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Call for scholarship applications
Molecular mechanisms of hepatocarcinogenesis
Application Deadline: August 1st, 2025
Start Date: September 1st, 2025
Duration: 12 months
Scholarship Amount: The gross amount of the scholarship is €18,750 for the entire 12-month period.
Location: Fondazione Italiana Fegato, AREA Science Park, Trieste, Italy
The Fondazione Italiana Fegato (FIF) is pleased to announce a competitive scholarship opportunity for highly motivated candidates with a Master’s degree (Laurea Magistrale) in scientific disciplines, including but not limited to Biological Sciences and Biotechnology.
Project Overview
The scholarship will support participation in a research project focused on the molecular mechanisms underlying hepatocarcinogenesis, with the goal of advancing our understanding of liver cancer pathogenesis and identifying potential molecular targets for therapy.
This project will offer the selected candidate a significant opportunity for scientific and professional growth, with direct involvement in experimental design, data generation, and critical analysis. The experience is designed to provide hands-on training in translational research, integrating molecular biology, cellular models, and cancer biology within a high-level research infrastructure.
This program is particularly suited for candidates interested in pursuing doctoral studies or a research career in the field of molecular oncology or liver diseases. The selected scholar will:
- Gain practical experience in advanced molecular biology techniques and experimental oncology.
- Develop critical thinking, data interpretation, and scientific communication skills through mentoring and team interaction.
- Have the opportunity to contribute to peer-reviewed publications, attend scientific seminars, and connect with a network of researchers from national and international institutions.
Candidate Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a Master’s degree in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g., Biological Sciences, Biotechnology).
- Proficiency in English, both written and spoken, suitable for integration into an international research environment.
- Experience in cell culture techniques.
- Skills in nucleic acid extraction and purification.
- Competence in the principal techniques for protein analysis, including:
- Western Blot (WB)
- Immunohistochemistry (IHC)
- Immunofluorescence (IF)
- Familiarity with molecular biology methods, such as:
- Gene silencing (e.g., siRNA/shRNA)
- Genome editing (e.g., CRISPR-Cas9)
- Transfection techniques
- Enzymatic assays
Additional qualifications will be considered a plus and may strengthen the application.
Application Deadline: August 1st, 2025
Start Date: September 1st, 2025
Duration: 12 months
Scholarship Amount: The gross amount of the scholarship is €18,750 for the entire 12-month period.
Location: Fondazione Italiana Fegato, AREA Science Park, Trieste, Italy
Additional Information
This scholarship does not constitute an employment contract. The activity will be conducted in a stimulating, multidisciplinary research environment, with opportunities to interact with national and international collaborators.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit the following documents in English:
- Curriculum Vitae
Applications and inquiries should be sent to: direzionefif@fegato.it
Selected candidates will be contacted for interview.
The evaluation results will be communicated by August 20.
🧬 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Fondazione Italiana Fegato (FIF)
Location: Trieste, Italy – AREA Science Park
Field(s): Molecular Medicine, Genome Engineering, Synthetic Biology, Virology, Translational Hepatology
🧪 Host Institution
The Fondazione Italiana Fegato (FIF) is a non-profit biomedical research institute based in Trieste, Italy. Located within the AREA Science Park, FIF plays a key role in advancing liver biology, molecular medicine, and synthetic biology through integrated and translational research. Recognized by the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MIUR), the foundation promotes international scientific collaboration and training, with a strong emphasis on high-risk/high-gain research at the interface of genomics, biotechnology, and disease modelling.
🔬 Research Areas of Interest
FIF welcomes expressions of interest from potential Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellows in the following domains:
- Genome engineering and editing technologies
- Synthetic biology and synthetic virology
- Rare liver diseases and metabolic disorders
- Inflammation, fibrosis, and cancer models
- Gene therapy and large DNA delivery systems
- Microbiome–liver interactions and host–pathogen dynamics
Proposals combining basic mechanisms with translational potential are especially encouraged.
🧫 Infrastructure and Environment
FIF offers access to:
- Molecular biology, synthetic genomics, and genome editing labs
- Cell culture, metabolic analysis, and in vivo experimentation platforms
- Genomics, cryoEM, spatial transcriptomics and structural biology technologies via AREA Science Park
- Research collaborations with leading Italian and international universities, research institutes, and biotech startups
- A multidisciplinary scientific environment, including access to resources and facilities from partner institutions such as the University of Udine
🌍 Why apply with us?
- International research environment with a long-standing tradition of hosting researchers from over 20 countries
- Access to leading infrastructure in biotechnology and molecular medicine
- Strong institutional support for proposal writing and mentoring
- Experience in national and EU-funded projects (Horizon 2020, Marie Skłodowska-Curie, AIRC, Telethon, PNRR)
- Located in one of Europe’s most active scientific hubs, with close proximity to other research institutions and innovation ecosystems
🧑🔬 Eligibility and Expression of Interest
We welcome interest from talented researchers who are:
- Eligible for MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships (≤8 years post-PhD, mobility rule applies)
- Interested in contributing to FIF’s mission of combining scientific excellence with societal impact
- Motivated to develop innovative and competitive proposals for the 2025 call (or future editions)
📬 How to apply
Please contact us at direzionefif@fegato.it with:
- Your CV
- A brief statement of research interests and your alignment with FIF’s scientific areas
We are happy to support your application and co-develop a successful project together.
🔗 More information about MSCA PF
🌐 Learn more about FIF
All details here – Euraxess website
https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/hosting/marie-sklodowska-curie-postdoctoral-fellowship-translational-hepatology-italian-liver
