PhD in CHEMICAL SCIENCES

Educational goals and objectives

CHEMICAL SCIENCES

The PhD program in Chemical Sciences is open to candidates having an italian Master Degree (Laurea, Laurea Specialistica, Laurea Magistrale) or to those having an equivalent Degree (typically a Master Degree) obtained abroad. The main objective of the PhD program in Chemical Sciences is to train highly qualified research doctors in several advanced fields of the chemical sciences. During the three years of the PhD program, the student is associated to a supervisor, who will follow him through the educational route in order to stimulate and enhance his/her capacity to tackle a research topic critically and independently, providing hypothesis and protocols to solve scientific issues, from a theoretical and/or experimental standpoint. In this path, special focus is dedicated to the critical analysis of the scientific literature and to develop the ability to write scientific papers. For this purpose, the ability to communicate in english, both written and spoken, is a mandatory requirement for the PhD students. A list of the available research topics is displayed below (additional information can be found in the Department website): Chemical Sensors Biosensors and DNA nanomachines Synthetic biology Synthesis and applications of tetrapyrrolic macrocycles Supramolecular chemistry Photocatalytic applications in organic chemistry Radical reactions: mechanistic studies and synthetic applications Physical chemistry of biological systems Simulation of complex systems NMR spectroscopy applied to metabolomics and to the structural analysis of biomolecules Nanostructured materials Biomaterials and functional materials Macromolecules In keeping with the existing collaborations, students are strongly encouraged to carry out part of the their PhD program within research groups of other italian or foreign Universities. In order to strengthen the background knowledge needed for the research activity, the PhD program provides access to teaching activities on general topics as well as on specific ones consisting in the attendance to seminars, conferences and full immersion monographic courses.

Available Positions and Scholarships

University scholarship	5	University scholarship reserved to foreign applicants	0	Department scholarship	0
Scholarship funded by private research institution	0	Scholarship funded by private non-research institution	0	Scholarship funded by public research institution	0
Scholarship funded by public non-research institution	0	PhD position under national research programs	6	PhD position under EU research programs	3
Foreign independent candidates	0	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	0	Employee of public non-research institution/organisation under a cooperation agreement	2	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: Ministero dell'Università e della Ricerca (MIUR)

Research topic: Revolutionize organocatalysis through electrochemistry
Description: The project aims to develop novel enantioselective synthetic methodologies by integrating organocatalysis with electrochemistry, addressing the limitations of traditional metal-dependent processes. Specifically, new organocatalysts incorporating redox-active units will be designed and synthesized to operate efficiently under electrochemical conditions, enhancing both catalyst stability and the lifetime of radical intermediates. These systems will be applied to the development of enantioselective radical transformations, including the functionalization of carbonyl compounds, olefins, and acyl derivatives, through both covalent and non-covalent activation modes. The combination of electrochemistry with flow technologies will enable precise control over radical generation and reactivity, ultimately allowing the development of innovative radical–radical coupling processes. Overall, the project seeks to advance sustainable, metal-free approaches to asymmetric synthesis. Required skills include organic synthesis, electrochemistry, methodology development, radical chemistry, and enantioselective catalysis. The mobility and research contribution for the PhD student, corresponding to the amount of €1624,30/year will also be added.
Scholarship type: DOTTORANDO SU PROGRAMMA DI RICERCA NAZIONALE

CUP : E53C25002250001
Principal Investigator: Daniele Mazzarella
Program: Fondo Italiano per la Scienza (FIS3) - Starting Grant
Project: REIGNITE
Grant Agreement: FIS-2024-00206
Lenght: 36
Amount: € 81112,35
Founded by: Ministero dell'Università e della Ricerca (MIUR)

Research topic: Revolutionize organocatalysis through electrochemistry
Description: The project aims to develop novel enantioselective synthetic methodologies by integrating organocatalysis with electrochemistry, addressing the limitations of traditional metal-dependent processes. Specifically, new organocatalysts incorporating redox-active units will be designed and synthesized to operate efficiently under electrochemical conditions, enhancing both catalyst stability and the lifetime of radical intermediates. These systems will be applied to the development of enantioselective radical transformations, including the functionalization of carbonyl compounds, olefins, and acyl derivatives, through both covalent and non-covalent activation modes. The combination of electrochemistry with flow technologies will enable precise control over radical generation and reactivity, ultimately allowing the development of innovative radical–radical coupling processes. Overall, the project seeks to advance sustainable, metal-free approaches to asymmetric synthesis. Required skills include organic synthesis, electrochemistry, methodology development, radical chemistry, and enantioselective catalysis. The mobility and research contribution for the PhD student, corresponding to the amount of €1624,30/year will also be added.
Scholarship type: DOTTORANDO SU PROGRAMMA DI RICERCA NAZIONALE

CUP : E53C25002250001
Principal Investigator: Daniele Mazzarella
Program: Fondo Italiano per la Scienza (FIS3) - Starting Grant
Project: REIGNITE
Grant Agreement: FIS-2024-00206
Lenght: 36
Amount: € 81112,35
Founded by: Ministero dell'Università e della Ricerca (MIUR)

Research topic: Resolving the complexity of nanoparticle-cell interactions in real-time and at nanoscale
Description: Synthesis and characterization of biodegradable nanoparticles with different chemical and structural properties based on the polysaccharide phytoglycogen. Development of methodologies for their physiochemical characterization in terms of size, charge, surface properties, morphology. Development of methodologies for the study of degradability, and biological activity. The structural and physicochemical properties of the nanoparticles will be studied using optical, electron, and atomic force microscopy in combination with spectroscopic, calorimetric, and light scattering techniques. Development of advanced nanoscopy and NMR techniques to study the intracellular trafficking of nanoparticles and their interactions with cytosolic proteins. Analysis of nanoparticle induced perturbations of cellular metabolism using NMR. REQUIRED SKILLS: Knowledge of chemical functionalization techniques and physicochemical characterization of polysaccharide based nanoparticles, of techniques for analyzing their biological properties. Knowledge of techniques for analyzing nanoparticle induced perturbations of cellular metabolism using NMR spectroscopy. Knowledge of analytical techniques for characterizing nanoparticle–protein affinity and interactions. Good English proficiency (written and spoken). The mobility and research contribution for the PhD student, corresponding to the amount of €1624,30/year will also be added.
Scholarship type: DOTTORANDO SU PROGRAMMA DI RICERCA NAZIONALE

CUP : E53C25001780001
Principal Investigator: Francesca Cavalieri
Program: Fondo Italiano per la Scienza (FIS2) - Consolidator Grant
Project: RESNANOBIO
Grant Agreement: FIS-2023-00804
Lenght: 36
Amount: € 81112,35
Founded by: Ministero dell'Università e della Ricerca (MIUR)

Research topic: Resolving the complexity of nanoparticle-cell interactions in real-time and at nanoscale
Description: Synthesis and characterization of biodegradable nanoparticles with different chemical and structural properties based on the polysaccharide phytoglycogen. Development of methodologies for their physiochemical characterization in terms of size, charge, surface properties, morphology. Development of methodologies for the study of degradability, and biological activity. The structural and physicochemical properties of the nanoparticles will be studied using optical, electron, and atomic force microscopy in combination with spectroscopic, calorimetric, and light scattering techniques. Development of advanced nanoscopy and NMR techniques to study the intracellular trafficking of nanoparticles and their interactions with cytosolic proteins. Analysis of nanoparticle induced perturbations of cellular metabolism using NMR. REQUIRED SKILLS: Knowledge of chemical functionalization techniques and physicochemical characterization of polysaccharide based nanoparticles, of techniques for analyzing their biological properties. Knowledge of techniques for analyzing nanoparticle induced perturbations of cellular metabolism using NMR spectroscopy. Knowledge of analytical techniques for characterizing nanoparticle–protein affinity and interactions. Good English proficiency (written and spoken). The mobility and research contribution for the PhD student, corresponding to the amount of €1624,30/year will also be added.
Scholarship type: DOTTORANDO SU PROGRAMMA DI RICERCA NAZIONALE

CUP : E53C25001780001
Principal Investigator: Francesca Cavalieri
Program: Fondo Italiano per la Scienza (FIS2) - Consolidator Grant
Project: RESNANOBIO
Grant Agreement: FIS-2023-00804
Lenght: 36
Amount: € 81112,35
Founded by: Ministero dell'Università e della Ricerca (MIUR)

Research topic: DNA-actuated Biomimetic Compartments that Sense and Process Molecular Information
Description: This project lies at the interface of chemistry, bio-nanotechnology, and synthetic biology, aiming to develop dynamic and responsive biomimetic compartments capable of processing molecular and chemical signals with spatiotemporal control. Inspired by living systems, both membrane-based (lipid vesicles) and membraneless (DNA condensates) compartments will be engineered by integrating programmable nucleic acid-based molecular devices to regulate sensing mechanisms and compartmentalized chemical reaction networks. The project will further incorporate advanced biological modules, including CRISPR-Cas systems and cell-free gene expression platforms, to establish innovative strategies for molecular information processing and biosensing. The ideal candidate should have a strong background in analytical chemistry and biochemistry, with expertise in DNA nanotechnology, biomolecular sensor design, and biophysical characterization techniques. Experience with cell-free systems, CRISPR technologies, and the manipulation of lipid vesicles or biomolecular condensates is highly desirable. Additional key skills include interdisciplinary thinking, experimental design autonomy, and the ability to operate effectively in a highly multidisciplinary research environment. The mobility and research contribution for the PhD student, corresponding to the amount of €1624,30/year will also be added.
Scholarship type: DOTTORANDO SU PROGRAMMA DI RICERCA NAZIONALE

CUP : E53C25002370001
Principal Investigator: Alessandro Porchetta
Program: Fondo Italiano per la Scienza (FIS3) - Consolidator Grant
Project: BIOACT
Grant Agreement: FIS-2024-04192
Lenght: 36
Amount: € 81112,35
Founded by: Ministero dell'Università e della Ricerca (MIUR)

Research topic: DNA-actuated Biomimetic Compartments that Sense and Process Molecular Information
Description: This project lies at the interface of chemistry, bio-nanotechnology, and synthetic biology, aiming to develop dynamic and responsive biomimetic compartments capable of processing molecular and chemical signals with spatiotemporal control. Inspired by living systems, both membrane-based (lipid vesicles) and membraneless (DNA condensates) compartments will be engineered by integrating programmable nucleic acid-based molecular devices to regulate sensing mechanisms and compartmentalized chemical reaction networks. The project will further incorporate advanced biological modules, including CRISPR-Cas systems and cell-free gene expression platforms, to establish innovative strategies for molecular information processing and biosensing. The ideal candidate should have a strong background in analytical chemistry and biochemistry, with expertise in DNA nanotechnology, biomolecular sensor design, and biophysical characterization techniques. Experience with cell-free systems, CRISPR technologies, and the manipulation of lipid vesicles or biomolecular condensates is highly desirable. Additional key skills include interdisciplinary thinking, experimental design autonomy, and the ability to operate effectively in a highly multidisciplinary research environment. The mobility and research contribution for the PhD student, corresponding to the amount of €1624,30/year will also be added.
Scholarship type: DOTTORANDO SU PROGRAMMA DI RICERCA NAZIONALE

CUP : E53C25002370001
Principal Investigator: Alessandro Porchetta
Program: Fondo Italiano per la Scienza (FIS3) - Consolidator Grant
Project: BIOACT
Grant Agreement: FIS-2024-04192
Lenght: 36
Amount: € 81112,35
Founded by: European Research Council (ERC)

Research topic: Programmable nucleic acid toolkits for cell-free diagnostics and genetically encoded biosensing
Description: This PhD position is part of the ProToolkits project, which aims at developing programmable molecular “toolkits” for the precise control of transcription circuits in cell‑free systems and living cells. The main goal is to design and characterize structure‑switching DNA templates and molecular receptors that can rationally modulate gene expression in response to molecular inputs (nucleic acids, small molecules, proteins) and external physical stimuli. The PhD candidate will work at the interface between DNA nanotechnology and synthetic biology, using nucleic‑acid biochemistry and transcription assays, real‑time fluorescence readouts, kinetic analysis and simplified mathematical modelling.The candidate will also develop sensing and recognition circuits based on structure‑switching receptors and cell‑free transcription platforms, coupled to solid interfaces or soft materials (hydrogels, condensates, etc) to obtain robust, reprogrammable and potentially reusable biosensing devices.The project is suited for highly motivated candidates interested in interdisciplinary research and in the engineering of genetic circuits and biomolecular sensors. The ideal candidate should hold a master degree in Chemistry, Biology or Biotechnology or similar subjects. Experience in the lab is also welcome. The mobility and research contribution for the PhD student, corresponding to the amount of €1624,30/year, will also be added.
Scholarship type: DOTTORANDO SU PROGRAMMA DI RICERCA EUROPEO

CUP : E56C18002520006
Principal Investigator: Francesco Ricci
Program: ERC Consolidator
Project: PRO-TOOLKITS
Grant Agreement: 819160
Lenght: 36
Amount: € 72084,00
Founded by: European Research Council (ERC)

Research topic: Synthetic nucleic acid co-transcriptional networks as diagnostic and therapeutic tools
Description: The project aims to develop synthetic gene networks based on nucleic acids able of recognizing tumor biomarkers and producing therapeutic RNA on demand. By leveraging the high programmability of synthetic nucleic acids and the high sensitivity and versatility of cell-free transcriptional systems, the candidate will develop gene networks that, by mimicking molecular recognition mechanisms found in natural systems, can respond to a variety of analytes, including proteins, small molecules, and antibodies, by activating the in vitro transcription of functional RNA. The main objectives are: (i) to design molecular units that respond to proteins and antibodies relevant in oncology; (ii) to integrate these units into ultrasensitive and miniaturizable cell-free biosensors; and (iii) to demonstrate the therapeutic efficacy of in vitro-transcribed RNA aptamers. Expected outcomes include new tools for early diagnosis and personalized treatment, with applications in nanotechnology, synthetic biology, and precision medicine. The research activity will involve the characterization of transcriptional systems using spectrophotometric, fluorimetric, microscopic, electrophoretic, and electrochemical techniques. The ideal candidate has an interdisciplinary background in chemistry, biology, and biotechnology. The mobility and research contribution for the PhD student, corresponding to the amount of €1624,30/year, will also be added.
Scholarship type: DOTTORANDO SU PROGRAMMA DI RICERCA EUROPEO

CUP : E53C24001840006
Principal Investigator: Simona Ranallo
Program: ERC Starting Grant
Project: CO-TRANS-NET
Grant Agreement: 101165168
Lenght: 36
Amount: € 72084,00
Founded by: European Research Council (ERC)

Research topic: Programmable nucleic acid toolkits for cell-free diagnostics and genetically encoded biosensing
Description: This PhD position is part of the ProToolkits project, which aims at developing programmable molecular “toolkits” for the precise control of transcription circuits in cell‑free systems and living cells. The main goal is to design and characterize structure‑switching DNA templates and molecular receptors that can rationally modulate gene expression in response to molecular inputs (nucleic acids, small molecules, proteins) and external physical stimuli. The PhD candidate will work at the interface between DNA nanotechnology and synthetic biology, using nucleic‑acid biochemistry and transcription assays, real‑time fluorescence readouts, kinetic analysis and simplified mathematical modelling.The candidate will also develop sensing and recognition circuits based on structure‑switching receptors and cell‑free transcription platforms, coupled to solid interfaces or soft materials (hydrogels, condensates, etc) to obtain robust, reprogrammable and potentially reusable biosensing devices.The project is suited for highly motivated candidates interested in interdisciplinary research and in the engineering of genetic circuits and biomolecular sensors. The ideal candidate should hold a master degree in Chemistry, Biology or Biotechnology or similar subjects. Experience in the lab is also welcome. The mobility and research contribution for the PhD student, corresponding to the amount of €1624,30/year, will also be added.
Scholarship type: DOTTORANDO SU PROGRAMMA DI RICERCA EUROPEO

CUP : E56C18002520006
Principal Investigator: Francesco Ricci
Program: ERC Consolidator
Project: PRO-TOOLKITS
Grant Agreement: 819160
Lenght: 36
Amount: € 72084,00

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: 62/S - Specialistiche in scienze chimiche; 81/S - Specialistiche in scienze e tecnologie della chimica industriale; 27/S - Specialistiche in ingegneria chimica; 61/S - Specialistiche in scienza e ingegneria dei materiali; 20/S Specialistiche in fisica; 14/S - Specialistiche in farmacia e farmacia industriale; 8/S - Specialistiche in biotecnologie industriali; LM-6 - Biologia; LM-9 - Biotecnologie mediche, veterinarie e farmaceutiche; LM-13 - Farmacia e farmacia industriale