A training network on glyconanomaterials as precision tools to unveil key insights on the triggering of the antigen presenting cells against cancer
CanGoNano is a European Training Network funded in the framework of HORIZON Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Networks (MSCA-DN), focusing on glyconanomaterials (GNM) as precision tools of unveil key insights on the triggering of the antigen presenting cells against cancer using antigenic peptides and mRNAs encoding for these peptides. Within CanGoNano, Doctoral Candidates (DCs) will be equipped with a thorough multifaceted knowledge of the potential of glycoscience in cancer immunotherapy and the necessary transferable skills. CanGoNano will provide an international, intersectoral and interdisciplinary educational program, according to the EU Principles for Innovative Doctoral Training. This will put DCs in an advantageous position for job opportunities in both academia and industry.
DC5 PROJECT TITLE. Amino acid-based nanoparticles as precision carriers for the delivery of antigen peptides to antigen presenting cells.
Host Institution: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Laboratory of Immunology, Immunopathology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Strasbourg, France. https://ibmc.cnrs.fr/en/laboratoire/i2ct-en/equipes/therapeutic-multifunctional-carbon-and-2d-nanomaterials/
Duration: 36 months, starting between October 2026 and December 2026.
Supervisors: Cécilia Ménard-Moyon (CNRS, FR) https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0348-2466 and Alberto Bianco (CNRS, FR) https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1090-296X
Co-supervisors: Milo Malanga (Carbohyde, HU) & Sandra van Vliet (Stichting Amsterdam UMC, NL)
DC5 PROJECT. This PhD project will focus on: 1) Multifunctionalization of polydopamine-coated amino acid-based nanoparticles (AA-NPs) with carbohydrate fragments and fluorescent probes; 2) Covalent conjugation of peptides to AA-NPs; 3) Study of the interaction of GNM with lectins on antigen presenting cells; 4) Training in the synthesis of NPs for peptide delivery, chemical functionalization, physicochemical characterization of multifunctional NPs, cell biology, carbohydrate-lectin interactions, industrial scale-up processes.
PLANNED SECONDMENTS. (1) AUMC (NL), S. van Vliet, (II year, 2M), training on the identification of lectins involved in the uptake of GNM; (2) CarboHyde (HU), M. Malanga, (III year, 3M), training on the scale-up of GNM.
PhD School enrolment. University of Strasbourg, Doctoral school of Chemical Science (https://ed.chimie.unistra.fr/en)
APPLICATION PROCEDURE – Deadline 26th May 2026. The applicant must apply through both the CNRS recruitment platform (https://emploi.cnrs.fr/Offres/Doctorant/UPR3572-CECMEN-012/Default.aspx?lang=EN) and through the project website (https://cangonano.eu/). The candidate must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in France for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the recruitment date. Compulsory national service, short stays such as holidays, and time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention are not considered.
Salary
4735,81 € per month (gross, before compulsory employer contributions)
Mobility allowance 710 €/per month (gross, before compulsory employer contributions)
Family allowance, if applicable: 495 €/per month (gross, before compulsory employer contributions)
CANDIDATE PROFILE. – Master degree in Chemistry or Nanomaterial Science – Practical experience in organic and materials chemistry and characterization techniques – Good level of English proficiency (understood, spoken and written)
CanGoNano is to date under the condition that the Grant Agreement n. 101226412