PhD Scholarship: Gut Microbiome Modulation, IRTA, Catalonia, Spain

Summary

The Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA) is seeking a dedicated PhD Candidate to join its Animal Health Program at IRTA-CReSA in Bellaterra (Barcelona, Spain). The doctoral researcher will be part of the Antimicrobial Stewardship Research Team on the AEI-funded project “Development of a bacterial-phage consortium and advancing in faecal microbiota transplantation as alternative strategies to antimicrobials to prevent enteric diseases in weaned piglets” (Project ref: PID2025-175031OB-C21). The project combines culturomics, phage biology, multicellular porcine intestinal organoids, and in vivo studies under the supervision of Dr. Lourdes Migura-Garcia.

Designation

PhD Candidate / Predoctoral Researcher (Doctorand/a)

Overview Table

Research Area

• Field: Animal Health & Veterinary Sciences / Microbiology & Biotechnology
• Focus Topics:
  • Gut microbiome modulation
  • Bacteriophage biology & bacterial-phage consortium development (BacPhag)
  • Antimicrobial stewardship & alternatives to antibiotics
  • Porcine jejunal organoids and in vitro host-microbiome co-culture models
  • High-throughput sequencing, culturomics, and microbial ecology

Location

IRTA-CReSA, Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra (Barcelona), Catalonia, Spain.

Eligibility / Qualification

Mandatory Requirements:

• Academic Background: Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Medicine and/or Master’s degree in Biotechnology, Microbiology, or a related biological field.
• Doctoral Access: Must satisfy all formal academic criteria to enroll in an accredited doctoral program in Spain.
• Prior Degree Limitation: Applicants must not already hold a PhD / doctoral degree.
• Technical Skills: Prior laboratory experience in microbiology, with foundational training in experimental design and data analysis.
• Language: Good command of English (spoken and written).
• Soft Skills: Ability to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary team and motivation for scientific advancement.

Desirable / Preferred Qualifications:

• Hands-on molecular biology skills (DNA/RNA extraction, qPCR, flow cytometry, sequencing library prep).
• Experience with NGS platforms and analysis of whole-genome, metagenomic, or transcriptomic data (using Linux, R, or Python).
• Practical experience working with intestinal organoids or experimental animal models.
• Working knowledge of Catalan and/or Spanish.

Scholarship Description & Benefits

• Contract Duration: 4-year predoctoral employment contract.
• Remuneration:
  • Years 1–3: €23,322.09 gross/year
  • Year 4: €26,325.47 gross/year
• Mobility & Tuition Grant: Up to €7,000 allocated to cover 4-year doctoral tuition fees and research stays (minimum one month) at international or national partner institutions.
• Work-Life Balance & Leave:
  • 37.5 hours per week (Friday afternoons off).
  • Intensive summer schedule (June 15 – September 15).
  • 23 vacation days + 3 family conciliation days + 45 hours of personal leave.
  • Teleworking option (up to 6 days per month).
  • Flexible scheduling.
• Visa Support: IRTA’s People Department provides full immigration and visa support to non-EU/EEA selected candidates.

How to Apply

1. Prepare Application Documents:
   • An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
   • A Cover / Motivation Letter outlining your research background, interest in the project, and career aspirations.
2. Online Submission:
   • Visit the official job portal link: IRTA Talent Portal – PhD Candidate in Gut Microbiome Modulation.
   • Submit your application directly through the online form by uploading your documents.
3. Selection Stages:
   • Stage 1: Curricular evaluation against eligibility and desirable criteria.
   • Stage 2: Interview(s) with the scientific Selection Committee.
   • Stage 3: Additional competency/psychometric testing (if required).

Last Date for Apply

September 06, 2026

Link