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Typology
Ph.D Course
Access methods
Restricted access
Duration
3 years
Location
Varese
Language
English
Structure
DIPARTIMENTO DI BIOTECNOLOGIE E SCIENZE DELLA VITA

Course description

The PhD Programme in Life Sciences and Biotechnology (LSB) provides an interdisciplinary training and research environment for early-career researchers interested in the fields of life sciences, biotechnology, health, and environmental sustainability.

The programme combines advanced training with experimental research activities in a dynamic and international scientific setting, fostering research independence, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Research activities are primarily developed within the following areas:

Health and Biomedicine – from the study of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying diseases to the development of innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, as well as advanced biomedical technologies;

Biotechnology, Sustainability and Environment – with a focus on the circular bioeconomy, sustainable production systems, ecosystem conservation, and the interactions between environmental factors and human health.

Doctoral candidates acquire advanced methodological and analytical skills through participation in innovative research projects supported by state-of-the-art technological platforms, including omics technologies, molecular analysis, and imaging systems.

The programme promotes a strong international dimension through scientific collaborations, research networks, mobility opportunities, and participation in conferences and science communication activities. Particular attention is also devoted to technology transfer, open science, and the valorisation of research outcomes.

Thanks to the multidisciplinary expertise of its Academic Board, the PhD Programme offers an integrated research environment in which biological, biotechnological, biomedical, and environmental sciences converge to address major contemporary scientific challenges.

Upon completion of the programme, PhD graduates will have developed advanced competencies in research design and management, critical data analysis, and scientific independence, preparing them for career opportunities in academic research, biotechnology, healthcare, environmental sciences, and industrial innovation.

Scientific areas: 03 – Chemical sciences, 05 – Biological sciences, 06 – Medical sciences, 07 – Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences
Thematic areas: AGRI-09/D, BIOS-01/C, BIOS-02/A, BIOS-03/A, BIOS-04/A, BIOS-07/A, BIOS-08/A, BIOS-10/A, BIOS-14/A, BIOS-15/A, CHEM-07/C, MEDS-13/B, MEDS-15/A, MEDS-16/A, MEDS-17/A, MEDS-18/A
Coordinator: Montagnoli Antonio
Academic Year: 2026/2027
Ph.D. Cycle: XLII cycle

Opportunities and support

We warmly welcome applications from students from across Europe and around the world.

Application and Admission

International candidates can apply through the standard PhD admission procedure described in the official call for applications. Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the admission requirements, deadlines, and evaluation criteria before submitting their application.

Non-Italian applicants may also find useful information on enrolment procedures, visas, residence permits, and student services through the University's international student webpages.

Accommodation and Living in Varese

Several accommodation options are available for PhD students in Varese and the surrounding area. The University of Insubria provides access to university residences, subject to availability and specific calls, as well as support services for finding private accommodation. For further information on accommodation opportunities, please visit: Accommodation Services at the University of Insubria.

Why Choose Insubria?

  • International and interdisciplinary research environment
  • Strong connections with European and international research networks
  • Modern research facilities and laboratories
  • High quality of life in the Italian lake district, close to Milan, Switzerland, and major European transport hubs

Enrollment

The PhD Programme in Life Sciences and Biotechnology is offered for the 42nd Cycle (XLII Cycle).

The programme provides:

  • 7 positions with a PhD scholarship
  • 1 position with a PhD scholarship funded through the LIFE NatConnect2030 project “Natural Connections for Natura 2000 in Northern Italy to 2030”
  • 2 positions without a scholarship

Apply through the Call for Applications.

 

Available projects:

Positions with Scholarship: 

1. “Discovery, biosynthesis, mode of action and innovative applications of new antibiotics”. Supervisor: Dr. Francesca Berini 

2. “Bioactive natural peptides for improving plant stress resistance”. Supervisor: Prof. Marcella Bracale 

3. “Integrated regulation of PRODH expression: transcriptional, epigenetic and microRNA-mediated mechanisms”. Supervisor: Prof. Paola Campomenosi 

4. “Development of biocatalysts and synthetic metabolic pathways for plastic degradation and valorization through integrated bioinformatics and protein engineering approaches”. Supervisor: Prof. Gianluca Molla 

5. “Analysis of soil–root–mycorrhizal interactions along an aridity gradient in Europe and a permafrost gradient in Central Asia”. Supervisor: Prof. Antonio Montagnoli 

6. “Metabolism of the amino acid serine in the human central nervous system”. Supervisor: Prof. Luciano Piubelli 

7. “Valorization of biomass and waste feedstocks for the production of highvalue molecules and the development of sustainable bioprocesses”. Supervisor: Prof. Elena Rosini 

8. “Advancing Sustainable Aquaculture: Feed Development from Agro-Industrial By-Products and Their Effects on Fish Intestinal Microbiota”. Supervisor: Prof. Genciana Terova 

Additional Scholarship on Project Funds: 

9. “Analysis of conservation status and forage value of grasslands of conservation interest in Lombardy” Supervisor: Prof. Bruno Enrico Leone Cerabolini Scholarship funded by the LIFE NatConnect2030 project “Natural connections for Natura2000 in Northern Italy to 2030”.

Positions without Scholarship:

10. “Epigenetic and Molecular Predictors of Progression from Sinonasal Inverted Papilloma to Squamous Cell Carcinoma”. Supervisor: Prof. Paolo Battaglia 

11. “Environmental Pollutants, Immune Macro&Microenvironment Alterations, and Biomarker Discovery in Lung Cancer and Cognitive/Functional Decline-Associated Pathologies”. Supervisor: Prof. Antonino Bruno. The research activities associated with this reference project will be conducted at the Innate Immunity Laboratory (Affiliated Unit of Molecular Pathology, Biochemistry, and Immunology) of the IRCCS MultiMedica in Milan, within the Joint Platform under the Framework Agreement between the University of Insubria and IRCCS MultiMedica.

Applicants to the PhD Programme in Life Sciences and Biotechnology must hold a Master’s Degree (or an equivalent second-cycle academic qualification), or a foreign academic degree recognised as suitable for admission to doctoral studies, in a field relevant to the programme's research areas.

Candidates who have not yet obtained their degree may also apply. However, enrolment can only be completed by those who obtain the required qualification by 31 October.

The programme welcomes applicants from a broad range of disciplines, including life sciences, biotechnology, biomedicine, chemistry, environmental sciences, agricultural sciences, veterinary sciences, engineering, computer science, and quantitative disciplines. Particular value is placed on multidisciplinary backgrounds and the integration of diverse expertise within research projects.

The complete list of eligible degree classes and qualifications is available in the Call for Applications.

Admission to the PhD Programme in Life Sciences and Biotechnology is based on the following assessment stages:

  • Evaluation of qualifications and academic credentials (maximum 60 points)
  • Oral examination (maximum 60 points)

The evaluation of qualifications takes into account the applicant’s academic background, research experience, and the relevance of their profile to the research areas of the PhD Programme, according to the criteria specified in the Call for Applications. Applicants who obtain at least 40/60 points in this stage are admitted to the oral examination.

The oral examination is designed to assess the candidate’s scientific profile, motivation, and research interests. The interview is conducted at least partly in English. A minimum score of 40/60 points is required to pass the oral examination.

Applicants residing abroad or otherwise unable to attend in person may request to take the oral examination remotely via Microsoft Teams, subject to approval by the Selection Committee.

For detailed information on the selection procedures and evaluation criteria, please refer to the Call for Applications.

The PhD Programme in Life Sciences and Biotechnology (LSB) prepares highly qualified researchers and professionals capable of designing, developing, and managing scientific and applied research projects in interdisciplinary and international environments.

The programme provides advanced theoretical, experimental, and managerial skills in the fields of life sciences, biotechnology, health, environmental sustainability, and the bioeconomy, fostering the integration of research, innovation, and technology transfer.

The competencies developed throughout the PhD programme are applicable across a wide range of sectors, including:

  • industrial, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, plant, and biomedical biotechnology;
  • diagnostics, medical testing, and the development of molecular and cellular assays;
  • circular bioeconomy, sustainable production systems, and ecosystem conservation;
  • pharmaceutical, agri-food, chemical, and bio-based industries;
  • quality control and scientific instrumentation;
  • technology transfer, intellectual property, and research valorisation;
  • science communication and innovation support services.

Graduates of the programme may pursue careers at universities and public or private research institutions, diagnostic and analytical laboratories, biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, high-innovation enterprises, and organisations operating in the fields of health, environment, and sustainability.

Typical career paths include positions as researchers, biotechnologists, innovation and technology transfer specialists, intellectual property experts, science communication professionals, and entrepreneurs in the biotechnology sector.

Class attendance

Given the strongly interdisciplinary nature of its research areas, the training programme is designed to provide a solid common foundation while supporting the development of specific scientific profiles. This is achieved through shared educational activities that are progressively integrated with the definition of individual research projects.

The educational offer is structured into the following types of activities:

  • core disciplinary activities;
  • transversal skills activities;
  • seminar activities;
  • advanced English language training;
  • scientific reporting and research communication activities.

The training programme is defined and approved annually by the PhD Programme Board, which is also responsible for its periodic update in line with the evolution of research lines and the training needs of doctoral candidates.

The PhD Programme is primarily delivered in person. A blended learning format may be available upon justified request.

Training activities include both lectures and hands-on practical work, including experimental and/or computational activities, aimed at developing research skills across the different disciplinary areas of the Programme.

The training plan is defined and updated on a continuous basis.

The schedule of lectures and seminars is available at the following page: This page will be available shortly.

The PhD Programme in Life Sciences and Biotechnology (LSB) strongly promotes and encourages the international mobility of doctoral candidates, providing support for research periods abroad and for the development of skills in international scientific environments.

International experience is a key component of the training pathway, aimed at fostering the development of independent, highly qualified researchers capable of pursuing academic careers at leading universities or entering advanced research environments in both the public and private sectors worldwide.

In recent years, doctoral candidates from the Programme have carried out research stays at several international institutions, including the Toolik Field Station and the University of Alaska Fairbanks (USA), the University of Western Australia (Perth, Australia), The Arctic University of Norway (Tromsø, Norway), the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research – WSL (Birmensdorf, Zurich, Switzerland), and the Complutense University of Madrid (Spain).

The contact person for internationalisation within the LSB PhD Programme is Dr Francesca Berini.

The PhD Programme in Life Sciences and Biotechnology (LSB) provides doctoral candidates with access to the experimental facilities and research infrastructure of the Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences (DBSV). These include specialist laboratories, shared facilities, and major university-level equipment supporting a wide range of research activities.

Discover the available infrastructure and the main research lines of the Department:

  • DBSV facilities and laboratories
  • DBSV research: groups, research areas, and scientific activities

At the end of each academic year, doctoral candidates present and discuss the results of the activities carried out within their research project.

A brief written report is also required, summarising the progress of the project, the activities undertaken, and the main results achieved.

Studying

Mandatory activities offered by the PhD Programme

1st Year

Biostatistics (3 ECTS) – PhD Programme Faculty
This course introduces essential statistical concepts in the Life Sciences, with a focus on experimental design and data analysis, helping students understand the strengths and limitations of statistical methods.

Trends in Biomolecular Science (2 ECTS) – PhD Programme Faculty
This course provides advanced theoretical and practical training in biomolecular sciences, offering multidisciplinary knowledge and skills to support students in their biotechnological research projects across different application areas.

Cross-Disciplinary and Soft Skills – Module A (1 ECTS) – PhD Programme Faculty and external professionals
While specialised knowledge is essential, transversal skills (or soft skills) such as communication, creativity, and management are key to professional success. These highly demanded competencies help students apply their knowledge in organisational and professional contexts.

Module A: Information literacy; digital literacy; doctoral thesis and copyright; open access; information retrieval and data processing.

2nd Year

Bioinformatics (3 ECTS) – Prof. Gianluca Molla
Students gain hands-on experience with key bioinformatics methods for protein analysis. The course is held in a computer laboratory, with practical activities carried out by students under the supervision of the lecturer. Results are critically discussed.

Trends in Biomolecular Science (2 ECTS) – PhD Programme Faculty
The course provides advanced theoretical and practical training in biomolecular sciences, integrating different disciplines to equip students with the skills required for biotechnological research across various application fields.

Cross-Disciplinary and Soft Skills – Module B (1 ECTS) – PhD Programme Faculty and external professionals
While specialised knowledge is essential, transversal skills (or soft skills) such as communication, creativity, and management are key to professional success. These highly demanded competencies help students apply their knowledge in organisational and professional contexts.

Module B: Presentation skills; problem solving; results dissemination.

3rd Year

Cross-Disciplinary and Soft Skills – Module C (1 ECTS) – PhD Programme Faculty and external professionals
While specialised knowledge is essential, transversal skills (or soft skills) such as communication, creativity, and management are key to professional success. These highly demanded competencies help students apply their knowledge in organisational and professional contexts.

Module C: Economics; project management; patents and trademarks; European research programmes.

Throughout the three-year programme, doctoral candidates participate in a set of mandatory and optional transversal activities (minimum 3 ECTS) aimed at developing scientific, methodological, and professional skills that complement their research training.

The educational offer includes courses and workshops on topics such as innovation, research integrity, digital skills, scientific communication, and project management.

Please find here the main activities offered:

Transversal activities - XLII cycle

The training programme includes a set of elective activities chosen freely by doctoral candidates, including seminars, courses, workshops, and other educational initiatives organised by the Doctoral School, other PhD programmes within the University, or external universities, provided they are appropriately certified for credit recognition.

These activities allow doctoral candidates to build a personalised training pathway, aligned with their scientific interests and individual research projects. Attendance may be distributed over the three years of the programme, up to a maximum of 1 ECTS per year.

This component of the training pathway promotes the acquisition of advanced knowledge and specialised skills, supporting the development of innovative and multidisciplinary approaches applicable to research activities.

The University offers doctoral candidates optional English language courses through the Macmillan English Campus (MEC) multimedia platform, as well as dedicated teaching activities aimed at achieving a B2 level language certification.

Attainment of a B2 level certification is mandatory within the first year of the programme and constitutes a requirement for the award of the PhD degree.

For detailed information on available courses and recognised certifications, candidates may contact the University Language Centre.

It is also possible to verify whether previously obtained language certifications may be recognised within the LSB PhD Programme.

Student services

Information for Doctoral Candidates

Course committees and representatives

Composition of the PhD Programme Board in Life Sciences and Biotechnology:

Full Professors

Associate Professors

Researchers

The AiQua PhD LSB Committee is responsible for overseeing the quality control of all teaching and research activities within the PhD program. It interacts with the Faculty Board, the Doctoral School, and the Department Council.

The Committee is composed of the Coordinator, two members of the Faculty Board, one PhD student representative, and one member of the Didactic Secretariat. 

The composition of the Committee is proposed by the Faculty Board and appointed by the Department Council.

Find out more:

AiQua Committee - PhD in Life Sciences and Biotechnology

The Advisory Committee is composed of the Coordinator and at least five members with a renewable three-year term. 

These members are selected from among the stakeholders (PI) and are appointed by the Faculty Board upon the Coordinator's recommendation. 

The composition of the Advisory Committee may be modified or updated to ensure it reflects the representation of the stakeholders.

Advisory Committee - PhD in Life Sciences and Biotechnology

XLI cycle: Dr. Giorgia Costantini

XL cycle: Dr. Maddalena Zana

For information