ViroiDoc Open Call for PhD positions in Italy: Application Results

The names of selected MSCA fellows for PhD positions in the participating countries will be announced soon.

Between 23 July and 5 September 2025, ViroiDoc received 209 applications from 30 countries in response to its Open Call for PhD positions in Italy. Of these, 196 applications met the eligibility criteria and proceeded to further evaluation.

The following PhD positions were open at the National Research Council - Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection (CNR-IPSP) in cooperation with the Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro (UNIBA-DiSSPA):

• DC7 in Italy: IRP Dissection of viroid pathogenesis through omics and phenotyping approaches
• DC8 in Italy: IRP Identification and characterization of novel infectious circular viroid-like RNAs in hosts belonging to different kingdoms
   

For the two PhD vacancies available at the CNR in Italy, 25 applications exceeded the 75% evaluation threshold. Following a rigorous selection process, 6 candidates were invited for interviews, and ultimately, 2 candidates were offered research positions.

We will soon announce the names of those selected for PhD positions in the participating countries. The selected candidates are currently undergoing recruitment and enrolment procedures at the respective host institutions and universities.

We kindly ask all applicants for their patience regarding individual evaluation results or inquiries. We appreciate your understanding as we complete the final stages of this process.

Thank you to everyone who applied. We look forward to the next phase of the ViroiDoc journey and will continue to share updates as they become available.

The Doctoral Network ViroiDoc offers exciting projects on viroids, the smallest plant pathogens, and viroid-like RNAs that have only recently been discovered outside the plant kingdom. The programme includes secondments to partner laboratories or companies involved in plant breeding and plant protection located in Argentina, Czechia, Germany, Poland and Spain.

This is an opportunity to pursue a PhD in one of Europe’s top research centres with an outstanding mentoring and career support. A comprehensive network-wide training and internship program, both in academia and industry.

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Follow us on social media platforms to stay informed about future opportunities and upcoming initiatives. For any inquiries regarding the open call or next steps, please reach out to us at info@viroidoc.eu.