Summary
A 4-year fully funded PhD position is available for a collaborative project titled “RNATher: Design and evaluation of repeat RNA-binding proteins for RNA-targeting therapies.” The position is co-hosted by the Biomolecular Nanotechnology Laboratory (led by Prof. Aitziber L. Cortajarena at CIC biomaGUNE) and the Neurogenetics, RNA Biology and Therapies Laboratory (led by Dr. Lorea Blázquez at Biogipuzkoa Health Research Institute). The researcher will engineer programmable repeat proteins to target and modulate disease-associated RNAs, specifically focusing on therapeutic targets for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
PhD Position in Protein Engineering and RNA-Targeting Therapies
Position Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Position / Designation | PhD Candidate / Predoctoral Researcher |
| Project Title | Design and evaluation of repeat RNA-binding proteins for RNA-targeting therapies (RNATher) |
| Host Institutions | CIC biomaGUNE & Biogipuzkoa Health Research Institute |
| Research Groups | Biomolecular Nanotechnology Lab & Neurogenetics, RNA Biology and Therapies Lab |
| Contract Duration | 4 Years (split equally between both institutions) |
| Project Funding Code | RNATher – CICBMG_PhD_01_2026 |
| Starting Date | At the earliest convenience |
| Application Deadline | September 15, 2026 |
Designation
- Predoctoral Researcher / PhD Student
Research Area
- Biomolecular Nanotechnology, Protein Engineering, and RNA Biology
- Interdisciplinary Topics: Protein biochemistry & biophysics, molecular & cellular biology, AI-guided protein design & protein language models, repeat RNA-binding proteins (PPR and PUF proteins), targeted RNA editing/degradation, and in vivo / patient-derived models for neurodegenerative diseases (ALS).
Location
- San Sebastián (Donostia), Basque Country, Spain (Science and Technology Park of Gipuzkoa)
Eligibility & Qualifications
- Education:
- Master’s degree (or in the final stages of completion) in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Biomedicine, Chemistry, Bioengineering, or a related field.
- Must be eligible for and enrolled in an accredited doctoral program by the start date.
- Preferred Experience & Skills:
- Background in protein chemistry, protein engineering, biophysics, RNA biology, RNA–protein interactions, molecular/cell biology, and/or animal models is highly valued.
- Familiarity with AI-assisted protein design tools is advantageous.
- Strong oral and written communication skills in English.
- Ability to work effectively in an international, multidisciplinary research team.
Scholarship / Position Description
The selected PhD candidate will:
- Design and engineer programmable pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) and Pumilio (PUF) proteins for sequence-specific RNA recognition.
- Leverage AI-guided protein engineering and protein language models to generate optimized variants with improved RNA-binding properties.
- Test the efficacy of engineered proteins in correcting STMN2 RNA misprocessing (a key driver of ALS pathology) using patient-derived cell models and in vivo systems.
- Develop programmable protein scaffolds equipped with novel effector functions, such as targeted RNA degradation and RNA editing.
- Access state-of-the-art facilities, including CIC biomaGUNE’s Preclinical Molecular Imaging Facility and high-performance biophysical characterization platforms.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted electronically via the official CIC biomaGUNE Job Portal using the “Apply to this Job Offer” button.
Required Application Documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover / Motivation Letter detailing your research interests and suitability for the project.
- Contact Details of Two Academic Referees for reference letters.
Note: Applications sent directly via email will not be considered. For informal questions regarding the project, contact Prof. Aitziber López Cortajarena at alcortajarena@cicbiomagune.es.
Last Date to Apply
- September 15, 2026
