Hosting MSCA-PF Fellow in Cancer Biology – Structural and Functional Characterization of the Tu[...]

Department of Bioscience and Agro-Food and Environmental Technology

Organisation / Company University of Teramo Department Department of Bioscience and Agro-Food and Environmental Technology Is the Hosting related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

The project will investigate the tumor suppressor mechanisms mediated by KLHL14, as potential regulator of cancer cell plasticity and metastatic dissemination. In particular, the fellow will determine KLHL14 and its short isoform X1 three-dimensional protein structures, and subsequently investigate their biological functions using state-of-the-art in vitro and in vivo cancer models. The ultimate goal is to design and test innovative therapeutic molecules capable of mimicking the tumor-suppressive activity of KLHL14.

The research will address the following three key questions:

What are the three-dimensional structures of KLHL14 and its short isoform X1?

What are the molecular mechanisms through which KLHL14 inhibits tumor dissemination and metastasis?

Can the tumor suppressor activity of KLHL14 be mimicked through the rational design of an innovative biotechnological therapeutic molecule?

The project aims to:

• advance knowledge in Life Sciences, with a focus on Cancer Biology and tumor suppressor mechanisms
• introduce innovative structural, molecular and translational research approaches;
• strengthen interdisciplinary and international collaboration in cancer research;
• contribute to addressing major societal challenges related to cancer progression and metastasis.

How will you carry out your work?

Methodologically, the project will adopt structural biology, molecular biology and translational cancer research approaches, ensuring scientific rigor, originality, and a high level of ambition.

The research will combine:

• X-ray crystallography and structural biology to determine the three-dimensional structure of KLHL14 and X1;
• cellular and molecular biology techniques to investigate their function in cancer cell models;
• in vitro tumor models and in vivo animal models of cancer progression;
• biochemical and peptide design approaches for the development of molecules capable of reproducing the tumor suppressor activity of KLHL14.

The project will leverage human-derived biological samples, advanced molecular analyses, and chemical synthesis of bioactive peptides, ensuring scientific rigor, originality, and a high level of ambition.

Within this framework, the selected fellow will be strongly encouraged to develop scientific independence and progressively build their own research profile, in line with the objectives of the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships programme.

Who will supervise you – and why is this strong mentoring?

The project will be supervised by Prof. Angelo Canciello , an established researcher with strong international experience in stem cell biology and cancer research. Prof. Canciello has an active research profile focused on:

• cancer biology and tumor plasticity
• stem cell biology and regenerative medicine

His research combines advanced cell and molecular biology techniques, functional studies of cancer and stem cells, and in vitro and in vivo experimental models of disease. He is actively involved in international research collaborations and European research initiatives, providing the fellow with an excellent opportunity to develop an internationally competitive scientific profile.

The supervisor and the research group provide a stimulating and supportive research environment, promoting scientific independence, interdisciplinary collaboration, international exposure and high-quality training aligned with MSCA principles.

Why is UniTE a competitive host institution for MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship?

The University of Teramo (UniTE) offers a highly structured and supportive environment for MSCA Postdoctoral Fellows.

Selected candidates applying to the MSCA PF 2026 call will benefit from:

• Full support from the UniTE MSCA Desk throughout the entire pre-award phase;
• Dedicated proposal training (MSCA PF Master Class);
• Two-step professional proposal review (sequential reviews before submission).

Funded fellows will also benefit from:

• Full support from the UniTE MSCA Desk for the post-award phase;
• A tailored welcome and mobility support service (arrival, departure, and administrative procedures);
• Access to genomic and proteomic datasets, advanced laboratories for cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, chemistry and structural X-ray analysis
• Opportunities for collaboration with leading research institutions including: Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Rome, Italy; Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy; and Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. These collaborations provide an excellent framework for international scientific exchange and interdisciplinary research development.

UniTE is strongly committed to Open Science, Gender Equality, research integrity, and high-quality doctoral and postdoctoral training.

Are you the ideal candidate for this fellowship?

We welcome applications from outstanding early-career researchers who:

• hold a PhD in Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Cancer Biology or closely related disciplines;
• have a strong research background in cell and molecular biology, cancer biology, structural biology or biochemical approaches;
• demonstrate excellent academic writing and communication skills in English;
• are highly motivated to develop an independent and internationally competitive research career.

What will you gain from this MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship?

By participating in this MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship call, you will be able to address the following key career outcomes:

• develop an excellent and innovative research profile in basic and translational cancer research;
• produce high-impact scientific publications in leading international journals;
• strengthen scientific independence and intellectual leadership.

Impact

• enhance international visibility within the global cancer research community;
• contribute to the advancement of knowledge in tumor biology and anti‑metastatic therapeutic strategies;
• actively engage in scientific dissemination, public communication and open science practices.

Employability

• acquire advanced scientific and transferable skills through a personalised training programme;
• expand professional networks across international academic institutions and research stakeholders;
• improve long‑term career prospects within academia, research institutes and the biotechnology sector.

Overall, the fellowship will support the fellow’s transition towards a sustainable and competitive research career as an excellent next generation researcher, in line with the objectives of the Marie Skłodowska‑Curie Actions.

How to Apply for the Pre-selection Phase?

Before applying, we invite you to check that you meet all eligibility criteria for the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 by consulting the official European Portal. If you are eligible and interested in choosing UniTE as your Host Institution, please complete the online pre-selection application form by 31 March at 11:00 am (Rome time).

To apply, you will need to submit:

• your CV;
• a short project idea;

Your application will be assessed by UniTE, and you will receive feedback on the outcome within approximately one week.

If selected, you will take part in the UniTE MSCA PF Support Programme, designed to help you prepare a strong and competitive proposal. The programme includes:

• a proposal writing Masterclass (20 May and 26 May);
• two proposal review rounds with dedicated feedback.

Final step: with UniTE’s full support, you will submit your MSCA PF proposal through the official European Commission portal, guided throughout the process by the UniTE MSCA Desk.

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