La Caixa Foundation – INPhINIT Incoming Fellowships Programme (2025)
Overview
The Foundation is awarding 30 doctoral fellowships in Spain and Portugal to support young researchers in health & life sciences, technology, physics, engineering and mathematics. Fellows will work at SeveroOchoa or MaríadeMaeztu distinguished institutions, the CarlosIII Health Institute, or other recognised excellence units.
Eligibility
- Any nationality;
applicants must be selected in the 2025 INPhINIT Incoming Doctoral Fellowships programme.
- Hold a higher‑education degree that qualifies for a doctoral programme.
- Must not have been enrolled in a doctoral programme prior to the fellowship.
- English language proficiency as specified by the Foundation.
Responsibilities
* Project 1 – Ovarian Cancer Research (PI: Jordi Barretina)
Integrate multi‑omics data, develop 3D cultures and PDX models, test therapeutics, and publish findings.
* Project 2 – HIV/ STI Community Research (PI: Cinta Folch)
Support community‑based epidemiological surveys, data analysis, report drafting, and community dissemination.
* Project 3 – Childhood Liver Oncology (PI: Carolina Armengol)
Investigate hepatoblastoma biology using biorepository samples, collaborate in Horizon Europe projects, and contribute to publications.
* Project 4 – Tuberculosis Immunology (PI: Irene Latorre)
Study host‑pathogen interactions in mouse and human models, develop immune‑based biomarkers, and support translational work.
* Project 5 – Peripheral Nerve Tumours (PI: Eduard Serra)
Explore genomics, cell identity and microenvironment in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours, using 3D and iPSC models.
* Project 6 – Clinical Genomics – RNA‑seq Diagnostics (PI: Elisabeth Castellanos)
Develop novel RNA‑sequencing methodologies to improve interpretation of variants of uncertain significance in hereditary cancers.
* Project 7 – Colorectal Cancer Immuno‑Therapeutics (PI: Sergio Alonso)
Assess epigenetic regulation of extracellular matrix remodelers to enhance tumour immunogenicity and response to checkpoint inhibitors.
* Project 8 – Neurofibromatosis Type1 (PI: Bernat Gel)
Lead multi‑modal single‑cell projects, develop nanopore pipelines, and apply findings to early cancer detection.
* Project 9 – Stroke Biomarkers (PI: Teresa Gasull)
Investigate biomarkers and mechanisms of cell death in large animal stroke models, and translate results for clinical use.
* Project 10 – Thyroid Cancer Epigenetics (PI: Mireia Jordà)
Validate epigenetic biomarkers in fine‑needle aspirates and circulating extracellular vesicles to guide treatment of radioiodine‑refractory disease.
* Project 11 – Tumour‑Associated Macrophages (PI: Maria Rosa Sarrias)
Characterise macrophage phenotypes, conduct preclinical mouse work, and support translational collaborations with industry.
* Project 12 – Synucleinopathies Biomarkers (PI: Katrin Bayer)
Develop platelet‑derived miRNA biomarkers for Parkinson’s and Lewy body dementia, and perform translational studies.
Qualifications
* First‑ or second‑year PhD or equivalent research experience (≤4years).
* Strong analytical and laboratory skills;
experience with multi‑omics, cell culture, or epidemiology is an advantage.
* Effective written and verbal communication in English;
Spanish or Portuguese knowledge is a plus.
* Motivation to work in multidisciplinary teams and to participate in conferences/publications.
* Commitment to human rights and inclusive research practices.
Offer
The fellowship provides €35800 per year covering labour costs, with a minimum gross salary of €25000. It includes Social Security and other mandatory fees. Fellows will work under contract with the host institution under a formal agreement signed by The La Caixa Foundation.
Applications are accepted until the placement deadline;
fellowships will commence between September and November 2025, with possible extensions until 31 January 2026.
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