The ENTRY-DM Doctoral Network, funded under the prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions – Doctoral Networks (MSCA-DN) programme, is offering 14 fully funded PhD positions across leading European institutions. 

ENTRY-DM is an ambitious interdisciplinary and intersectoral training programme that will equip the next generation of researchers with the expertise to develop novel oligonucleotide-based therapies for myotonic dystrophy. This programme brings together leading academic institutions, innovative biotech companies, and patient advocacy groups, forming a unique collaborative environment for doctoral training at the intersection of fundamental science, translational medicine, and clinical application.

Myotonic dystrophy (DM) is the most common inherited muscular dystrophy in adults. It is a complex multi-systemic disorder, impacting not only skeletal and cardiac muscle but also the nervous system, among others. Despite recent advances in understanding the genetic and molecular mechanisms of DM, no effective treatment is currently available. The use of antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) to counteract the disease-causing mutant RNA has faced delivery challenges and insufficient therapeutic efficacy. The development of clinically viable RNA-targeted therapeutics requires overcoming key scientific and technological hurdles, including poor ASO biodistribution, limited penetration of critical tissues, and the lack of reliable biomarkers to monitor disease progression and treatment response.

ENTRY-DM aims to transform the therapeutic landscape for DM by training a new generation of creative PhD researchers in a structured, interdisciplinary research programme. The project will focus on three major research objectives: (1) development of innovative disease models and exploring disease mechanisms, (2) optimising ASO-based therapies, and (3) defining clinical biomarkers for clinical trials. PhD researchers will investigate genotype-phenotype correlations and RNA dynamics, leveraging cutting-edge genomics, bioinformatics, stem cell research, bioengineering of innovative 3D disease models, medicine chemistry, advanced imaging techniques, as well as neuropsychology approaches and clinical applications, in a truly multidisciplinary project.

To achieve these goals, ENTRY-DM has assembled a consortium of leading European research institutions and biotech companies, providing a truly international and intersectoral research environment. The 9 academic and 2 non-academic beneficiaries include renowned universities and research centres in France, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, and Poland, complemented by 13 associated partners, including patient organisations and biotech companies. Each PhD candidate will be hosted in a dynamic, multi-disciplinary and international setting, benefiting from inter-sectoral secondments, world-class supervision, and specialised training in advanced research techniques, innovation, and career development.

Join ENTRY-DM and contribute to the next wave of RNA-based therapeutics for myotonic dystrophy, a field at the cutting edge of precision medicine and molecular therapies. Be part of a transformative research network that will shape the future of rare disease treatment.

Beneficiaries & Research Institutions

The ENTRY-DM consortium includes 9 academic and 2 non-academic beneficiaries from 6 European countries, along with leading associated partners from academia, industry, and patient organisations. PhD positions are available at the following institutions:

• Inserm (Paris, France) – 2 positions
• Universitat de València (Valencia, Spain) – 2 positions
• Institut de Bioenginyeria de Catalunya (Barcelona, Spain) – 1 position
• Università di Roma Tor Vergata (Rome, Italy) – 1 position
• Radboud University Medical Centre (Nijmegen, The Netherlands) – 2 positions
• Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (Munich, Germany) – 1 position
• Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań (Poznan, Poland) – 1 position
• Centre d’Etudes des Cellules Souches (Evry, France) – 1 position
• Genartis (Genova, Italy) – 1 position
• Université Paris Cité (Paris, France) – 1 position
• Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (Barcelona, Spain) – 1 position
   

Project description:

In this project, DC13 will apply state-of-the-art transcriptomic and proteomic and complementary validation techniques (immunohistochemistry, RNAseq) in the context of DM2. The proteomic biomarker discovery will be performed in a German DM2 cohort. DC13 will use serum samples obtained from 20 DM2 patients, which will be used as a discovery cohort. Ten non-disease controls will be included in the analysis. After in silico analysis and identification of possible biomarker candidates, the proteomic findings will be validated in serum of a separate cohort of DM2 patients. Validation includes targeted proteomics in serum samples, needle biopsy sampling of selected cases, and transcriptomic profiling (RNAseq) of muscle tissue samples. Next, a correlation of biomarker candidates and clinical outcomes will be performed. These include established motor outcomes (manual muscle testing, 10 m walk test, vHOT testing for myotonia, as well as patient-reported outcomes (fatigue and daytime sleepiness scale (FDSS), and DM1-Active-c. Biomarker profiles will also be correlated to the multisystemic nature of the disease by laboratory parameters (e.g. creatine kinase, proBNP, glucose profiles), cardiac abnormalities, and e.g. cataracts.  

Candidate’s Profile:

We are looking for a highly motivated and ambitious doctoral candidate with a medical and/or molecular and cellular biology background. A strong interest in neuromuscular disorders and biomarker discovery is essential. Applicants must hold either a medical doctor’s license or a MSc (or equivalent) in Molecular Life Sciences, Biology, or Biomedical Sciences. Hands-on experience with key molecular biology techniques, such as PCR, RT-PCR, and cell culture, is required. The ideal candidate should demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, a high level of scientific curiosity, and a dedication to advancing therapeutic research. Excellent communication and teamwork skills are necessary for effective collaboration within a multidisciplinary and international research environment. Proficiency in English is mandatory, and basic knowledge of German is highly recommended to enhance institutional and social interactions as a medical doctor.

Doctoral candidates will spend time on secondment during their 36 month employment contracts. Anticipated secondments for this position are: 

1) Genartis, Marzia Rossato (Verona, Spain). Bioinformatic analysis of transcriptomics. (2) Fundacio Institut de Bioenginyeria De Catalunya, Javier Ramon (Barcelona, Spain). Validation of biomarkers in human iPS-derived 3D muscle models.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a single PDF document to Benedikt Schoser (benedikt.schoser@med.uni-muenchen.de) and recruitment.entrydm@gmail.com, named with your full name.

1. A detailed CV (maximum two pages), specifying educational background (name of university/universities, year degree(s) obtained, title(s) of degree(s)), qualifications, work experience, skills, research interests, list of publications (if any) and the names and contact details of two referees.
2. A motivation letter (maximum two pages), describing the candidate’s interest in the network, previous research experience, and current research interest outlining the fit to the desired PhD Project. If you are planning to apply to more than one position in the network, please limit your applications to three positions maximum (from DC1 to DC14) and please provide a separate document detailing which positions you have applied for. 
3. Copy of passport or National Identify Card.
4. Copies of academic certificates (BSc, MSc, and any other relevant diplomas), translated into English, including expected final grade and date.
5. Proof of English proficiency, demonstrated by IELTS, TOEFL, or a university certification confirming that the degree or MSc thesis was conducted in English.
6. Two recommendation letters (maximum 1 page each).

Only documents in English will be accepted.

Applications failing to include the requested documentation, who do not indicate the preferred projects or do not meet the eligibility criteria, will not be considered.

For more information about the project: https://www.institut-myologie.org/2025/02/10/entry-dm-un-reseau-europeen-pour-former-une-nouvelle-generation-de-jeunes-chercheurs-sur-la-dm1-entretien-avec-mario-gomes-pereira/