PhD Candidate on Gene Delivery: The ChemSynBio research group at IQS School of Engineering, Ramon Llull University (Barcelona), invites applications for a PhD candidate position focused on gene delivery to the brain. This position offers a unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge research funded by a prestigious European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grant, aiming to revolutionize therapeutic delivery across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The project involves designing, formulating, and testing viral and non-viral nanocarriers for gene delivery, with applications in treating brain diseases and understanding brain transport mechanisms.
PhD Candidate Position on Gene Delivery to the Brain | IQS School of Engineering, Ramon Llull University, Barcelona
📋 Summary Table
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Designation | PhD Candidate |
| Research Area | Gene Delivery, Nanotechnology, Chemical & Synthetic Biology |
| Project Title | Creating an Orthogonal Gate to the Brain (OBGate) |
| Institution | IQS School of Engineering, Ramon Llull University |
| Research Group | ChemSynBio (www.chemsynbio.iqs.edu) |
| Location | Barcelona, Spain |
| Duration | 3 Years (Fully Funded) |
| Proposed Start Date | January 2026 |
| Application Deadline | November 15, 2025 (or until position filled) |
| Supervisors | Dr. Benjamí Oller-Salvia & Dr. Shambhavi Pandey |
| Contact Emails | benjami.oller@iqs.url.edu, shambhavi.pandey@iqs.url.edu |
🎯 Designation
PhD Candidate (Doctoral Researcher)
🧠 Research Area
- Gene Delivery Systems
- Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) Transport
- Nanotechnology and Biomaterials
- Chemical and Synthetic Biology
- Viral and Non-Viral Vector Design
📍 Location
ChemSynBio Group, IQS School of Engineering – Ramon Llull University, Barcelona, Spain
🎓 Eligibility / Qualification
Required:
- Master’s degree in Chemistry, Nanotechnology, Pharmacy, Biotechnology, or a closely related discipline.
Preferred Experience (Optional):
- Nanoparticle synthesis or characterization
- Viral vector development
- Cell culture techniques
- Handling of experimental animals
Additional Skills:
- Strong motivation and creativity
- Proactive and collaborative mindset
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Fluency in English (spoken and written)
🧪 Job Description / Responsibilities
- Conduct high-quality research in the area of gene delivery and brain therapeutics.
- Design, formulate, and characterize viral and non-viral nanocarriers.
- Perform in vitro and in vivo experiments targeting brain endothelial and tumor cells.
- Contribute to experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation.
- Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to ensure research excellence.
- Prepare reports, publications, and presentations.
- Participate in laboratory management, student mentoring, and professional training.
💼 Benefits / Conditions
- Three years of guaranteed funding.
- Comprehensive training in both scientific and horizontal skills.
- Supportive mentorship and creative research environment.
- Opportunities to publish and collaborate internationally.
📝 How to Apply
Interested candidates should email their application as a single PDF file (with their name in the filename) to:
📧 benjami.oller@iqs.url.edu and shambhavi.pandey@iqs.url.edu
Email Subject:
Predoc GeneDelivery – [Your Name]
The PDF should include:
- Motivation letter (explaining your fit for the position and interest in the team)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Bachelor’s and Master’s academic transcripts
- Contact details of two referees (reference letters optional but appreciated)
⏰ Last Date to Apply
November 15, 2025, or until a suitable candidate is selected.
🔗 More Information:
Visit the research group’s website: www.chemsynbio.iqs.edu
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