PhD position - MITGEST Doctoral Network

Call for a PhD position

Where: Technion, Faculty of Biology

Lab: Biophysical and Cellular Biology of Molecular Motors

HORIZON-MSCA-DN-2021 – Doctoral Networks (DN)

Project No. 101072515

Quality Control of the Mitochondrial Gene Expression System in Health and Disease

PhD position is available - MITGEST Doctoral Network

This MITGEST program focuses on advancing mitochondrial DNA Stability and Quality Control of the Mitochondrial Gene Expression System in Health and Disease. The network operates under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Action and fosters a highly collaborative environment to achieve extensive multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research. The MITGEST network of seven research institutions and two companies enables close cooperation between industry and academia. It provides doctoral candidates with a sustainable environment to advance their careers through innovative research. MITGEST aims to educate a new generation of scientists with the scientific and transferable skills needed to tackle the many challenges posed by mitochondria’s highly complex, integrated roles in cellular metabolism and disease.

About this DC project

This PhD project aims to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) disorders and the cellular and metabolic responses to mitochondrial heteroplasmy, with the ultimate goal of identifying novel therapeutic strategies.

This research project will characterize mitochondrial dysfunction in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from patient samples and in B-lymphocyte cell lines (LCLs) carrying known mitochondrial mutations. In addition, the project will examine how different nutrient regimens influence cellular energy production.

The project will identify, compare, and functionally assess mitochondrial quality-control mechanisms in individuals with mtDNA disease and in healthy controls, providing deeper insight into mtDNA dynamics and disease pathogenesis.

The selected candidate will conduct advanced, innovative research on mitochondrial dysfunction and its many disease manifestations as part of a multidisciplinary training program. The candidate will be hosted at the Technion - Israel Institute of Technology in Haifa, Israel.

Research Focus Areas

The position is highly multi- and interdisciplinary, including:

• Cell Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry
• Biophyscis

Doctoral candidates will contribute to cutting-edge work involving:

• Novel development of the mitochondria model system for heteroplasmy
• New methodologies to study mitochondrial dynamics and morphology
• Translational application towards mitochondrial heteroplasmy

Training and Benefits

Selected PhD candidate will receive:

• A structured scientific education within a doctoral training framework at the Technion Graduate School
• Participation in international workshops, specialised courses, and conferences
• A fully funded fellowship for the entire PhD
• Integration into a highly visible European research project

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants:

• May be of any nationality
• Must hold a relevant MSc degree or equivalent
• Must meet PhD admission criteria at the host institution
• Must have the academic background required for the respective position
• Must comply with the MSCA Mobility Rule: candidates must not have lived or worked in the host country for more than 12 months during the past three years before recruitment

Local institutional requirements will also apply depending on the recruiting organisation.

More information can be found on the project website: www.mitgest.eu

Application Deadline

10 March 2026, 12:00 (Europe/Rome)

Please send a complete CV and a one-page cover letter outlining your motivation for joining this program to:

Arnon.henn@technion.ac.il

Three letters of recommendation sent directly by referees to:

Arnon.henn@technion.ac.il