alimentare e delle foreste

Research topic: Bioinformatics methods for the characterization of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of olive oil recovery products
Description: LDevelop of bioinformatic pipelines for the characterization of omics techniques (miRNA, transcriptomics, genomics) applied to the characterization of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of olive olive recovery products. The project specifically involves the implementation of integrated feeding trials with antioxidant products derived from olive oil processing on buffalo, sheep, cattle, sport horses, and sea urchins. The effect of dietary supplementation will be assessed on gene expression through RNAseq experiments and on epigenetic changes, with the characterization of the miRNAome. Furthermore, the metagenomic profile of the animals before and after dietary supplementation will be characterized through 16S targeted metagenomics experiments on feces. Microorganisms contained in buffalo, sheep, and cow's milk and their derivatives will be also characterized using targeted 16S metagenomics experiments. The candidate, in addition to developing and implementing bioinformatics pipelines for analyzing individual experiments, will work on multiomic analyses using a machine learning approach.
Scholarship type: BORSISTA DIPARTIMENTALE

Principal Investigator: Prof. Giovanni Chillemi
Program: Olivo Italia
Project: Olivo Italia
Lenght: 36
Amount: € 60112,35

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-6, LM-7, LM-8, LM-9, LM-17, LM-18, LM-21, LM-22, LM-54, LM-61, LM-69, LM-70, LM-71, 6/S, 7/S, 8/S, 9/S, 20/S, 26/S, 27/S, 62/S, 68/S, 69/S, 77/S, 78/S, 79/S, 81/S, 82/S, 85/S, 86/S, LM-13, LM-41, LM-42, 47/S, 46/S, 52/S, 14/S

Admission Procedure

Oral interview	Admission to the Oral Examination (Maximum 10 points) Admission to the oral examination will be based on the research proposal. The minimum score required for admission to the oral examination is 6 points. In the research proposal, the candidate must demonstrate clear ability to design, organize, and carry out scientific research independently. The proposal should be submitted using the template provided. The maximum score is allocated as follows: • Knowledge of the state of the art (2 points) • Innovative aspects of the project (2 points) • Clarity and completeness of the specific objectives, research strategy, and feasibility of achieving them (2 points) • Feasibility of the project (2 points) • Relevance of the project to the educational objectives of the PhD program (2 points) The proposal to be submitted will not be considered mandatory for the research activities of the successful candidates. Oral Examination/Interview (Maximum 75 points): During the oral examination, aspects related to the candidate’s qualifications and the submitted research project will be further examined and clarified. Slide presentation is not allowed. The score will be assigned as follows: - Methodological insights into techniques in biochemistry and molecular biology (max 40 points); - Discussion of the candidate’s qualifications, assessment of the candidate’s general scientific knowledge, and evaluation of their aptitude for laboratory research (max 25 points); - Proficiency in the English language (max 10 points). Assessment of Language Skills: Proficiency in the English language will be assessed as follows: it will consist of reading and comprehension of a scientific article relevant to the disciplinary fields of the doctoral program. The minimum score required for the oral examination is 45 points. Assessment of Qualifications, maximum 25 points
language	INGLESE ITALIANO

contacts and info	Per informazioni relative al concorso scrivere a: Dott.ssa Bongiorno Lucilla lucilla.bongiorno@uniroma2.it, Prof.ssa Bernassola Francesca bernasso@uniroma2.it, Prof. Massimiliano Agostini m.agostini@med.uniroma2.it
more info	For submitting the application please paste and copy in the browser the following link https://dottorati.uniroma2.it/42-ciclo_p10363.aspx

Required documentation

§ research project

mandatory
In the research proposal, the candidate must demonstrate clear ability to design, organize, and carry out scientific research independently. The proposal should be submitted using the template provided.
The proposal to be submitted will not be considered mandatory for the research activities of the successful candidates.
, the file must be uploaded within the call deadline
download the attachement

§ List of publications

optional, the file must be uploaded within the call deadline

§ other document: documenti a scelta del candidato, diversi dal titolo di accesso, e che la commissione potrà non tenere in considerazione

optional, the file must be uploaded within the call deadline

§ Curriculum Vitae

optional, the file must be uploaded within the call deadline

Language Skills

the candidate must know the following languages

ENGLISH

Exam Schedule

Oral interview

day	none
notes	none
time	none
classroom	none
address	none
publication on notice board	non indicato
publication on the web site	Yes
web site	none
date of publication	none
contacts	none