Job Information
- Organisation/Company: Montenegro Research Group – CIQUS
- Research Field: Chemistry » Biochemistry
- Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)
- Positions: PhD Positions
- Application Deadline: 31 Oct 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Madrid)
- Country: Spain
- Type of Contract: Temporary
- Job Status: Full-time
- Hours Per Week: 37
- Offer Starting Date: 1 Feb 2027
- Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme
Offer Description
The research groups led by Dr Javier Montenegro García at the Universidade de Santiago de Compostela (USC) and Dr Mª Luz Couce Pico at the Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela (IDIS) seek a doctoral candidate for a joint PhD project. The research will focus on the design and evaluation of non-viral vectors and strategies for delivering nucleic acids and proteins for therapeutic applications in paediatric rare diseases.
The candidate will participate in the design of new non-viral vectors and nanoparticle formulations for the delivery of nucleic acids, such as messenger RNA (mRNA) and plasmid DNA, and/or modified proteins for the treatment of paediatric rare diseases (e.g., lysosomal storage diseases). The candidate will be trained in a top-level research environment as part of a multidisciplinary scientific project involving two excellent research groups. The candidate will gain experience in a range of experimental techniques at the interface between chemistry, pharmacy and medicine, including electrophoresis; RNA production (PCR, plasmid purification); in vitro/ex vivo mRNA delivery studies in cells, including primary patient cells; animal biodistribution studies using IVIS; in vivo studies of nanoparticle efficacy and toxicity in an animal model of a rare disease; scientific writing, group meetings and dissemination activities.
Where to apply
E-mail: p.lago@usc.es
Requirements
- Research Field: Biological sciences
- Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
A degree and a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Biology, Pharmacy, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Chemistry or a related discipline are required. Academic record and CV, experience in in vitro studies (cell culture, cytotoxicity or permeability), interest in or experience with in vivo animal models, and English at B2 level or higher will be valued.
Specific Requirements
Candidates must meet the requirements for admission to a doctoral programme in the corresponding academic year and must not have previously held a predoctoral contract for the same purpose. Candidates who obtain at least 50 points in the merit assessment will be interviewed.
Work Location(s)
- Number of offers available: 1
- Company/Institute: University of Santiago de Compostela (USC) – CiQUS
- Country: Spain
- State/Province: LA CORUÑA
- City: SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
- Postal Code: 15705
- Street: Rúa Jenaro de la fuente s/n
Contact
- State/Province: A CORUÑA
- City: Santiago de Compostela
- Website: https://www.usc.es/ciqus
- Street: Rúa de Jenaro de la Fuente, s/n
- Postal Code: 15782
- E-Mail: p.lago@usc.es