Predoctoral Researcher in Cellular Mechanobiology
Join a cutting-edge project exploring how mechanical forces regulate cell-nucleus communication for cancer diagnostics and therapeutics.
Best for:Best for biology, biomedical engineering, or physics graduates with a strong interest in mechanobiology and a passion for experimental research at the intersection of cell biology and computational analysis.
Overview
This PhD position at the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) focuses on deciphering mechanotransduction—the process by which cells sense and transmit mechanical forces to their nuclei. The successful candidate will develop and apply advanced biophysical, molecular, and computational techniques to investigate force transmission between cell-cell adhesions and the nucleus, with potential applications in cancer research. The project is part of the *Generación de Conocimiento* programme, funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities. The role involves interdisciplinary collaboration in a dynamic research environment, offering opportunities for professional development and international networking in Barcelona.
What you'll do
- Develop and implement advanced biophysical and mechanical techniques to manipulate the mechanical environment of cells.
- Apply molecular tools to interfere with and study cell mechanotransduction machinery.
- Conduct computational analysis to interpret experimental data and model mechanotransduction pathways.
- Design and execute research projects aimed at understanding force transmission between cell-cell adhesions and the nucleus.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to explore therapeutic and diagnostic applications in cancer research.
- Present research findings at conferences and publish results in peer-reviewed journals.
Requirements
Degree required: Master's degree (or equivalent) in biology, biotechnology, biomedical engineering, biomedicine, physics, or a related field. Candidates must be eligible to enroll in an official doctoral programme by December 2026, having completed at least 300 ECTS credits (including 60 at master’s level).
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; proficiency required for research communication and collaboration.
Instruction: English
- Proficient knowledge of experimental techniques in biophysics and molecular biology.
- Strong commitment to scientific research and academic excellence.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.
- Familiarity with computational tools for data analysis.
- Demonstrable skills in critical thinking, precision, and time management.
- Candidates must not have already obtained a doctoral degree.
- Candidates must not have held a PhD contract exceeding 12 months prior to the fellowship start.
- Eligibility to enroll in a doctoral programme by December 2026.
- No specific nationality restrictions, but eligibility for Spanish doctoral programmes applies.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-20 (Europe/Madrid)
Applicants must submit their application through the IBEC careers portal before the deadline. The application process involves filling out an online form and providing required documents. Only applications submitted before the deadline will be evaluated.
- CV
- Cover letter
- Academic transcripts (BSc and MSc)
- Proof of eligibility to enroll in a doctoral programme
- Letter of motivation
Contact
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