PhD role: Synthesis of ON building blocks, method development & upscaling

PhD position: Synthesis of building blocks for ON constructs, method development and upscaling evaluationJoin the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network ON-TRACT (OligoNucleotide Technologies for Rapid Advancement of Cancer Therapies) and become part of a pioneering European research initiative!Host institution: RISE (Research Institutes of Sweden), Department of Chemical Process and Pharmaceutical Development, Södertälje, Sweden. The doctoral candidate will be enrolled at Karolinska Institute. Supervisor: Dr. Kristina Karalè (Non-Academic main supervisor, RISE, Södertälje, Sweden), Dr. Malgorzata Honcharenko (Academic Main supervisor, Karolinska Institute, Huddinge, Sweden). Co-Supervisors: Prof. Samir EL Andaloussi, Prof. Roger Strömberg (Karolinska Institute, Huddinge, Sweden), Prof. Annemieke Madder (Ghent University), Dr. Martin Bollmark (RISE, Södertälje, Sweden). Project description Oligonucleotide conjugates have become essential tools in today’s biomedical science and therapeutic development due to their ability to combine the specificity of nucleic acid sequences with the functional versatility of chemical or biological moieties. The goal of this PhD project is to develop methodology for oligonucleotide conjugates with different entities such as lipids and peptides/proteins/antibodies and to make constructs that can be tested by other participants of the consortium. This will involve the development of novel linkers, as well as novel entities (especially for enabling “click” reactions) in collaboration with Karolinska Institute. Host laboratory RISE is a non-profit government owned research institute supporting innovative research in Sweden and globally. Department of Chemical Process and Pharmaceutical Development focuses on pharmaceutical R&D within chemistry process development, scale-up, synthesis and formulation of new chemical entities with high molecular complexity and challenging physicochemical properties. The department has fully equipped labs for organic synthesis and formulation screening, optimization and process development; oligonucleotide laboratory including oligonucleotide synthesiser, UVvis/fluorescence spectrometers, HPLC’s; dedicated oligonucleotide MS; high-field NMR (500 and 600 MHz), technical laboratory ranging from 10 ml to 10 L scale. Secondments The project involves active cooperation with the listed groups, including scheduled visits to their labs, with the possibility of further visits as needed during the course of the work. A willingness to travel and spend time abroad is therefore essential: o Malgorzata Honcharenko, Karolinska Institute, Hudinge, Sweden o Prof. Florian Hollfelder, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UKo Prof. Annemieke Madder, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium Additional eligibility conditions o A Master’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Biology or a related field. o More information regarding general and specific entry requirements to Karolinska Institute: The specific entry requirement for admission to doctoral educationRequired Skills o Strong background in organic synthesis. Experience with biomolecules (DNA, proteins) is a strong advantage. o Proficiency in English equivalent to the course English B which can be documented by an internationally recognized test such as TOEFL or IELTS. Benefits o A thorough scientific education in the frame of a doctoral training program. o The possibility to participate in specific international courses, workshops and conferences. o A strong involvement in a European research project with high international visibility. o The possibility to perform research visits to internationally renowned research labs in Europe. o A prestigious three-year MSCA Fellowship. o A competitive salary including mobility and family allowances. Enquire Welcome with your application!The closing date for applications is 28 February 2026, with interviews expected to take place in March/April. Your application should include the following:1. Curriculum vitae. 2. A certificate of University examinations taken (with marks). 3. A final degree certificate translated in English. If, at the time of application, candidates should not be yet in possession of a degree certificate, they can submit it at the time of the examination. 4. Your statement of interest (limit of 2,500 characters) explaining why you wish to be considered for the fellowship and which qualities and experience you will bring to the role. 5. Contact details of up to two contacts for reference letters. You should also, send all documents (application form and as listed) as a single pdf-file to ontract@soton.ac.uk. Read more about the application process through EURAXESS here: Jobs and Career Opportunities in Europe | EURAXESS

For additional information on this project please contact Dr. Kristina Karalè (kristina.karale@ri.se).

Here you will find all 14 PhD positions and more information: ON-TRACT (OligoNucleotide Technologies for Rapid Advancement of Cancer Therapies) Jobs and Career Opportunities in Europe | EURAXESS