PhD position to work on bottom-up nanofabrication of nanoparticles and microfluidic stem cell models.
Published: 09/07/2026
Deadline: 07/08/2026
Envisaged Job Starting Date:

01/September/2026

A PhD position is available at CIC biomaGUNE, in San Sebastián (Spain), to work on bottom-up nanofabrication of nanoparticles and microfluidic stem cell models. The selected candidate will be assigned to the Bionanoplasmonics Laboratory, under the joint supervision of Dr. Gail A. Vinnacombe-Willson and Prof. Luis Liz-Marzán.

This position is part of a project funded by the “la Caixa” Foundation Postdoctoral Junior Leader Fellowship developing the in situ synthesis of plasmonic, magnetic, and piezoelectric nanomaterials in microfluidic in vitro stem cell models. In vitro models incorporating 3D and flow components can be used to simulate the environments in real tissues. However, tools are needed for non-invasively monitoring and manipulating cell behavior in vitro with relevant spatiotemporal resolution. The goal of this project is to exploit inorganic nanomaterials for influencing neural stem cell differentiation and monitoring their local microenvironments over time. We expect that in situ growth approaches for nanoparticles with diverse functions will create new opportunities for engineering versatile models for the central nervous system.

Required Education Level:

Master's degree in Chemistry, Physics, Bioengineering, or a related area, is required.

Required Skills/Qualifications:

Experience in nanoparticle synthesis, microfluidics, and cell culture is preferred. Knowledge in the fields of piezoelectrics, nanoplasmonics, magnetic nanomaterials, and neural cell culture are desirable. The candidates are expected to have interest in multidisciplinary work, motivation to learn from a diversity of scientific areas, and the capacity to work in an international environment. Good interpersonal skills as well as written and oral communication skills in English are required.

Duration:

Full time predoctoral contract (Initial contract of 12 months renewable annually up to 36 months).

According to the contract regulation the candidate must be enrolled in a doctoral programme on the date of joining the centre.

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Project Funding:

InNaNeuro - Application No. 161993 - (La Caixa Foundation)

Informal Inquiries:

Informal requests for additional information can be sent to Luis Liz-Marzan at llizmarzan@cicbiomagune.es

Applications sent directly to the emails listed above will be NOT be accepted.

Equal opportunities Policy:

CIC biomaGUNE is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to: age, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by European, national, or local law.

Open Transparent and Merit Based Recruitment Policy:

You can check here CIC biomaGUNE OTM-R Policy.

How To Apply:

Submit your application with a motivation letter stating why you are interested in this position, your CV, the contact details of two academics who can provide a reference using the "Apply to this Job Offer" button.

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