CIC biomaGUNE, a leading multidisciplinary research institute located in San Sebastian, Spain, is offering a fully funded PhD Position in Protein Engineering and Catalytic Biomaterials. This predoctoral position is part of the prestigious SmartCat Project (“Engineered Protein–Metal Hybrids for Smart Catalytic Biomaterials”), funded by the Spanish Research Agency (AEI) and co-funded by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+).
The successful candidate will join the Biomolecular Nanotechnology Group to work at the cutting edge of protein design, nanotechnology, and biomaterials science. This is an exceptional opportunity for young researchers aiming to pursue a doctoral degree in a highly collaborative, international scientific environment.
Overview of the PhD Position
Here is a quick summary of the scholarship details:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | CIC biomaGUNE |
| Designation | PhD Candidate / Predoctoral Researcher |
| Research Area | Protein Engineering, Nanotechnology, and Supramolecular Catalytic Biomaterials |
| Location | San Sebastian, Basque Country, Spain |
| Contract Duration | 4 Years (Full-time) |
| Envisaged Start Date | Between December 2026 and April 2027 |
| Application Deadline | September 30, 2026 |
Research Area & Project Description
The PhD project, SmartCat, focuses on developing a new generation of engineered protein-metal hybrid catalysts and catalytic biomaterials. These hybrids aim to perform novel, “new-to-nature” chemical transformations under mild, sustainable, and environmentally friendly conditions.
As a PhD candidate, your research responsibilities will include:
- Designing and engineering protein scaffolds with custom metal-binding and catalytic properties.
- Generating artificial metalloproteins and metalloenzymes with pre-programmed catalytic activities.
- Integrating protein-metal hybrids into supramolecular architectures to study how spatial organization affects catalytic output.
- Developing smart, stimuli-responsive elements to control biomaterial activity via external triggers.
This highly multidisciplinary project combines concepts from protein biochemistry, biophysics, bioinorganic chemistry, nanotechnology, supramolecular materials, and catalysis.
Designation
Predoctoral Researcher / PhD Candidate
Location
San Sebastian, Spain. The research will be conducted at the state-of-the-art facilities of CIC biomaGUNE, a world-class institute renowned for its work at the interface of chemistry, biology, and materials science.
Eligibility & Qualification Requirements
To be considered for this PhD position, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Required Education:
- Candidates must hold a Master’s degree in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Nanoscience, Nanotechnology, Materials Science, Bioengineering, or a closely related discipline.
- Note: Students currently in the process of completing their Master’s degree are eligible to apply, provided they complete their degree and are fully enrolled in a doctoral program by their official contract start date (between December 2026 and April 2027).
- Candidates must not already hold a doctoral degree (PhD) at the time of recruitment.
Required Skills & Assets:
- Excellent motivation for experimental research and the ability to work in a highly collaborative, international environment.
- Strong oral and written communication skills in English.
- While not mandatory, prior hands-on experience in any of the following areas is highly valuable: protein chemistry, protein expression/purification, protein engineering, biophysical characterization, nanomaterial synthesis, or catalysis.
Scholarship Benefits and Duration
- Full-time Employment Contract: Up to 4 years of secure funding (subject to deductions if the candidate has previously held a predoctoral contract in Spain).
- State-of-the-Art Infrastructure: Access to top-tier research platforms in San Sebastian.
- Professional Development: High-impact training, mentorship, and opportunities to attend international conferences and seminars.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be evaluated out of a maximum of 100 points based on the Spanish Research Agency (AEI) guidelines:
- Academic & Scientific Track Record (up to 50 points): Evaluation of your grades, academic background, research contributions, publications/presentations, and mobility (stays at other research centers/industry).
- Suitability for the Project (up to 50 points): Alignment of your skills, training, and research interests with the SmartCat project goals.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must submit their application officially through the CIC biomaGUNE recruitment portal. Direct email applications will not be accepted for the formal selection process.
To apply, please prepare and submit the following documents:
- A Motivation Letter detailing your interest in the project and relevant background.
- An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Contact information for two academic references who can provide recommendation letters.
For informal scientific inquiries about the project, you may contact Aitziber López Cortajarena via email at alcortajarena@cicbiomagune.es. However, remember that formal applications must be submitted via the portal link below.
Last Date to Apply
The deadline for submitting applications is September 30, 2026.
Official Application Link
Ready to take the next step in your academic career? Apply directly through the official job portal:
Apply for this PhD Position at CIC biomaGUNE
