Overview
Applications are now open for 15 fully funded PhD positions under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network EVADERE (Enhanced VAccines DEsign against antimicrobial REsistance). This prestigious doctoral programme is funded through Horizon Europe – MSCA and offers advanced training in vaccinology at the intersection of chemistry, biology, and pharmacology.
The programme is designed for highly motivated early-stage researchers seeking structured doctoral training within a strong international and interdisciplinary research environment.
About the EVADERE Doctoral Network
EVADERE represents a next-generation approach to vaccine development, moving beyond conventional protein-based strategies. The network integrates structural biology, conjugation chemistry, immunology, and pharmacology to enhance antigen immunogenicity and improve adjuvant performance.
Doctoral candidates will work on innovative therapeutic and prophylactic vaccine formulations targeting antimicrobial resistance, with a strong emphasis on translational research and clinical relevance. In addition to scientific training, the programme provides extensive transferable skills development, including communication, entrepreneurship, open science practices, and career development for both academic and industry pathways.
Key Programme Details
- Number of positions: 15 PhD positions
- Duration: 36 months
- Start date: 1 October 2026
- Contract type: Full-time employment (36–40 hours per week)
- Application deadline: 30 April 2026, 17:00 (Europe/Rome)
- Funding scheme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (Horizon Europe)
All doctoral candidates will be employed under MSCA regulations and receive a competitive salary, including living allowance, mobility allowance, and, where applicable, a family allowance.
Research Fields
Eligible academic backgrounds include:
- Organic and medicinal chemistry
- Chemical biology
- Biology, microbiology, and biochemistry
- Infection and immunity
- Pharmacology, biomedical and biopharmaceutical sciences
Host Institutions and Locations
Successful candidates will be hosted by leading universities, research institutes, and industry partners across Europe, including institutions in Italy, Ireland, Germany, France, Spain, Hungary, Denmark, Romania, and the United Kingdom. Each doctoral candidate will be enrolled as a PhD student at their host institution and participate in international secondments within the EVADERE consortium.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet all MSCA Doctoral Network requirements, including:
- Early-stage researcher status (within the first four years of full-time research experience and no doctoral degree awarded)
- Compliance with the MSCA mobility rule (not residing or carrying out main activity in the host country for more than 12 months in the three years prior to recruitment)
- A Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree with a minimum of 240 ECTS or equivalent
- At least a BSc Honours (2.1) and/or MSc degree in a relevant discipline
- Proven proficiency in English at a minimum B2 level
The EVADERE consortium is committed to gender balance, diversity, and inclusion, and welcomes applications from candidates displaced by conflict.
Application and Selection Process
Applications must be submitted as one single PDF document via the official programme website and include:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Certified academic transcripts
- Motivation letter
- Ranking of three preferred projects with justification
- Contact details of three referees
- Completed consent form
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interviews conducted by a panel of principal investigators from the EVADERE consortium, either in person or online.
How to Apply
Click here to learn more and apply