MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026: Research Topics and Supervisors at UNICAM

The University of Camerino welcomes talented postdoctoral researchers interested in applying for the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 with UNICAM as host institution. 

Each topic has been designed to offer a strong combination of scientific excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, advanced facilities, international networking, and career development opportunities.
Candidates are invited to identify the research area that best matches their profile and interests, and to contact the relevant supervisor to discuss the development of a competitive MSCA proposal.

 

🔴 SCHOOL OF BIOSCIENCES AND VETERINARY MEDICINE


Microbial Competition in Mosquito Vectors

Supervisor: Prof. Guido Favia

This research topic addresses the role of microbial interactions in mosquito vectors, with a special focus on microbial competition, vector microbiota, host–symbiont interactions, and innovative strategies for the control of mosquito-borne diseases. Hosted in a highly specialized environment that includes an insectary with multiple mosquito species, parasitology and microbiology laboratories, molecular biology platforms, and omics facilities, the project offers a strong interdisciplinary setting at the intersection of microbiology, vector biology, genomics, and disease ecology. The group is supported by an extensive international research network and is particularly suited for candidates interested in environmentally sustainable approaches to vector-borne disease control.

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Conserving Forest Biodiversity: A Multitaxonomic Assessment of Protected Areas Effectiveness

Supervisor: Stefano Chelli

This research topic focuses on biodiversity conservation in forest ecosystems through a multitaxonomic and functional approach, integrating data across multiple organism groups and ecological scales. The project investigates how protected areas contribute to preserving biodiversity and ecosystem multifunctionality under global change, combining long-term monitoring datasets, field-based ecological research, and advanced statistical analysis. The hosting group operates within national and European monitoring networks and manages long-term ecological research sites in the Central Apennines, providing a rich data-driven environment for ecological modelling and conservation science. The topic is particularly suitable for candidates with a background in ecology, biodiversity science, or environmental biology interested in conservation strategies and ecosystem dynamics.

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Sleep-Dependent Brain Clearance and Neuromodulation

Supervisor: Michele Bellesi

This project explores the neurobiological mechanisms linking sleep to brain homeostasis, with a particular focus on glymphatic clearance, glial activity, and neuromodulation strategies. The research integrates systems neuroscience, cellular and molecular biology, and translational approaches to investigate how sleep influences brain function and resilience to neurological disorders. The Brain & Sleep Research Laboratory offers advanced infrastructures for multimodal sleep recording, electrophysiology, molecular analysis, and closed-loop sensory stimulation, within a highly international research network. The project is particularly suited for candidates interested in neuroscience, neurophysiology, neurodegeneration, and translational brain research.

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🟢 SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY


Advanced Materials for Energy Storage and Spectroscopic Characterization

Supervisor: Marco Giorgetti

This research topic focuses on the structural and electronic characterization of advanced materials for energy storage, with particular attention to battery technologies and sustainable energy systems. The project combines spectroscopy, electrochemistry, and materials science to investigate structure–property relationships in complex materials, including Prussian blue analogues and next-generation battery components. The hosting environment is part of the Spectroscopy, Electrochemistry and Energy (S2E) Research Group, with access to advanced laboratories and international synchrotron facilities across Europe and the United States. The project is especially suitable for candidates with a background in chemistry, materials science, or energy technologies interested in experimental and analytical approaches to sustainable materials.

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Deep Learning for Complex Quantum Matter

Supervisor: Prof. Sebastiano Pilati
School of Science and Technology – Physics Division, Complex Quantum Matter Group

This topic is aimed at researchers interested in computational physics, deep learning, quantum simulation, high-performance computing, and hybrid classical-quantum methods. The project explores how advanced machine learning techniques can enhance the simulation of complex quantum matter, with applications ranging from condensed matter physics to optimization problems relevant in finance and molecular design. The hosting group provides access to HPC servers with GPUs, major European supercomputing infrastructures, and a dynamic research environment connected to international collaborations and national quantum science networks. It is an especially attractive opportunity for candidates with experience in computational methods and interest in next-generation quantum technologies.

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Sustainable Composite Materials and Bio-Based Solutions

Supervisor: Carlo Santulli

This project investigates the development of bio-based composite materials and sustainable production processes, focusing on natural fibres, waste biomass, and innovative adhesive systems. The research aims to translate traditional knowledge and restoration materials into new applications for acoustic and thermal insulation, contributing to circular economy and sustainable construction. The hosting environment integrates materials science, environmental sustainability, and engineering, supported by laboratories for materials characterization and mechanical, acoustic, and thermal testing. This opportunity is particularly suitable for candidates interested in sustainable materials, circular economy, and applied materials science.

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Volcanology and Magma Dynamics: Experimental and Synchrotron-Based Approaches

Supervisor: Fabio Arzilli

This project addresses the dynamics of magma ascent, crystallization, and eruption processes through experimental petrology, volcanology, and synchrotron-based techniques. The research focuses on understanding the physical and chemical mechanisms controlling volcanic activity, including crystal-bubble interactions, magma rheology, and degassing processes. The hosting group operates within an international network and has extensive experience in synchrotron experiments and high-pressure, high-temperature investigations. This topic is particularly suited for candidates interested in geosciences, volcanology, and experimental approaches to natural hazards and Earth processes.

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Design and Development of Next-Generation Transition Metal Complexes for Targeted Therapies

Supervisor: Maura Pellei

This research topic focuses on the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of innovative transition metal complexes with enhanced selectivity and efficacy for therapeutic applications. The project explores the development of biofunctionalized ligands and their coordination with main-group and transition metal ions, aiming to generate new compounds with potential anticancer and antibacterial activity. The research integrates coordination chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and bioinorganic approaches, within a well-equipped laboratory environment supporting advanced synthesis and characterization techniques, including NMR, mass spectrometry, and spectroscopic analysis. The topic is particularly suitable for candidates with a background in chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, or related fields interested in drug design and metal-based therapeutics.

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Immersive Virtual Worlds and Digital Twins for Collaborative Ecosystems

Supervisor: Fabrizio Fornari

This project explores the design and development of digital twins, virtual worlds, and immersive environments for complex systems and collaborative digital ecosystems. The research integrates Internet of Things, model-driven engineering, extended reality (XR), and interactive simulation technologies to support innovation in industry, education, and digital services. The hosting environment includes the PROS Lab and the UNICAM OMiLAB node, providing infrastructures for IoT development, VR/XR experimentation, and prototyping of cyber-physical systems. The topic is particularly suitable for candidates interested in software engineering, human–computer interaction, virtual environments, and digital transformation.

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🔴 SCHOOL OF PHARMACY

Smart Stimuli-Responsive Hydrogel Platforms for Precision Treatment of Chronic Wounds

Supervisors: Roberta Censi
School of Pharmacy

This project focuses on the development of smart biomaterials, stimuli-responsive hydrogels, localized drug delivery systems, regenerative medicine strategies, and precision therapeutic platforms for chronic wound care. The proposed research addresses major healthcare challenges such as diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, infection control, tissue regeneration, and antimicrobial resistance. The hosting environment combines expertise in pharmaceutical sciences, biomaterials, nanomedicine, and biofabrication, supported by fully equipped laboratories and access to advanced characterization and biological validation facilities.
This opportunity is especially relevant for candidates interested in smart biomaterials, pharmaceutical technologies, biomedical engineering, and translational therapeutic platforms.

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🔵 SCHOOL OF LAW

The Sustainable Twin Transition: Legal Perspectives

Supervisor: Lucia Ruggeri

This project investigates the legal dimensions of the green and digital transitions, focusing on the intersection between sustainability, technological innovation, and citizens’ rights. The research addresses key European policy frameworks, including the Green Deal and data economy strategies, and explores their implications for private law, contracts, liability, and access to justice. The hosting environment provides access to international legal research networks, Jean Monnet initiatives, and interdisciplinary collaborations in sustainability law. The topic is particularly suitable for candidates with a background in private law, EU law, or comparative law interested in sustainability and legal innovation.

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⚫️ SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN

Climate-Responsive Urban Environments for Small and Medium-Sized Cities

Supervisor: Roberta Cocci Grifoni

This project focuses on data-driven strategies for climate adaptation in urban environments, with particular attention to small and medium-sized cities and historical contexts. The research integrates urban climate analysis, building performance, nature-based solutions, and digital modelling tools such as GIS, CFD simulations, and urban data observatories. The hosting environment includes advanced laboratories for environmental monitoring and simulation, as well as strong connections with European research networks and public administrations. The topic is particularly suitable for candidates interested in urban climate, environmental design, resilience, and sustainable planning.

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Digital Documentation and BIM for Cultural Heritage

Supervisor: Martina Attenni

This project explores advanced methodologies for the digital documentation, modelling, and management of cultural heritage, with a focus on HBIM (Historic Building Information Modelling) and integrated survey techniques. The research combines architectural representation, data integration, and digital modelling to improve knowledge, conservation, and communication of heritage assets. The hosting environment provides access to laboratories for digital modelling, point-cloud processing, and architectural analysis, within an international research network on digital heritage. The topic is particularly suited for candidates interested in digital heritage, BIM methodologies, architectural survey, and cultural heritage innovation.

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Spatial planning for urban health: innovating local land-use tools through Minimum Urban Units and Green Infrastructure

Supervisor: Rosalba D’Onofrio

This project investigates how urban planning can better respond to climate change and public health challenges by transforming advanced environmental and microclimatic data into operational planning tools. The research focuses on Minimum Urban Units (MUUs)Climate Adaptive Urban Units (CAUUs), green infrastructure, and nature-based solutions, with the aim of supporting more resilient and health-oriented spatial governance. Hosted at the School of Architecture and Design in Ascoli Piceno, the fellow will work in a research environment equipped with GIS-based platforms, environmental evaluation tools, and decision-support systems, and embedded in an active European and territorial network.
The topic is ideal for candidates with a background in urban planning, spatial analysis, climate adaptation, and land-use policy.

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