Marie Sklodowska Curie Research Fellow x 2 (Fixed Term)

Two PhD Fellowships in the framework of the MSCA Doctoral Network BioHYBRITE: Decoding and designing biomolecular systems with hybrid DNA:RNA:protein nanotechnology.

BioHYBRITE is a structured, highly interdisciplinary training program at the interface of molecular design, single-molecule analysis, AI-assisted protein development, and medical applications. Our goal is to train a new generation of highly qualified scientists at the interface of physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering, in the promising field of DNA-RNA-protein nanotechnology. BioHYBRITE unites 12 partner institutions across six European countries, combining world-class expertise, research infrastructures, and complementary skills. The two PhD students in Cambridge will work in the Department of Physics (Ulrich Keyser), Department of Pharmacology (Ioanna Mela), and the Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology (Lorenzo Di Michele). More details can be viewed here.

BioHYBRITE offers DCs unique exciting opportunities, including:

• A project as Marie Sklodowska Curie trainee in one of the participating institutions with the objective of becoming an experienced researcher and obtaining a doctoral degree (PhD).
• State-of-the art, exciting research in an international consortium with highly integrated projects.
• Solid multidisciplinary scientific training, along with a complementary training in transferable skills, such as communication, entrepreneurship, intellectual property rights and ethics.
• A research training period in another consortium member's lab, performed in a different country.
• Gross Salary according to EU guidelines for Marie Sklodowska Curie trainees, including mobility payments and family allowances where applicable. The salary consists of the gross Monthly Living Allowance of 3.400,00 EUR per month pondered by the EU correction coefficient (specific for the countries where the hosting Institutions are located). In addition, a Mobility Allowance of 600,00 EUR per month will be paid, and also possibly another 660,00 EUR per month of Family Allowance depending on marital status. The DC salary is subject to local tax, employee and employer social contributions, and other deductions following national regulations.

The Fellowship is offered in conjunction with a PhD position, subject to the Fellow satisfying the University's admissions requirements for PhD study, and candidates should submit a formal application to the University of Cambridge for a PhD in Physics. The deadline for this is 1st of April 2026.

The successful candidate will have an MSc degree in Physics, Chemistry or related field. You will also have outstanding academic records, and excellent communication skills in oral and written English.

Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

Please ensure your application includes your CV, a list of grades/diplomas, a copy of the certificate for your highest qualification, and the contact details for at least two referees. You should also include a cover letter detailing your reasons for applying.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 36 months in the first instance.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Professor Ulrich Keyser at ufk20@cam.ac.uk, Prof Lorenzo Di Michele ld389@cam.ac.uk, or Prof Ionna Mela im337@cam.ac.uk. Please start the subject line with BIOHYBRITE

Please quote reference KA49064 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Key information

Department/location
Department of Physics

Reference
KA49064

Category
Research

Date published
10 March 2026

Closing date
1 April 2026

Further Particulars