SECRET is a Doctoral Network funded by the European Union Horizon Europe Programme. The SECRET Consortium is a research network of leading European scientists from academia and industry, experts in human perinatal cells, extracellular vesicle biology, tissue engineering and biocompatible materials, to address key questions on SECRET through a coordinated, interdisciplinary effort in regenerative medicine.

SECRET proposes 10 independent doctoral research projects with the ambition of providing its trainees with a comprehensive understanding of paracrine signalling mechanisms, cardiovascular repair, neuro-degenerative diseases, sophisticated modelling of disease and screening platforms, and biomaterials/tissue engineering. Through its research and training activities, the SECRET project will contribute to scientific advancement and innovation in Europe, ultimately leading to societal and economic benefits.

Graduates of SECRET will be well-prepared to enter the workplace with an innovative and beyond state-of-the-art view on different aspects of pre-clinical research and the process of transitioning cellular products into the clinic.

Participating in SECRET offers doctoral candidates many unique opportunities, including:

• A project as Marie Skłodowska Curie trainee in one of the participating institutions with the objective of receiving a doctoral degree (PhD).
• State-of-the art, exciting research in an international consortium with highly integrated research projects.
• Expert training in basic and applied research, along with a thorough understanding of the various phases involved in transitioning from pre-clinical to clinical research.
• A research training period in another consortium member’s lab lasting from a few weeks up to six months, performed for the most part in a different EU country than the country where most of the project will take place.
• Training in both academic and commercial research environments.
• Salary according to EU guidelines for Marie Skłodowska Curie trainees, including mobility payments and family allowances where applicable.

Application Process

SECRET will select Doctoral Candidates through a 2-step recruitment process.
The selection procedure will be open, transparent, and merit-based, fully aligned with the Code of
Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers. Although the selection will be based on the quality of
applications, gender balance will also be considered.

Applications (in English) must include:

1. A Motivation letter which will include the motivation for the position, emphasizing the
   candidate’s strength regarding the project and the requirements (max 3 pages);
2. a Complete CV (max 2 pages);
3. a Summary of your Master thesis (max 1 page);
4. a Transcript of your study results with scanned copy of your Master’s Degree. In case the
   Master’s Degree has not been obtained yet at the closing date for application, the candidate
   has to submit a declaration signed by their supervisor or University official stating that the
   degree will be obtained by the time of PhD enrolment;
5. Two Reference letters from relevant and appropriate referees or the names and contact details
   of two Referees (as former Supervisors/PIs).

Application documents in a single pdf file should be sent by email to relevant project supervisors (see email address in individual project descriptions). The subject line of the email must be in the following format: “SECRET: application for Project#_Title of PhD project”.

The closing date for applications is 15th of May, 2025.

Applicants are advised to familiarise themselves thoroughly with the projects, for which they apply and be ready to answer questions on their chosen topics. The SECRET Consortium selection committee reviews all applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision is made, we will notify candidates. If candidates are still eligible after the pre-selection, they will be informed about the possible next step(s) in the selection procedure, including an initial screening interview by telephone or videoconferencing. The most promising candidates may then be invited to a in-person interview, within July 2025, at the host institution or a further videoconference, potentially with several other project supervisors.