Reprogramming Inflammation and Repair: MSCA-PF in Immunometabolism via EV-Mediated Mitochondria

Position: Reprogramming Inflammation and Repair: MSCA-PF in Immunometabolism via EV-Mediated Mitochondria[...]
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
This postdoctoral project will focus on:
This postdoctoral project investigatesextracellular vesicles (EVs) and intercellular mitochondrial transfer regulate immunometabolic reprogramming during tissue regeneration. The research will explore how vesicle-mediated signaling and mitochondrial exchange modulate immune cell function, inflammation resolution, and metabolic plasticity in injured tissues. By integrating molecular, cellular, and functional approaches, the project aims to uncover novel regenerative mechanisms and therapeutic targets. The project builds on the supervisor’s previous work and on emerging international literature in immunometabolism and regenerative biology.
The research will address the following three key questions:

How do extracellular vesicles influence mitochondrial metabolism and immune cell activation during tissue repair?
What are the molecular and cellular mechanisms governing mitochondrial transfer in inflammatory microenvironments?
Can targeted modulation of EV-mediated mitochondrial signaling enhance regenerative outcomes and reduce chronic inflammation?

The project aims to:

advance knowledge in immunometabolism and regenerative medicine;
introduce innovative theoretical and/or methodological perspectives;
strengthen interdisciplinary and international approaches;
contribute to addressing relevant scientific and societal challenges.

How will you carry out your work?
Methodologically, the project will adoptan integrated and multidisciplinary approach combining:

advanced isolation and molecular profiling of extracellular vesicles;
metabolic and mitochondrial functional analyses (respirometry, metabolomics, live-cell imaging);
single-cell and immunophenotyping approaches;
in vitro and in vivo models of inflammatory tissue injury and regeneration.

These methods will ensure scientific scientific rigor, originality, and a high level of ambition.
The selected fellow will be encouraged to progressively develop an independent research profile within this framework.
Who will supervise you – and why is this strong mentoring?
The project will be supervised by Prof.

Barbara Barboni , an established researcher with strong international experienceinregenerative stem cell biology and cellularcommunication.
Prof. Barboni has an active research profilein extracellular vesicles, mitochondrial biology, and tissue regeneration, with demonstrated expertise in advanced imaging, omics-based approaches, and translational models and she is strongly engaged in international research networks.
The supervisor and the research group provides a stimulating and supportive environment, fostering scientific independence, excellence, and international exposure.
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);
Unite

DOC will support a personalised training programme, combining scientific and transferable skills ((Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). ) aligned with the fellow’s career development plan;
Access to cell and tissue laboratories, molecular biology equipments and imaging platform ;
Opportunities for collaboration with European and extra EU universities leader in this research field to strengthen the fellow’s international profile;
UniTE is strongly committed to Open Science, Gender Equality, research integrity, and high-quality doctoral…