Offer Description

SECRET is a Doctoral Network funded by the European Union Horizon Europe Programme. The SECRET Consortium is a research network of leading European scientists from academia and industry, experts in human perinatal cells, extracellular vesicle biology, tissue engineering and biocompatible materials. to address key questions on SECRET through a coordinated, interdisciplinary effort in regenerative medicine. SECRET proposes 10 independent doctoral research projects with the ambition of providing its trainees with a comprehensive understanding of paracrine signalling mechanisms, cardiovascular repair, neuro-degenerative diseases, sophisticated modelling of disease and screening platforms, and biomaterials/tissue engineering. Through its research and training activities, the SECRET project will contribute to scientific advancement and innovation in Europe, ultimately leading to societal and economic benefits.

Graduates of SECRET will be well-prepared to enter the workplace with an innovative and beyond state-of-the-art view on different aspects of pre-clinical research and the process of transitioning cellular products into the clinic.

Participating in SECRET offers doctoral candidates many unique opportunities, including:

• A project as Marie Skłodowska Curie trainee in one of the participating institutions with the objective of receiving a doctoral degree (PhD).
• State-of-the art, exciting research in an international consortium with highly integrated research projects.
• Expert training in basic and applied research, along with a thorough understanding of the various phases involved in transitioning from pre-clinical to clinical research.
• A research training period in another consortium member’s lab lasting from a few weeks up to six months, performed for the most part in a different EU country than the country where most of the project will take place.
• Training in both academic and commercial research environments.
• Salary according to EU guidelines for Marie Skłodowska Curie trainees, including mobility payments and family allowances where applicable.

Eligibility criteria

Experience eligibility requirement

Eligible candidates must:

• hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in a field of science relevant to their chosen project (see below);
• demonstrate a history of academic excellence;
• demonstrate an affinity for Basic Immunology and translational research;
• not already be in possession of a doctoral degree at the date of recruitment.

Mobility eligibility requirement

The fellow must not have resided in the country where the research training activities will take place for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the recruitment date (and not have carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in that country).

Other requirements

 

• Applicants must speak and write fluently in English;
• Applicants should be available to start their project preferably not later than March 1st, 2025.;
• Applicants must be eligibile to work in the European Union;
• Other eligibility criteria may apply depending on the recruiting beneficiary.

 

Application Process

SECRET will select Doctoral Candidates through a 2-step recruitment process. 

The selection procedure will be open, transparent, and merit-based, fully aligned with the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers. Although the selection will be based on the quality of applications, gender balance will also be considered.

Candidates can apply for maximum three PhD projects and the applications need to be submitted separately.

Applications (in English) must include:

1. a cover letter which will also include the motivation for the position, emphasizing the candidate’s strength regarding the project and the requirements (max 3 pages)
2. a CV (max 2 pages)
3. a scanned copy of all relevant diplomas or certificates that formally entitle the candidate to embark on a doctorate. Typically, these documents will include Batchelor’s and Master’s Degree certificates. In case the Master’s Degree has not been obtained yet at the closing date for application, the candidate has to submit a declaration signed by their supervisor or University official stating that the degree will be obtained by the time of PhD enrolment.
4. Letter of Recommendation from two appropriate referees or contact details of two referees

Application documents in a single pdf file should be sent by email to relevant project supervisors (see email address in individual project descriptions). The subject line of the email must be in the following format: “SECRET: application for Project#_Title of PhD project”

The closing date for applications is 30 September, 2024.

Applicants are advised to familiarise themselves thoroughly with the projects, for which they apply and be ready to answer questions on their chosen topics. After reviewing all project applications, supervisors of individual projects will contact selected applicants to organise an initial screening interview by telephone or videoconferencing. The most promising candidates may then be invited to a personal interview at the host institution or a further videoconference, potentially with several other project supervisors.