Call Expression of Interest MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships at UNIGE – N. Afm-Sted cor

Overview

Organisation / Company University of Genoa Department Department of Physics Is the Hosting related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Description - Call for Expression of Interest for a joint application under the upcoming Call for MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026

University of Genoa, UNIGE, located in Genoa, ITALY, welcomes postdoctoral researchers of any nationality, with an excellent track record, to apply to the European Commission Marie Sklodowska-Curie (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026. Our University has been beneficiary of several MSCA-PF in Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe.

The Marie Sklodowska Curie (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowship is one of funding scheme of the European Commission’s Horizon Europe Research & Innovation programme, dedicated to excellent research promoting international mobility, as well as interdisciplinary and intersect oral exchanges.

MSCA fellowship grant provides a competitive salary plus mobility and family allowances if applicable, as well as a contribution to cover research, training and networking costs. The research projects will have 2- or 3-years duration.

Selected candidates will be provided with special support for proposal writing and development
.

The University of Genoa will organize in May the fifth edition of the
Masterclass MSCA@Uni Ge.Selected candidate researchers will have the opportunity to attend a 2-days online intensive training and coaching course on how to write a successful proposal.This masterclass is a pathway of support to candidates and their supervisors in preparing project proposal, includingprescreening activity of the draft proposals and the organisation of dedicated B2B meetings, by the European Research Office of Uni Ge, National Contact Point and other experts.

The masterclass will take place in Spring
2026
.

The project centers on the aggregation of proteins and peptides associated with neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Specifically, it investigates seeded aggregation and cross-aggregation, wherein multiple protein or peptide species combine to form aggregates. The research employs cutting-edge microscopy techniques, including AFM-STED correlative microscopy, STED, MinFluX, and other advanced imaging methods.

This work is conducted in collaboration with research groups across the EU, involving close interdisciplinary cooperation with biologists and medical doctors. The ultimate goal is to address a pressing diagnostic challenge in the context of neurodegenerative disorders, paving the way for improved understanding and potential solutions to these debilitating conditions.

The Department of Physics at the University of Genoa hosts a diverse range of research units, encompassing areas from theoretical to applied physics. Within the department, the Biophysics group is equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories for Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and optical fluorescence microscopy.

The facilities include four AFM systems, two confocal microscopes, a multi-photon excitation microscope, a STED super-resolution microscope, and a cutting-edge Min Flux microscope. An integrated setup that combines AFM with fluorescence microscopy (confocal and STED) further enhances the research capabilities.

The Biophysics unit also benefits from direct access to DIFILAB, a facility established as part of the ministerial "Departments of Excellence" initiative. DIFILAB provides advanced technological solutions in biophysics, supporting innovative research at the intersection of physics and biology.

For MSCA-PF 26 call (opening foreseen on 10th April 2026), at the deadline for the submission of proposals (9th September 2026) postdoctoral candidates shall have a maximum of 8 years of postdoctoral research experience and must not have resided or carried out their main activities in Italy (for European Fellowship) or in the Third Country of the outgoing phase (for Global Fellowship) for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the above mentioned deadline.

Info on MSCA PF available at the following link: