15 PhD Positions DECODES in Europe: Deciphering the Splicing Code in Human Disease

The 15 PhD positions in DECODES, Deciphering the Splicing Code in Human Disease, offer an opportunity for early-stage researchers to work at the intersection of RNA biology, genomics, disease research, and therapeutic development. The programme forms part of a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network funded through Horizon Europe. Applications are open to candidates of any nationality who satisfy the programme requirements and MSCA mobility conditions. The application deadline is 1 October 2026 at 23:45 Europe/Madrid time. 

This article explains the DECODES PhD opportunities, eligibility rules, funding package, research areas, application process, and practical preparation tips. It also highlights why the network may suit researchers interested in RNA splicing and human disease.

What Is the DECODES PhD Programme?

DECODES is a European doctoral research network coordinated by the University of Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Its central scientific theme is alternative RNA splicing and its links to human disease. The network combines expertise across computational genomics, structural biology, RNA biochemistry, disease modelling, medicinal chemistry, and pharmacological screening. 

Alternative splicing allows cells to produce different RNA and protein forms from genetic information. However, abnormal splicing can contribute to cancer, neurodegenerative conditions, metabolic disorders, and rare genetic diseases. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms behind these changes may help researchers identify disease mechanisms and develop more precise therapeutic strategies. 

The European Commission describes DECODES as an interdisciplinary and intersectoral programme. Consequently, candidates can gain exposure to academic, clinical, and industrial research environments rather than working within a single research niche. 

15 PhD Positions in DECODES Across Europe

The network includes 15 Doctoral Candidate positions hosted by universities, research institutes, and an industry partner. The projects cover a notably broad range of topics. 

Examples include:

• • DC1, University of Southampton: multi-omics approaches for rare disease diagnosis and RNA therapeutic target discovery.

  • DC2, University of Basel: computational analysis of disease-associated RNA isoforms.

  • DC3, Universitat Pompeu Fabra: alternative splicing and pancreatic beta-cell function in diabetes.

  • DC4, GIMM/University of Lisbon: BRCA1/2 splice-altering variants and breast cancer.

  • DC5, ETH Zurich: phase separation and co-transcriptional splicing.

  • DC6, Helmholtz Munich/TUM: structural mechanisms of spliceosome assembly.

  • DC7 and DC8, University of Santiago de Compostela: liver fibrosis and demyelinating nerve disorders.

  • DC10, Centre for Genomic Regulation/UPF: cancer-related splicing dysregulation.

  • DC13, Leiden University Medical Center: splicing modulation for ultrarare neurodegenerative disease.

  • DC14, AstraZeneca/University of Gothenburg: splice-switching RNA therapeutics.

  • DC15, University of Santiago de Compostela: pharmacological modulation of LSM2-8-dependent splicing. 

The positions span countries including the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Poland, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden. This international structure is a major advantage for candidates seeking collaborative research experience. 

Eligibility for the DECODES PhD Positions

Academic Background

Applicants should normally hold a Master’s degree or equivalent qualification in areas such as molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, biotechnology, biomedicine, or a closely related life-science discipline. Candidates should also demonstrate basic molecular biology knowledge and suitable analytical or quantitative skills. 

English proficiency matters as well. The vacancy specifies a minimum B2 level, with accepted evidence including IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge qualifications, or an equivalent certificate. 

MSCA Mobility and Doctoral Status

Importantly, candidates must not already hold a doctoral degree at recruitment. They must also satisfy the MSCA mobility rule. In general, applicants must not have lived or carried out their main activity in the recruiting country for more than 12 months during the previous three years. 

Nationality does not restrict eligibility. However, applicants should examine the mobility condition carefully for each preferred host institution. 

Funding and Benefits of the DECODES PhD Positions

Successful Doctoral Candidates receive 36-month employment contracts under the applicable MSCA and host-institution rules. The EURAXESS programme information lists a monthly living allowance of €4,010, a mobility allowance of €710, and a family allowance of €660 where applicable. 

These figures require careful interpretation. The listed amounts are subject to country correction coefficients and host-country employment rules. Therefore, applicants should not assume that the headline allowances represent a simple net monthly salary. 

In addition, DECODES provides structured training, transferable-skills development, and international research secondments. The European Commission also highlights entrepreneurial development and industrial exposure within the programme. 

How to Apply for the 15 DECODES PhD Positions

The application process is straightforward, but accuracy matters.

Step 1: Choose Your Research Projects

Candidates may apply for one to three positions and must indicate their preferred order. Therefore, applicants should compare the scientific topic, host institution, required skills, and long-term career relevance before submitting.

Step 2: Prepare One PDF

The application package should contain:

• • A detailed academic CV

  • A motivation letter

  • Bachelor’s and Master’s transcripts

  • Proof of B2-level English proficiency

Applicants should combine the documents into one PDF file. 

Step 3: Send the Application Correctly

Applications should be emailed to mscadn.decodes@usc.gal. The subject line must follow the requested DECODES format and include the selected position numbers in order of preference. 

The deadline is 1 October 2026. Remote evaluation results are expected on 10 October, interviews are scheduled between 10 and 31 October, and candidate notification is expected by 15 November 2026. Fellowship starts are expected during 2027, depending on the host position. 

Expert Tips for a Strong DECODES Application

First, do not use one generic motivation letter for all three choices. Instead, connect your experience directly to each research project.

For example, an applicant with bioinformatics experience should explain how transcriptomics, statistical analysis, or machine learning skills support a selected computational project. Conversely, a laboratory-focused candidate should emphasise relevant experimental techniques and disease-model experience.

Moreover, explain why the specific scientific question matters. Committees usually need more than a list of laboratory methods. Show that you understand the research problem and can explain its potential value.

Finally, check the mobility rule before submitting. A strong application can still fail an eligibility check if the MSCA mobility conditions are not satisfied.

DECODES Recruitment Timeline

The current recruitment schedule is:

Dates and arrangements remain subject to the specific recruiting institution and position. 

Summary Table

Conclusion

The 15 PhD positions in DECODES provide a strong opportunity for researchers interested in RNA biology, computational genomics, disease mechanisms, and emerging therapeutics. The network combines doctoral research with international collaboration, structured training, and exposure to academic and industrial environments. Funding is provided through the MSCA framework, with 36-month contracts and applicable allowances. Candidates should select projects carefully, verify the mobility rule, and prepare a tailored application well before the deadline. Review the official DECODES vacancy on EURAXESS and submit your application before 1 October 2026. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)