Would you like to help us make EURAXESS even better? Take this very quick user satisfaction survey - it won’t take more than 5 minutes!Organisation/Company Agencia Estatal Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas Department IPLA-CSIC Research Field Physics » Biophysics Mathematics Biological sciences Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Country Spain Application Deadline 30 Sep 2025 - 00:
00 (Europe/Madrid) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 40 Offer Starting Date 1 Jan 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? NoOffer Description
The Microbial Systems Biology (MSB) lab at the Dairy Products Institute of Asturias (IPLA-CSIC) is looking for candidates to fill a predoctoral position under a PIF2025 Fellowship (former FPI program).About the group:
The recently-born MSB lab is currently under construction, and hosts members with backgrounds in Physics, Mathematics, Biology, and related fields. The lab works in the development of mathematical models of biological systems, with an emphasis on microbial populations and communities, using a combination of theory and experiments (more information can be found in the PI’s website ). We strive to create a supportive, interdisciplinary, and stimulating environment in which members can develop their academic skills working collaboratively. Our priority is everyone’s well-being and we strictly respect their time off.About the project:
The available position is associated to the
GENESIS
project, which aims to develop mathematical models for predicting the order in which mutations accumulate during an evolutionary process — with important implications for predicting cancer progression or the evolution of antibiotic resistance in pathogens, among other contexts. For that, we will combine mathematical modeling, computer simulations, and experiments using model microbial strains.About the position:
Duration:
Full-time, 4 yearsStart date:
No earlier than late 2025/early 2026, subject to PIF2025 call timelineSalary:
In accordance with PIF2025 regulations (as a reference, in the 2024 call the gross salary was 1,623.26€/month in year 1, and 2,029.07€/month in years 2, 3, and 4)Aditional benefits:
Tuition fee coverageFunding for conference travel and short stays at international research institutionsTraining in advanced scientific and professional skills, including statistics, programming, scientific writing, grant/job applications, and career planningAccess to a wide network of national & international collaboratorsAbout you:
We are looking for a candidate who is curious, self-driven, and eager to grow into an independent researcher with the full support of the PI and lab members. You will be encouraged not only to execute specific tasks assigned to you, but to learn how to develop your own ideas, critically evaluate your progress, and take initiative in shaping your project. Specific requirements include:
A Bachelor's and a Master's degree that are officially recognized within the European Union (degrees obtained outside the EU must be formally validated or recognized as equivalent according to EU regulations)A background in Mathematics, Physics, or related quantitative disciplines (other degrees will be considered if the candidate can justify their relevance to the position)A genuine interest in biological systems and their mathematical modelingCoding experience in high-level languages (R, Python, or similar) is desirableStrong communication and collaboration skillsFluency in English is a mustHow to apply:
If you are interested or have questions, contact the PI of the group, Juan Díaz Colunga ( juan.diaz@ipla.csic.es ). Applications must be submitted to that same address, specifying “PhD GENESIS” in the subject line, and include an updated CV together with a short letter (1-2 paragraphs) introducing yourself and explaining why you think you would be a good fit.Recent publications relevant to the position:
Diaz-Colunga J, Skwara A, Vila JC, Bajic D and Sanchez A (2024). Global epistasis and the emergence of function in microbial consortia.
Cell
187(12) :
3108–3119Diaz-Colunga J, Sanchez A and Ogbunugafor CB (2023). Environmental modulation of global epistasis in a drug resistance fitness landscape.
Nature Communications
14(1) :
8055405Diaz-Colunga J, Skwara A, Gowda K, Diaz-Uriarte R, Tikhonov M, Bajic D and Sanchez A 375 (2023). Global epistasis on fitness landscapes.
Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B
378(1877) :
20220053Where to apply
E-mail juan.diaz@ipla.csic.esRequirements
Research Field Physics » Biophysics Education Level Master Degree or equivalentResearch Field Mathematics Education Level Master Degree or equivalentResearch Field Biological sciences Education Level Master Degree or equivalentLanguages ENGLISH Level GoodAdditional Information
Work Location(s)
Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Dairy Products Institute of Asturias (IPLA), Spanish National Research Council Country Spain State/Province Asturias City Oviedo Postal Code 33011 Street C. Francisco Pintado Fe
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