Predoctoral Researcher in Liver Senescence Modeling
Join a cutting-edge project to develop 3D liver tissue models for studying cellular senescence and systemic ageing mechanisms.
Best for:Best for biology or biomedical engineering graduates with hands-on experience in cell culture, tissue engineering, and a keen interest in ageing research and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Overview
This PhD position at the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) offers the opportunity to work within the Biosensors for Bioengineering Research Group on a national project focused on understanding the liver’s role in systemic ageing. The successful candidate will develop advanced 3D in vitro liver tissue models to investigate cellular senescence, inter-organ communication, and liver-mediated ageing processes. The project integrates tissue engineering, biomaterials, cell culture, and biosensor technologies. The position is funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities and is part of the 'Generación de Conocimiento 2025' programme. The ideal candidate should have a strong background in biology, biotechnology, or biomedical engineering and a passion for interdisciplinary research.
What you'll do
- Develop 3D in vitro liver tissue models to study cellular senescence and ageing processes.
- Apply tissue engineering and biomaterials approaches to create physiologically relevant liver models.
- Perform cell culture and differentiation of human liver cells and liver-derived cellular models.
- Optimize 3D cell culture and cell encapsulation strategies for experimental use.
- Characterize liver function and senescence using molecular, biochemical, and imaging-based methods.
- Investigate inter-organ communication mechanisms and liver-mediated systemic ageing processes.
- Integrate biosensors and analytical technologies for real-time monitoring of tissue function and biomarkers.
- Analyze and interpret experimental data using quantitative and statistical approaches.
- Contribute to scientific publications, conference presentations, and project reports.
- Collaborate in a multidisciplinary and international research environment.
Requirements
Degree required: Master's degree (or equivalent) in biology, biotechnology, biomedical engineering, biomedicine, 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) or equivalent.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; proficiency required for research and collaboration
Instruction: English
- Proven academic excellence and strong commitment to scientific research.
- Proficiency in cell culture and differentiation techniques.
- Experience with molecular, biochemical, or imaging-based characterization methods.
- Good working knowledge of English (written and spoken).
- Familiarity with tissue engineering and biomaterials approaches.
- Strong analytical, critical thinking, and communication skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.
- Candidates must not have been awarded a doctoral degree.
- Candidates must not have held a PhD contract exceeding 12 months prior to the fellowship start.
- Candidates must be eligible to enroll in a doctoral programme by December 2026.
- Candidates must meet the Spanish university admission criteria for doctoral programmes.
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 requires an online form. Only applications received by October 20, 2026, will be considered.
- CV
- Cover letter
- Academic transcripts (BSc and MSc)
- Proof of eligibility for doctoral programme enrollment by December 2026
Contact
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