Summary
CIC biomaGUNE is offering a PhD position in Protein Engineering and Catalytic Biomaterials within the Biomolecular Nanotechnology Group. This fully funded project, SmartCat, aims to develop innovative engineered protein–metal hybrid catalysts and catalytic biomaterials for new chemical transformations under sustainable conditions. The selected candidate will focus on designing and engineering protein scaffolds to create artificial metalloproteins and metalloenzymes, integrating them into supramolecular architectures.
Designation
PhD Position
Research Area
The project is highly multidisciplinary, encompassing:
- Protein Design and Engineering
- Protein Biochemistry and Biophysics
- Bioinorganic Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
- Supramolecular Biomaterials
- Catalysis
Location
CIC biomaGUNE, San Sebastian, Spain
Eligibility/Qualification
Required Education Level
Candidates should hold a Master’s degree in:
- Biochemistry
- Biotechnology
- Chemistry
- Nanoscience/Nanotechnology
- Materials Science
- Bioengineering
- Or a related discipline
Candidates currently completing a Master’s degree may also apply, provided they meet all academic requirements for doctoral admission and enrollment by the incorporation date. Candidates must not hold a doctoral degree at the time of incorporation.
Required Skills/Qualifications
- Good interpersonal skills
- Motivation for experimental research
- Written and oral communication skills in English
Previous experience in the following areas would be highly valuable, but is not mandatory:
- Protein chemistry
- Protein expression and purification
- Protein engineering
- Biophysical characterization
- Bioinorganic chemistry
- Nanomaterial synthesis
- Supramolecular biomaterials
- Catalysis
Scholarship Description
The successful candidate will be hired by CIC biomaGUNE with a full-time contract for 4 years (any previous predoctoral contract time will be deducted). The position is funded by the SmartCat project (PID2025-175536OB-I00) granted by the Spanish State Research Agency (AEI), with potential co-funding by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+).
Selection Criteria (Maximum 100 points)
The assessment will be based on submitted documentation and, if applicable, a structured interview.
1. Academic and/or scientific and technical track record (up to 50 points)
- 1.a. Academic record and scientific and technical contributions (up to 45 points):
- Academic record and relevance of qualifications.
- Quality and relevance of scientific/technical contributions (e.g., participation in projects, conferences, publications).
- Relevance of academic background, training, and experience to the position.
- 1.b. Mobility and internationalisation (up to 5 points):
- Research, training, or professional stays at national or international centers/industry, assessed by relevance, duration, activities, and contribution to training.
2. Suitability for the proposed research activities (up to 50 points)
- Relevance of academic background and prior training.
- Knowledge, competencies, and research experience related to proposed activities.
- Consistency of research interests with project objectives and methodology.
- Potential contribution of the project to the applicant’s training and career.
- Applicant’s potential contribution to the host center, project, and team.
How to Apply
Submit your application using the "Apply to this Job Offer" button on the original job posting. Your application should include:
- A motivation letter explaining your interest in this position.
- Your Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Contact details of two academics who can provide a reference.
Note: Applications sent directly to the informal inquiry email will not be accepted.
Last Date for Apply
30/09/2026
Apply Link
Envisaged Job Starting Date
December 2026 to April 2027
