Job Information
- Organisation/Company: University of Salzburg
- Department: Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology
- Research Field: Biological sciences » Biology; Medical sciences » Cancer research; Chemistry » Molecular chemistry; Computer science » Other
Offer Description
11 Fully Funded PhD Positions in Infection-Driven Cancer Research – MSCA Doctoral Network TagTIC
Join TagTIC – Targeting Infection-Driven Cancers
The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network TagTIC invites applications for 11 fully funded Doctoral Researcher (PhD) positions in an interdisciplinary European training network investigating how microbial infections contribute to gastrointestinal (GI) cancer and how this knowledge can be translated into novel preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
TagTIC brings together 10 academic and 14 industrial partners across six European countries, combining expertise in infection biology, cancer biology, immunology, organoid technology, multi-omics, artificial intelligence, advanced imaging, medicinal chemistry and drug discovery.
The network will recruit 11 Doctoral Researchers, who will receive interdisciplinary and intersectoral training, international secondments, joint supervision by experts from different institutions, and close interaction with industry. The doctoral projects are expected to start in January 2027.
Information: www.tagtic.eu
The Research Projects
Project 1 - Cooperative oncogenesis: H. pylori and EBV in gastric epithelial transformation
Investigate how bacterial and viral co-infections cooperate to initiate gastric cancer using advanced human organoid and assembloid models. Identify early biomarkers and therapeutic targets through imaging, transcriptomics and AI-supported analyses.
Keywords: Organoids • EBV • H. pylori • AI
Secondments: Helmholtz Munich (GERMANY), Helmholtz Saarland (GERMANY), TissueGnostics (AUSTRIA)
Host institution: PLUS Salzburg, AUSTRIA (Silja Wessler, https://www.plus.ac.at/wessler)
Project 2 - Small-molecule inhibitors targeting EBV signalling
Develop novel inhibitors that block the oncogenic interaction between the Epstein–Barr virus protein LMP1 and its host signalling partner TRAF6. Combine high-throughput screening, organoid models and phosphoproteomics to establish innovative antiviral cancer therapies.
Keywords: Drug Discovery • EBV • HTS • Proteomics
Secondments: PLUS Salzburg (AUSTRIA), DeepMirror (UK)
Host: Helmholtz Munich, GERMANY (Arnd Kieser, https://www.helmholtz-munich.de/en/sat)
Project 3 - Improving drug response in Fusobacterium nucleatum-positive colorectal cancer
Explore why bacterial infection promotes therapy resistance in colorectal cancer. Use patient-derived organoids, immune co-cultures and targeted drug combinations to identify more effective treatment strategies.
Keywords: Colorectal Cancer • Organoids • Immunology • Drug Screening
Secondments: Sapienza University of Rome (ITALY), DKFZ (GERMANY), ImmunoTools (GERMANY)
Host: PLUS Salzburg, AUSTRIA (Richard Moriggl, https://www.plus.ac.at/biowissenschaften/der-fachbereich/arbeitsgruppen/ag-moriggl/)
Project 4 - Target discovery in H. pylori and F. nucleatum-induced transformation
Identify novel bacterial virulence factors required for infection and tumour initiation using genome-wide mutant libraries and human organoid infection models. The project aims to provide new targets for next-generation anti-infective therapies.
Keywords: Microbiology • Genetics • Organoids • Target Discovery
Secondments: Aarhus University (DENMARK), Gene2Lead (Canada)
Host: University of Gdansk, POLAND (Joanna Skorko-Glonek, https://biochemia.ug.edu.pl/?page_id=1024)
Project 5 - Restoring epithelial immunity to prevent colorectal cancer
Investigate how impaired epithelial immunity promotes persistent bacterial colonisation and cancer development. Combine organoid, assembloid and mouse models with single-cell and spatial transcriptomics to identify preventive therapeutic strategies.
Keywords: Immunology • Spatial Omics • Organoids • Cancer Prevention
Secondments: University of Gdansk (POLAND), Molecular Devices (AUSTRIA)
Host: Aarhus University, DENMARK (Cindrilla Chumduri, https://www.chumdurilab.org/)
Project 6 - AI-guided design of novel therapeutics for gastrointestinal cancers
Apply computational medicinal chemistry, AI and molecular modelling to design innovative inhibitors targeting HDACs, KRAS and EBV signalling pathways. The goal is to develop next-generation therapies for infection-associated gastrointestinal cancers.
Keywords: AI • Medicinal Chemistry • Molecular Modelling • Drug Design
Secondments: PLUS Salzburg (AUSTRIA), Helmholtz Munich (GERMANY), Gene2Lead (Canada)
Host: Sapienza University of Rome, ITALY (Rino Ragno, https://www.rcmd.it/)
Project 7 - Drug discovery against bacterial virulence
Develop selective small-molecule inhibitors targeting the essential Helicobacter pylori protease HtrA as an alternative to conventional antibiotics. Integrate medicinal chemistry, biophysics and organoid infection models to combat infection-driven cancer.
Keywords: Medicinal Chemistry • Biophysics • Anti-virulence • ADMET
Secondments: PLUS Salzburg (AUSTRIA), MyxoTech (GERMANY)
Host: Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), GERMANY (Anna K. H. Hirsch, https://www.helmholtz-hips.de/en/research/people/person/prof-dr-anna-k-h-hirsch/)
Project 8 - Tumour evolution and therapy resistance in gastric cancer
Investigate how chronic infection and inflammation reshape tumour evolution and reduce treatment efficacy. Use patient-derived organoids, multi-omics and drug screening to identify biomarkers and new therapeutic vulnerabilities.
Keywords: Patient-derived Organoids • Multi-omics • Therapy Resistance
Secondments: Sapienza University of Rome (ITALY), Cobiomic (SPAIN), PLUS Salzburg (AUSTRIA)
Host: Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, SPAIN (Isabel Sánchez Pérez, https://www.bq.uam.es/miembros/isanchez/index.php)
Project 9 - Microbial metabolites driving colorectal cancer
Discover how metabolites produced by Fusobacterium nucleatum reprogramme cancer signalling and promote therapy resistance. Combine organoid models, multi-omics and functional validation to identify novel drug targets.
Keyword: Metabolomics • Single-cell Omics • CRC • Systems Biology
Secondments: PLUS Salzburg (AUSTRIA), Cobiomic (SPAIN)
Host: DKFZ, Heidelberg, GERMANY (Johannes Betge, https://www.dkfz.de/en/translational-gastrointestinal-oncology-and-preclinical-models)
Project 10 - Microbiome regulation of RNA modifications in cancer
Explore how bacteria and their metabolites alter epigenetic RNA modifications (m⁶A) and influence cancer therapy response. Develop innovative combination strategies targeting both the microbiome and RNA-modifying enzymes.
Keywords: Epitranscriptomics • Microbiome • RNA Biology • Precision Medicine
Secondments: Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (SPAIN), Molecular Devices (AUSTRIA), PLUS Salzburg (AUSTRIA)
Host: Sapienza University of Rome, ITALY (Alessandro Fatica, https://phd.uniroma1.it/web/ALESSANDRO-FATICA_nC79_EN.aspx)
Project 11 - Artificial Intelligence for infection-driven cancers
Develop explainable AI algorithms that integrate tissue imaging, spatial transcriptomics and microbiome data to identify biomarkers and predict disease progression. The project combines machine learning with advanced image cytometry to support precision oncology.
Keywords: Artificial Intelligence • Digital Pathology • Image Analysis • Multiomics
Secondments: Aarhus University (DENMARK), PLUS Salzburg (AUSTRIA), Molecular Devices (AUSTRIA)
Host: TissueGnostics, Vienna, AUSTRIA (Rupert Ecker, https://tissuegnostics.com/)
Key information
Positions: 11 Doctoral Researchers / PhD candidates
Research field: Infection Biology • Cancer Biology • Immunology • Organoids • Multi-omics • AI • Imaging • Drug Discovery • Medicinal Chemistry
Expected starting date: January 2027
Duration: 48 months
Application deadline: September 25, 2026
Application portal: https://survey.plus.ac.at/index.php/449444?lang=en (Only complete applications submitted through the application portal will be considered)
Contact: TagTIC@plus.ac.at
Coordinator: Prof. Dr. Silja Wessler, Paris Lodron University of Salzburg, Austria
Funding: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), Doctoral Networks, Horizon Europe.
Where to apply
Website: https://tagtic.eu/recruitment/#apply
Requirements
- Research Field: Biological sciences » Biology - Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
- Research Field: Chemistry » Molecular chemistry - Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
- Research Field: Computer science » Other - Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
- Research Field: Medical sciences » Cancer research - Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
- Languages: ENGLISH - Level: Excellent
Additional Information
Benefits
What TagTIC offers
Successful candidates will join an international and highly interdisciplinary research environment and benefit from:
- a fully funded doctoral position with employment conditions according to the MSCA Doctoral Network framework;
- enrolment towards a joint/double doctoral degree, according to the arrangements of the respective host institutions;
- supervision by a dedicated team comprising a main supervisor, co-supervisors from partner institutions and an industrial mentor;
- international and intersectoral secondments at academic and non-academic TagTIC partners;
- access to state-of-the-art technologies, including organoids and assembloids, high-content and advanced imaging, multi-omics, AI and computational modelling, drug screening and medicinal chemistry;
- network-wide scientific and transferable-skills training covering research integrity, Open Science, FAIR data management, communication, entrepreneurship, innovation and career development;
- participation in international meetings, workshops, training schools and networking activities.
Eligibility criteria
Applicants must fulfil the eligibility requirements of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Networks. In particular, candidates must:
- hold a Master's degree or equivalent qualification that enables enrolment in a doctoral programme by the date of recruitment;
- not hold a doctoral degree at the date of recruitment;
- fulfil the MSCA Mobility Rule: candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the recruiting beneficiary for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately preceding their recruitment date;
- have a strong academic background relevant to the selected doctoral project(s);
- have excellent written and spoken English skills;
- demonstrate motivation for interdisciplinary, international and intersectoral research.
Candidates of any nationality are welcome to apply.
Selection process
Applications will be submitted through the central TagTIC application portal: https://survey.plus.ac.at/index.php/449444?lang=en
Applicants must indicate three project preferences, ranked as:
1st preference – preferred doctoral project
2nd preference – alternative doctoral project
3rd preference – alternative doctoral project
Applicants should select projects that match their scientific background, methodological expertise and research interests. Project preferences will be considered together with the candidate's qualifications, motivation and suitability during the selection process.
Applicants will be requested to submit [CV, motivation letter, degree certificates/transcripts, references/referee contact details]. Only complete applications submitted through the application portal will be considered.
TagTIC is committed to an open, transparent, merit-based and equitable recruitment procedure in accordance with MSCA principles. Applications will be evaluated based on academic qualifications, research experience, motivation, methodological fit and potential to successfully undertake the selected doctoral project.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview. Final allocation to individual projects will take into account candidate ranking, project preferences, eligibility for the respective host country and scientific fit.
TagTIC welcomes applications from candidates from all backgrounds and is committed to equal opportunities, diversity and inclusion.
Website for additional job details: https://tagtic.eu
Work Location(s)
- Number of offers available: 2 - Company/Institute: University of Salzburg - Country: Austria - City: Salzburg - Postal Code: 5020 - Street: Hellbrunner Str. 34
- Number of offers available: 1 - Company/Institute: Helmholtz Munich - Country: Germany - City: Neuherberg - Postal Code: 85764 - Street: Ingolstädter Landstraße 1
- Number of offers available: 1 - Company/Institute: University of Gdansk - Country: Poland - City: Gdańsk - Postal Code: 80-308 - Street: ul. Wita Stwosza 59
- Number of offers available: 1 - Company/Institute: Aarhus University - Country: Denmark - City: Aarhus - Postal Code: 8000 - Street: Gustav Wieds Vej 10
- Number of offers available: 1 - Company/Institute: Sapienza University of Rome - Country: Italy - City: Rome - Postal Code: 00185 - Street: Piazzale Aldo Moro 5
- Number of offers available: 1 - Company/Institute: Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) - Country: Germany - City: Saarbrücken - Postal Code: 66123 - Street: Campus Building E8.1
- Number of offers available: 1 - Company/Institute: Universidad Autónoma de Madrid - Country: Spain - City: Madrid - Postal Code: 28009 - Street: Plaza Doctor Laguna
- Number of offers available: 1 - Company/Institute: German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) - Country: Germany - City: Heidelberg - Postal Code: 69120 - Street: Im Neuenheimer Feld 580
- Number of offers available: 1 - Company/Institute: Sapienza University of Rome - Country: Italy - City: Rome - Postal Code: 00185 - Street: Piazzale Aldo Moro 5
- Number of offers available: 1 - Company/Institute: TissueGnostics - Country: Austria - City: Vienna - Postal Code: 1020 - Street: Taborstraße 10
Contact
- City: Salzburg
- Website: https://www.plus.ac.at/
- Street: Hellbrunner Strasse 34
- Postal Code: 5020
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