PhD in Biomedical Engineering: Nucleic Acids Technologies

Job: Estudiante de doctorado/ PhD candidate
Department: Departamento de Ingeniería Biomédica y Ciencias (TECNUN)
Location: San Sebastián (Spain)
Contract: Fixed-term
Working day: Full time
Sector: Editorial, Education and Training
Vacancies: 1
Discipline: Engineering
Work modality: On site

Tecnun - Escuela de Ingeniería-Universidad de Navarra

Tecnun-School of Engineering, belongs to the University of Navarra. The aim of the School is to contribute to the professional training, scientific and human development of future engineers. Since its creation in the spring of 1961, it has maintained a balance between teaching, research and service to society, making these activities complement each other.

It currently has two sites campus: the older site, located at the university campus in the Ibaeta district, is made up of the laboratory buildings, the teaching and representation building completed in 1989, and a multipurpose building erected in 1996. The other site is located in the Miramon Technology Park and includes classrooms and research laboratories in the areas of Electricity, Electronics and Communications.

Job description

Looking for a PhD candidate to perform high-quality research in tumor immunology and targeted drug delivery. This is a full-time, on-site role for a PhD Student located in San Sebastián. The candidate will work on the development of novel oligonucleotide-based therapies for solid tumors as part of the TOUCAN-ONCO project, an ambitious research program based at the University of Navarra (San Sebastián, Spain).

This project aims to exploit immune-associated nucleases to activate therapeutic oligonucleotides directly within the tumor microenvironment, enhancing both specificity and efficacy. If successful, this research could lead to a breakthrough in immunotherapy and offer new therapeutic options for patients with difficult-to-treat cancers.

The PhD research will involve studying the tumor immune landscape, designing and optimizing targeted oligonucleotides, and evaluating them in advanced tumor models. The candidate will be part of a dynamic, international, and multidisciplinary team working towards clinical translation of innovative cancer therapies.

Offered:

1-year contract, extendable for up to 3 additional years.
During the development of the thesis, the candidate will receive training activities for scientific, professional, and personal development.
Opportunities to collaborate with leading research groups across Europe
Working hours:
- Winter schedule: 7,75 hours per day
- Summer schedule: 5 hours per day, from June 15 to August 31
Vacation: 23 working days + Christmas holidays (December 24 – January 2)
Starting date: September 2025 (or as soon as possible after that date with flexibility)

Requirements

Requirements:

Background in tumor immunology, cancer biology, molecular or cellular (Degree in Biomedical Sciences, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related field and Master's degree in a relevant area (e.g., Immunology, Molecular Biology, Oncology)
Strong motivation to work on innovative cancer therapies.
Good oral and written communication skills in English (mandatory).
Willingness to work in a collaborative, international research environment.

Application: Please submit the following documents via Talent before August 31st:

CV
Short motivation letter.
Contact details of two references.

We look forward to hearing from motivated candidates passionate about advancing the future of cancer therapy.

Job: Estudiante de doctorado/ PhD candidate
Department: Departamento de Ingeniería Biomédica y Ciencias (TECNUN)
Location: San Sebastián (Spain)
Contract: Fixed-term
Working day: Full time
Sector: Editorial, Education and Training
Vacancies: 1
Discipline: Engineering
Work modality: On site

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