The Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) is inviting applications for a Ph.D. student position within the Enzyme Sensors and Chemical Probes research group. This role is part of the CHEMTUBIO project, funded by an ERC Starting Grant, which aims to investigate post-translational modifications (PTMs) in the microtubule network using innovative inhibitors and fluorescent sensors.
Scholarship Overview
| Organization | Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) |
| Position | Ph.D. Student |
| Research Area | Medicinal Chemistry / Chemical Biology (Metalloenzymes) |
| Contract Duration | 3 Years (Full-time) |
| Location | Barcelona, Spain |
| Application Deadline | October 30th |
Research Area
The successful candidate will work under the Enzyme Sensors and Chemical Probes group to dissect post-translational modifications across the cell’s microtubule network. The research involves developing new inhibitors and fluorescent sensors for metalloenzymes to reveal disease mechanisms and discover translatable drug discovery methods.
Eligibility and Qualifications
Essential Requirements
- Education: M.Sc. degree in Medicinal Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field.
- Technical Expertise: Demonstrated experience in organic chemistry and/or biochemistry techniques.
- Skills: Strong scientific communication in English, ability to work in interdisciplinary environments, and excellent time management.
- Motivation: A deep interest in cutting-edge research and developing scientific independence.
Advantageous Skills
- Experience in solid-phase peptide synthesis.
- Experience in compound library synthesis.
- Familiarity with in vitro enzyme assays.
- Experience working in international research environments.
Scholarship Description
The Ph.D. candidate will be responsible for several key tasks throughout the three-year contract:
- Synthetic Organic Chemistry: Developing small molecule and peptide-based inhibitors using in-solution and solid-phase chemistry.
- Enzyme Assay Development: Investigating enzyme activity in vitro using purified recombinant proteins.
- Live Cell Imaging: Studying the regulation of microtubule PTMs through selective enzyme inhibition in cell cultures.
- Training and Outreach: Participating in scientific seminars, doctoral training courses, and disseminating research findings at international conferences.
Benefits include: A stimulating international environment, work-life balance measures (23 days of paid holiday, flexible hours), and access to IBEC’s extensive training and mentoring programs.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must submit their application through the IBEC dedicated careers portal. Ensure you include the reference PhD2-CM in your application.
For further inquiries regarding the application process, you may contact jobs@ibecbarcelona.eu.
Last Date for Apply
The deadline for submitting the online application is October 30th. Only applications submitted before this deadline will be evaluated.
Apply Link
Applications can be submitted via the following link: IBEC Online Application Form
