The HER-CARE Doctoral Network is an international research initiative dedicated to advancing breast cancer research through cutting-edge science, interdisciplinary collaboration, and industry partnerships. It is part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Networks (MSCA-DN), a European Commission programme designed to train the next generation of researchers through high-quality doctoral education and international mobility.
The network brings together leading academic and clinical institutions across Europe to develop personalised approaches for breast cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
About the Programme
HER-CARE focuses on strengthening research capacity in breast cancer through a structured doctoral training environment. The programme integrates academic excellence with real-world application by combining laboratory research, computational science, clinical insights, and industry collaboration.
Key features of the programme include:
- Advanced doctoral training in breast cancer research
- International mobility across partner institutions
- Collaboration between academia, healthcare, and industry
- Strong emphasis on interdisciplinary scientific development
- Access to cutting-edge research infrastructure
The programme aims to improve understanding of genetic, molecular, and environmental factors influencing breast cancer risk and progression.
Core Objectives
HER-CARE supports research that contributes to:
- Early detection of breast cancer
- Improved risk prediction models
- Identification of genetic and molecular biomarkers
- Personalised prevention and treatment strategies
- Development of AI and data-driven healthcare tools
Doctoral candidates contribute directly to translational research that connects scientific discovery with clinical application.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network position, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Must not already hold a doctoral degree at the time of recruitment
- Must not have resided or carried out their main activity in the host country for more than 12 months in the past 36 months
- Must be able to begin employment on the agreed start date
- Must commit to full-time doctoral research
- Must demonstrate strong English proficiency (written and spoken)
These eligibility rules ensure international mobility and equitable access to research training opportunities.
Doctoral Research Opportunities
HER-CARE offers multiple doctoral candidate (DC) positions across Europe. Each position focuses on a specific aspect of breast cancer research, combining computational, clinical, and biological approaches.
Selected Research Themes
- Genetic and molecular risk prediction
- Artificial intelligence in cancer diagnostics
- Multi-ancestry cancer risk modelling
- Hormonal and clinical risk factors
- Early-onset breast cancer prediction tools
- Biomarker discovery and validation
- Digital infrastructure for clinical data systems
- Proteomics and immune response modelling
Example Doctoral Projects
DC1 – Pathogenic Variant Classification
Focuses on improving classification of genetic variants linked to disease risk using epidemiological and bioinformatics methods.
- Host: CING (Cyprus)
- Deadline: 11 May 2026
DC4 – Hormone Replacement Therapy in BRCA1/2 Carriers
Investigates the impact of hormone therapy on individuals with genetic predisposition to breast cancer.
- Host: MUW (Austria)
- Deadline: 26 April 2026
DC6 – Early-Onset Cancer Risk Prediction
Develops predictive models for early-onset breast cancer using epidemiological and biomedical data.
- Host: Utrecht University (Netherlands)
- Deadline: 30 April 2026
DC9 – Imaging and Mammographic Risk Markers
Uses biomedical AI and imaging data to identify breast cancer risk indicators in population studies.
- Host: KI (Sweden)
DC14 – AI and Proteomic Modelling
Applies machine learning to analyse protein signatures and immune system interactions in cancer progression.
- Host: PRO (UK)
- Deadline: 24 April 2026
DC15 – Multi-Modal Treatment Prediction Models
Focuses on AI-driven prediction systems for breast cancer treatment outcomes.
- Host: MUW (Austria)
- Deadline: 26 April 2026
Required Academic Background
Candidates are selected based on strong academic preparation in relevant disciplines such as:
- Epidemiology
- Bioinformatics
- Biostatistics
- Data science
- Biomedical sciences
- Molecular biology
- Artificial intelligence
- Clinical research
Additional desirable expertise includes:
- Machine learning and AI modelling
- Genetics and genomics
- Multi-omics data integration
- Clinical data analysis
- Scientific writing and publication experience
Training and Development
The HER-CARE programme provides structured doctoral training that includes:
- Advanced scientific and technical skills development
- Transferable skills training (communication, leadership, and project management)
- Peer collaboration and interdisciplinary mentoring
- Participation in scientific events and workshops
- Exposure to both academic and industrial research environments
This structure is designed to prepare candidates for careers in academia, healthcare innovation, and biomedical research industries.
Application Requirements
Applicants are generally required to submit:
- A motivation letter
- A detailed curriculum vitae (including publications if applicable)
- Contact details of at least two referees
Each doctoral position may have additional specific requirements outlined in its individual vacancy description.
Research Environment
HER-CARE operates through a network of leading European institutions, offering doctoral candidates access to advanced research facilities and international collaboration opportunities. Host institutions span multiple countries, including:
- Netherlands
- United Kingdom
- Austria
- Sweden
- Denmark
- France
- Spain
- Cyprus
This distributed structure ensures exposure to diverse scientific methodologies and healthcare systems.
Programme Impact
The HER-CARE Doctoral Network contributes to long-term improvements in breast cancer research by:
- Advancing personalised medicine approaches
- Strengthening predictive modelling capabilities
- Enhancing early detection technologies
- Supporting translational medical research
- Building a highly skilled international research workforce
The programme bridges the gap between data science, biology, and clinical practice.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering the opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
