MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship post-traslational modifications and aggregation in amyloid form

Position: MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship on post-traslational modifications and aggregation in amyloid form[...]
Prof. Mariapina D’Onofrio at the Department of Biotechnology of University of Verona (Italy)
invites scholars to present expressions of interest in applying for a Marie Skłodowska‑Curie Postdoctoral Fellowships (MSCA‑PF) on Conformational and aggregation effects of post‑translational modifications in amyloid‑forming proteins

Intrinsically disordered amyloid‑forming proteins are strongly influenced by post‑translational modifications (PTMs), which can reshape their conformations, aggregation pathways, and interactions with other biomolecules. Investigating how specific modification patterns alter protein behavior can greatly benefit from chemical biology approaches that enable the introduction of single or combinatorial PTMs. In addition, combining structural biology with biophysical characterization of modified polypeptides in vitro is key to dissecting conformational ensembles and aggregation mechanisms, helping to identify states that may drive pathology and inform potential therapeutic strategies.

Hosting research group / Supervisor
We are looking for applicants for a Marie Skłodowska‑Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship to be presented with our Department of Biotechnology as main host institution.

The group of Prof. D’Onofrio investigates the conformational properties of intrinsically disordered, amyloid‑forming proteins and their interactions using chemical modification, biochemical and biophysical assays, and structural characterization, with emphasis on NMR spectroscopy. Recent work has focused on defining how the structural propensities of the microtubule‑associated protein tau are perturbed by post‑translational modifications, particularly ubiquitination. In parallel, we studied protein aggregation in vitro to elucidate mechanisms and aggregate morphologies of distinct proteoforms.

We are also interested in studying how exogenous agents, including nanoparticles, natural compounds, and food‑derived molecules, modulate aggregation behavior.

Selected candidates will be offered both academic and administrative support from the Department of Biotechnology and the University of Verona Grant Office with regards to the proposal preparation.

ELIGIBILITY
Candidates must be eligible according to the criteria established by the 2026 MSCA Postdoctoral fellowship call:

To have a PhD at the call)

To have up to 8 years research experience after PhD

To be citizens of an EU State or of an Associated Country or long‑term resident in Europe (only for Global Fellowship)

Not to have resided or carried their main activity in Italy for more than 12 in the 36 months before call) – for European Fellowship

Not to have resided or carried their main activity in the country of the Host Institution in the third country for more than 12 in the 36 months before call) – for a Global Fellowship.

Besides, candidates should be fluent in English, should have excellent teamwork attitude, organizational skills and ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment.

A short CV including personal data (name, date of birth, present position, the name of a referee who has agreed to send a reference letter for you)

A two‑page research proposal

One reference letter should be sent by a referee at the same address

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