PhD in Biomedical Engineering: Nucleic Acids Technologies
Join to apply for the PhD in Biomedical Engineering: Nucleic Acids Technologies role at Tecnun - Universidad de Navarra.
Looking for two PhD candidates to perform high-quality research in tumor immunology, radiochemistry and targeted drug delivery.
POSITION 1. RADIO-TOUCAN
RADIO-TOUCAN project aims to advance the pharmacological understanding and clinical translation of Therapeutic OligonUCleotides Activated by Nucleases (TOUCAN), a novel platform for site-selective activation of oligonucleotide drugs in inflammatory and tumour microenvironments. The PhD student will develop radiolabelling protocols for TOUCAN constructs and apply state-of-the-art molecular imaging technologies (PET) to evaluate pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, and site-specific activation in preclinical models.
The research will be carried out at two leading research institutions:
* TECNUN – University of Navarra (San Sebastián), home to the Nucleic Acid Technologies Lab (NAT-Lab), a group developing innovative nucleic acid-based diagnostics and therapeutics
* CIC biomaGUNE (San Sebastián), a biomaterials center with a dedicated unit specializing in molecular imaging and radiochemistry.
The selected candidate will benefit from cross-disciplinary training in oligonucleotide design, radiochemistry, in vivo imaging, and translational pharmacology, working closely with a dynamic and experienced supervisory team.
Key Responsibilities
* Design, synthesis, and enzymatic screening of oligonucleotide constructs.
* Development and validation of radiolabelling protocols.
* In vivo PET imaging in healthy and disease models (inflammation and cancer).
* Quantitative pharmacokinetic modelling and biodistribution analysis.
* Data integration to establish design principles for imaging-compatible oligonucleotide therapeutics.
* Validation of probe performance in clinical samples and oncology models.
POSITION 2. TOUCAN-ONCO
TOUCAN-ONCO is a full-time, on-site PhD position in San Sebastián. The candidate will work on the development of novel oligonucleotide-based therapies for solid tumors. 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 for both positions
* 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 conditions
* Working hours:
o Winter schedule: 7,75 hours per day
o Summer schedule: 5 hours per day, from June 15 to August 31
* Vacation: 23 working days + Christmas holidays (December 24 – January 2)
* Starting date: October 2025 (or as soon as possible after that date with flexibility)
Additional details
* Seniority level: Associate
* Employment type: Full-time
* Job function: Design, Engineering, and Research
* Industries: Higher Education
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