CanGoNano is a European Training Network funded under Horizon Europe, focusing on nanomaterials as precision tools to unveil key insights on triggering antigen‑presenting cells against cancer using antigenic peptides and mRNAs encoding these peptides. Within the network, Doctoral Candidates (DCs) will acquire a comprehensive, multidisciplinary understanding of the potential of glycoscience in cancer immunotherapy and the necessary transferable skills.
The program offers an international, intersectoral and interdisciplinary educational experience, aligned with the EU Principles for Innovative Doctoral Training, positioning DCs advantageously for future careers in academia or industry.
Project (DC6) – Focus- Design, enzymatic synthesis, and characterization of high‑quality mRNAs encoding antigenic peptides.
- Use microfluidic mixing to produce size‑defined lipid nanoparticles (LNPs).
- Develop CuAAC functionalization strategies for LNPs with alkyne‑tagged carbohydrate fragments or fluorescent probes and for mRNA encapsulation.
- Formulate LNP‑mRNA with adjuvants.
- Receive training in enzymatic synthesis, microfluidics, bionanotechnology, carbohydrate & click chemistry, GNM formulation, and anti‑cancer activity assays.
The position will be supervised by Alexander H van Asbeck (RiboPro, NL) and co‑supervised by Roland Brock (Stichting Radboud Universitair Medisch Centrum, NL) and Carmen Alvarez‑Domínguez (Universidad Internacional de La Rioja, ES).
Skills / Qualifications- Master’s degree in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Nanomedicine and/or Nanomaterial Science.
- Practical experience in molecular biology and related characterization techniques.
- Experience with nanoparticle formulations is preferred but not mandatory.
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
- Good level of English proficiency (understanding, speaking and writing).
- Duration: 36 months, starting October/November 2026.
- Salary and compensation will be in accordance with the MSCA rules. “Applicable Unit Contributions” (page 118 and following) of the Horizon Europe Work Programme 2023‑2025 for MSCA‑DN actions: https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021‑2027/…‑call/2023‑2024/wp‑2‑msca‑actions_horizon‑2023‑2024_en.pdf.
- Work at RiboPro, a fast‑growing start‑up/scale‑up in the Dutch Life Sciences corridor, within a dynamic, multi‑disciplinary, multi‑national team.
- Enrollment in the PhD School at Stichting Radboud Universitair Medisch Centrum (link: https://www.radboudumc.nl/en/research/research-groups/biochemistry-of-integrative-systems).
- Planned secondments: 1) University of Milan (IT) – training on carbohydrate fragment synthesis for lectin targeting; 2) Universidad Internacional de La Rioja (ES) – training on anti‑cancer activity of GNMs in vivo.
€38000 - €42000 monthly