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11 Fully Funded PhD Positions in Extracellular RNA & Host–Pathogen Interactions (nEXt‑RNA MSCA Doctoral Network)

PhD position

9/14/2026

Opportunity at a glance

  • Programme: nEXt‑RNA – Next Generation Scientists Studying Extracellular RNA

  • Type: 11 fully funded 48‑month PhD (Doctoral Candidate) positions

  • Funding: Horizon Europe – Marie Sklodowska‑Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network

  • Eligibility: Master's degree (or equivalent) in biology/biomedical sciences; must satisfy MSCA mobility rule

  • Deadline: 15 October 2026, 23:59 CEST (Europe/Berlin)

  • Start: Between 1 May 2027 and 1 September 2027 (project‑dependent)

  • Locations: 6 countries (Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, UK, France)


Why nEXt‑RNA matters

Extracellular RNA (exRNA) is an emerging research frontier in inter‑kingdom communication.

exRNAs travel outside cells in:

  • Extracellular vesicles (EVs) such as exosomes and microvesicles

  • Non‑vesicular forms, often bound to RNA‑binding proteins (RBPs)

These exRNAs can move between organisms and influence gene expression in recipient cells. Recent work shows that exRNA signalling plays functional roles in diverse host–pathogen interactions, including infections caused by:

  • Viruses

  • Bacteria

  • Fungi

  • Nematodes

  • Plant pathogens

Despite rapid progress, we still know very little about:

  • How exRNA signals are produced, packaged, and released by pathogens and host cells

  • How they are taken up and interpreted by target cells

  • How they rewire immune responses, metabolism, and disease outcomes

nEXt‑RNA brings together academic and non‑academic partners to answer these questions and train a new generation of researchers in exRNA biology, host–pathogen interactions, and RNA‑based therapeutics.

The 11 PhD projects across Europe

The 11 Doctoral Candidates will be hosted by seven beneficiary organisations, with additional training and secondments at associated partners.

Germany – University of Hamburg (Coordinator) – 2 positions

Projects focus on exRNA communication in infection models, combining molecular biology, cell biology, and advanced RNA/EV technologies.

Germany – Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf – 2 positions

Research on exRNA‑mediated regulation in host–pathogen systems, with emphasis on mechanistic dissection of RNA uptake, trafficking, and functional impact.

Greece – University of Crete – 1 position

Fully funded PhD in extracellular RNA communication in host–pathogen interactions, integrating wet‑lab and computational approaches. [web:47][web:48]

Italy – University of Palermo – 1 position

exRNA biology in infection and immunity, leveraging cellular and molecular models of host–pathogen crosstalk.

Netherlands – Utrecht University – 1 position

Interdisciplinary project on exRNA signalling, likely combining cell biology, omics, and quantitative analysis.

United Kingdom – University of Edinburgh – 2 positions

Projects on exRNA‑driven communication in infection, immunity, and possibly plant or animal disease models.

France – École Normale Sup鶶rieure (PSL University) – 2 positions

Mechanistic and systems‑level studies of exRNA function in host–pathogen interactions, potentially with structural, imaging, or computational components.

Research themes you might work on

Depending on the specific doctoral project, research may involve:

  • Host–pathogen interactions at the molecular and cellular level

  • RNA biology: biogenesis, processing, stability, and function of exRNAs

  • Extracellular vesicles: isolation, characterisation, cargo analysis, and functional assays

  • Microbiology and immunology: bacterial, fungal, viral, or nematode infection models

  • Plant biology: plant–pathogen systems and exRNA‑based cross‑kingdom regulation

  • Biochemistry and cell biology: uptake pathways, receptor interactions, intracellular trafficking

  • Bioinformatics and computational biology: RNA‑seq, small‑RNA‑seq, EV‑seq, network analysis, and modelling

Experience in laboratory research and quantitative data analysis is advantageous. For some projects, skills in bioinformatics, coding (Python/R), or scientific programming are particularly valuable.

Who should apply

Typical background:

  • Master's degree (or equivalent) in Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Immunology, Microbiology, or closely related life‑science disciplines

  • Strong motivation for doctoral research in RNA biology and host–pathogen interactions

  • Ability to work both independently and as part of an international, multidisciplinary team

  • Good analytical and problem‑solving skills, critical thinking, and intellectual curiosity

  • Structured, organised approach to research and data management

  • Strong scientific communication and writing skills in English


English language requirement:

  • Minimum B2 level English (or equivalent) to participate fully in research, training, and network activities.

  • Individual host institutions may set higher language requirements.

MSCA eligibility rules (must be met at recruitment):

  • You must not already hold a PhD

  • You must hold a Master's degree (or equivalent) at the time of recruitment

  • You must comply with the MSCA mobility rule:

    • In the 36 months before recruitment, you must not have lived or carried out your main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the recruiting country for more than 12 months

  • Candidates of any nationality may apply

Funding & benefits

The doctoral positions are funded for 48 months under the MSCA Doctoral Network framework.

Successful candidates can expect:

  • A full‑time doctoral research position with a salary according to MSCA regulations and local employment rules

  • Country‑specific adjustments reflecting differences in living costs

  • International and interdisciplinary research experience across multiple institutions

  • Research secondments at academic and non‑academic partner organisations (industry, biotech, diagnostics)

  • Specialised scientific training in exRNA biology, EV technologies, host–pathogen models, and related methods

  • Transferable skills development: scientific writing, presentation, project management, open science, IP, entrepreneurship, and research leadership

  • Participation in network‑wide workshops, training schools, consortium meetings, and conferences

  • Opportunities to build an international professional and research network across academia and industry

Contracts are expected to begin between 1 May 2027 and 1 September 2027, depending on the project and host institution.

How to apply

  1. Explore the 11 projects on the nEXt‑RNA project website and in the Euraxess/University of Crete notices.

  2. Identify the project(s) that best match your background (e.g., wet‑lab RNA/EV biology, computational exRNA analysis, plant vs animal infection models).

  3. Prepare your application materials, typically including:

    • Detailed CV (with publications, thesis topic, key techniques, and coding skills if relevant)

    • Academic transcripts and degree certificates (Bachelor's and Master's)

    • Motivation letter tailored to nEXt‑RNA and your chosen project(s)

    • Evidence of research experience (thesis abstract, project reports, code repositories, posters, etc.)

    • English proficiency proof (if available)

  4. Submit your application through the official nEXt‑RNA recruitment channels as indicated in the project‑specific notices (often via an online portal or email to the listed supervisor/contact).

  5. If the call allows multiple preferences, rank your preferred projects clearly in your motivation letter or application form.

Because each beneficiary organisation may have slightly different submission procedures, always check the project‑specific instructions on the nEXt‑RNA website and the relevant Euraxess/University posting.

Recruitment timeline

  • Applications opened: August 2026

  • Application deadline: 15 October 2026, 23:59 CEST (Europe/Berlin)

  • Evaluation & shortlisting: October–November 2026

  • Interviews: Likely November–December 2026 (project‑dependent)

  • Final decisions: By early 2027

  • Expected start: Between 1 May 2027 and 1 September 2027


How we can help

If you're considering nEXt‑RNA:

  • We can help you match your profile (e.g., RNA‑seq + EV work, infection immunology, plant pathology, computational biology) to the most suitable projects and host institutions.

  • Your mentor can help you craft a targeted motivation letter that connects your past work (thesis, projects, techniques) to exRNA biology and host–pathogen questions.

  • We can review your CV and research statement to highlight the skills nEXt‑RNA supervisors value: experimental design, RNA/EV methods, infection models, data analysis, coding, and interdisciplinary thinking.

Found a fit? Share your shortlist (e.g., Hamburg + Crete + Edinburgh) and a draft CV, and we'll help you turn this into a strong, submission‑ready application before the 15 October deadline.

For more personalized tips or templates contact our team.

www.applywithmentors.com