Organisation/Company Instituto de Quimica Fisica Blas Cabrera Research Field Chemistry ′′ Biochemistry Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Country Spain Application Deadline 16 Jan 2026 - 12:00 (Europe/Madrid) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 1 Dec 2025 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? No
Offer Description
The Antimicrobial Discovery Lab at the "Instituto de química física Blas Cabrera (IQF-CSIC)" is offering a 3-year PhD position. The proposed project is part of an international consortium (the Open Source Antibiotics project) aimed at identifying inhibitors capable of acting on multiple enzymes that are essential for bacterial survival. The work will initially focus on Mur ligases from Mycobacterium tuberculosis, although other enzymes will also be considered. The work associated with this position will begin with the study of MurC, MurD, MurE and MurF, exploring conditions that favour homogeneous conformations and facilitate crystallisation in the presence of inhibitors. The main objective is to generate crystallographic structures of Mur ligases in complexes that are relevant for the rational design of inhibitors. Progress will be evaluated periodically, and an alternative project may be incorporated if necessary. Intensive, specialised work will be required to optimise protocols, study protein–ligand interactions, and analyse the resulting data. This calls for the recruitment of a highly qualified candidate (Master's degree) to carry out the scientific objectives.
A training programme has been designed for the selected candidate, which will include basic biochemical techniques, protein expression and purification, crystallography, and the study of protein–ligand interactions using biophysical, enzymological and computational methods. The execution of these tasks will provide the candidate with specialised training, as well as generate scientific results that will be presented in the form of a PhD thesis. For this reason, the position will be offered as a predoctoral contract and will be extended until completion of the doctoral thesis (initially estimated at 3 years).
The selection of candidates will be carried out through the CSIC "bolsa de empleo" portal, therefore they need to have the Spanish residency.
For more information and to send expressions of interest, please contact Laura Díaz-Sáez (ldiaz@iqf.csic.es ). Expressions of interest should be accompanied by the applicant's CV and a motivation letter.
Where to apply
E-mail ldiaz@iqf.csic.es
Requirements
Research Field Chemistry ′′ Biochemistry Education Level Master Degree or equivalent
Research Field Biological sciences ′′ Other Education Level Bachelor Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
Master's Degree in Biomolecules and Cellular Dynamics.
Strong foundation in biochemistry, molecular biology, and protein science .
Familiarity with protein expression and purification (bacterial systems) techniques
Basic knowledge of structural biology techniques (crystallography, cryo-EM).
Ability to analyse scientific results and work with computational tools for structural or biochemical studies
Ability to work both independently and as part of an international, multidisciplinary team
Motivation to develop a doctoral thesis within the project framework.
Good communication skills and strong proficiency in scientific English.
Strong proficiency in scientific English will be highly valued.
Specific Requirements
Completion of a Master's degree before the contract start date, along with formal admission to a PhD programme at a recognised Spanish university.
Availability and commitment to undertake a full-time PhD project for an estimated period of 3 years.
Willingness to receive training in protein expression, purification, crystallography, and biophysical/enzymological techniques.
Interest in studying Mur ligases and other enzymes involved in bacterial cell wall biosynthesis.
Capacity to perform experimental laboratory work, including protocol optimisation and systematic analysis of protein‐ligand interactions.
Strong organisational skills and attention to detail for handling experiments, data management, and documentation.
Demonstrated critical, responsible, and ethical approach to scientific work.
Submission of CV and motivation letter as part of the application.
Spanish residency.
Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent
Research Field Chemistry ′′ BiochemistryBiological sciences ′′ Other Years of Research Experience None
Additional Information
Work Location(s)
Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Instituto de química física Blas Cabrera Country Spain City Madrid Geofield
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