JOB DESCRIPTION
The la Caixa Foundation is launching a fellowships programme for young researchers of any nationality to carry out a doctorate in health and life sciences, technology, physics, engineering and mathematics in Spain or Portugal at accredited institutions with Severo Ochoa or Mara de Maeztu distinction of excellence, any centre of the Carlos III Health Institute, and units considered to be excellent by the Foundation for Science and Technology in Portugal. These fellowships are intended to provide researchers with additional training skills that will expand their development in academia, industry and entrepreneurship.
The la Caixa Foundation is offering 30 fellowships to take up official doctoral studies at accredited host organisations with the Severo Ochoa or Mara de Maeztu distinction of excellence, any centre of the Carlos III Health Institute, and units considered to be excellent by the Foundation for Science and Technology in Portugal.
The call is for pursuing a doctoral degree in the fields of technology, engineering, physics, mathematics, life and health sciences. Applicants must meet admission requirements for a doctoral programme, fulfil the mobility criteria detailed in section 4.5, and not have previously begun any doctoral studies.
The fellowship becomes effective when the selected candidates and host institutions reach an agreement regarding their recruitment. The host organisation will hire the fellow using funds provided by the la Caixa Foundation. The host organisation must hold excellence accreditation at the start of the fellowship.
Fellows should start at host institutions between September and November 2025; in duly justified cases the foundation may allow a delay until 31 January 2026.
See the PhD open positions at the IGTP below :
* Jordi Barretina
* Cinta Folch
* Carolina Armengol
* Irene Latorre
* Eduard Serra
* Elisabeth Castellanos
* Sergio Alonso
* Bernat Gel
* Teresa Gasull
* Mireia Jord
* Maria Rosa Sarrias
* Katrin Bayer
Main Responsibilities
PROJECT 1 : Ovarian Cancer Research – from Omics Data to Pre-clinical Models to Tackle Treatment Resistance Mechanisms
PI: Jordi Barretina
Group: Oncology Translational Research
A PhD student position is available in the Oncology Translational Research Group at the Institut de Recerca Germans Trias i Pujol IGTP under supervision of Dr. Jordi Barretina and Dr. Arola Fortian to work on a project on treatment resistance in ovarian cancer. This multidisciplinary project focuses on integrating transcriptomic, genomic and proteomic data to understand molecular mechanisms of resistance and to develop and utilize advanced preclinical models including 3D cultures and patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) to test new therapeutic strategies.
Research Objectives:
* Omics Integration: Analyze and integrate high-dimensional transcriptomic, genomic and proteomic data to uncover key molecular pathways and biomarkers associated with treatment resistance in ovarian cancer.
* Mechanisms of Resistance: Investigate mutations, gene expression profiles and proteomic alterations contributing to resistance against therapies.
* Preclinical Model Development: Develop and optimize 3D cultures and PDX models to mimic the tumor microenvironment and treatment responses.
* Therapeutic Testing: Use preclinical models to assess novel agents or combinations to overcome resistance.
Key Responsibilities :
* Conduct experiments to generate and analyze multi-omics data (RNA-seq, WGS, proteomics) from patient samples and preclinical models.
* Develop and validate advanced in vitro 3D cancer models and PDX models to evaluate therapeutic responses.
* Design and perform experiments to test candidate treatments in 3D cultures and PDX models, including monitoring efficacy and resistance mechanisms.
* Collaborate with experimental and computational biologists to interpret data and generate hypotheses for clinical translation.
* Present findings at meetings, seminars and conferences; publish results in high-impact journals.
PROJECT 2 : PI: Cinta Folch
Group: Centre for Epidemiological Studies on HIV/AIDS and STI of Catalonia (CEEISCAT)
Contribute to community research applied to public health to improve health and well-being of gay men, bisexuals, MSM, transgender people and other vulnerable populations in Latin America. The selected person will work at CEEISCAT-IGTP as part of the Community Research Hub of Coalition PLUS. The main project for the coming years is the LAMIS-2025 (Latin American MSM Internet Survey) – an online survey to generate data for public health responses with ~65,000 responses.
The functions include :
* Methodological support in the management and coordination of community research projects.
* Data analysis, drafting reports, scientific articles and community return materials.
We are looking for a profile with training in public health or social sciences with database experience and interest in working with communities affected by HIV, STIs and viral hepatitis.
PROJECT 3 : PI: Carolina Armengol
Group: Childhood Liver Oncology (c-LOG)
The Childhood Liver Oncology Group (CLOG) focuses on hepatoblastoma, a rare pediatric tumor. The project investigates tumor biology including glycosylation patterns and the tumor-associated microbiome, with aims to translate findings to novel therapies.
Key areas of interest include :
* Glycosylation patterns in hepatoblastoma
* The tumor-associated microbiome
The research is funded by Horizon Europe (THRIVE) and others, with access to biorepository samples and collaborations for translational research. A PhD opportunity also allows collaboration with an experienced KOL in hepatoblastoma research.
PROJECT 4 : Immunological spectrum of tuberculosis
PI: Irene Latorre
Group: Innovation in Respiratory Infections and Tuberculosis Group
Research focuses on M. tuberculosis immune mechanisms and the spectrum of infection, using human and mouse models. Objectives include studying host immune responses in TB states, animal models for host immunity stratification, and lung immunity in CC mice. The project aims to improve understanding of TB immunity and translational outcomes.
Candidate Profile and Motivations
* Interest in immunology of respiratory infections with collaborative mindset.
* Ability to work with mice models.
* Good English skills; willingness to publish internationally.
PROJECT 5 : Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors
PI: Eduard Serra
Group: Hereditary Cancer
The group studies tumors of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and NF1, including MPNSTs. The project uses primary cultures, iPSC-derived 3D models, and multi-omics to understand malignant progression and identify therapeutic vulnerabilities. Collaboration with clinical groups and biobanks is emphasized.
Candidate Profile and Motivations
We seek an enthusiastic researcher to study NC- and NC-derived tumors using 3D cultures and to analyze genomic alterations, cell identity and tumor microenvironment across contexts.
PROJECT 6 : Clinical Genomics Unit
Group: UGC
Focus on improving molecular diagnostics by integrating RNA-based approaches, long-read sequencing and transcriptomics to enhance diagnosis and variant interpretation in hereditary cancer and related disorders. The project aims to develop tools using RNAseq and ONT long-read sequencing to detect splicing variants and improve variant classification. The work will involve CRISPR editing, EV analysis, and multi-omics integration, with translational aims and collaboration with clinical centers.
PROJECT 7 : Targeting Tumor Microenvironment to Enhance Lymphocytic Infiltration in Colorectal Cancer
PI: Sergio Alonso
Group: Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics
Given the limited response of many CRCs to immune checkpoint inhibitors, the project examines epigenetic silencing of extracellular matrix remodelers linked to higher lymphocyte infiltration. The PhD will explore mechanisms in primary CRCs and other GI cancers using 3D co-culture models, with potential expansion to PDX models; aims to identify novel therapeutic targets to enhance immunogenicity and ICI response.
Experimental Approach
The candidate will use molecular and cellular biology techniques, plus computational analyses (R/Python), and may work with preclinical models including mice.
PROJECT 8 : Neurofibromatosis Type 1
PI: Bernat Gel
Group: Translational Genomics and Bioinformatics of Cancer
NF1 is a genetic cancer predisposition syndrome with NF1-related tumors including cNF, pNF and potential progression to MPNST. The candidate will lead a project integrating multi-modal single-cell data, automated nanopore sequencing workflows, or cfDNA analysis in clinical diagnostics, with collaboration across projects.
PROJECT 9 : Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology
PI: Teresa Gasull
Group: CMN
The project investigates brain mechanisms in neurovascular disorders, focusing on stroke. It includes testing treatments in large animal models at the CMCiB facility, with two sub-projects: IBIDI-Stroke and a randomized preclinical study of intravenous apotransferrin in stroke. The aim is translational impact on stroke diagnosis and therapy.
PROJECT 10 : Developing epigenetic diagnostics and therapeutics for thyroid cancer
PI: Mireia Jord
Group: Endocrine Tumors
The project aims to develop epigenetic biomarkers and RNA- and DNA-based diagnostic tools for aggressive differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), including analysis of DNA methylation, circulating EV-DNA methylation, and multi-omics integration. The candidate will work with cell lines and patient-derived models, and contribute to manuscript writing and supervision.
PROJECT 11 : Translational cancer immunology
PI: Maria Rosa Sarrias
Group: Translational cancer immunology
The PhD aims to expand understanding of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) biology and immunotherapy. A unique aspect is collaboration with TAM Therapeutics, providing translational exposure to industry. Responsibilities include in vitro analysis, preclinical mouse models, biomarker studies, literature reviews, data analysis and presentations.
PROJECT 12 : Genomics and Transcriptomics of Synucleinopathies
PI: Katrin Bayer
Group: Genomics and Transcriptomics of Synucleinopathies
The group focuses on Lewy body disorders and peripheral biomarkers. Projects involve miRNA biomarker development, validation of early biomarkers for dementia with Lewy bodies, and translational research on Lewy body disorders, including miRNA mechanisms and translational impact.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
* Nationality: Young researchers of any nationality may apply for Doctoral INPhINIT Incoming Fellowships.
* Studies: Must hold a degree eligible for enrolment in a doctoral programme; must be verified by the host university; no prior doctoral enrolment before the fellowship.
* Language: English proficiency required unless exempt by nationality or transcripts showing English as language of instruction.
* Research experience: Within the first four years of research careers at deadline.
* Mobility: Cannot have resided in Spain/Portugal more than 12 months in the previous three years.
WHAT WE OFFER
The la Caixa Foundation will sign an agreement with the host institution to receive fellowship payments, which will cover fellows’ costs as follows:
* 35800 per year to cover labour costs (salary and compulsory fees). Minimum annual gross salary offered by host is 25000. If costs exceed the maximum, the host covers the excess. In Portugal, conditions are the same by law.
* 3500 per year for research costs (conferences, courses, stays, consumables, equipment, IP charges, etc.). Managed by the host institution and justified separately.
* Tuition fees for the official doctoral programme.
* The contract must comply with host country law and start with the fellowship start date.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Information about Doctoral INPhINIT Fellowships 2025 Call: information about the programme here.
HOW TO APPLY
Candidates must be accepted in the Fellowships la Caixa Foundation.
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS
Submit your application by 31 July.
About us
The Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP) is a public research centre in Badalona focused on transforming scientific knowledge into solutions to improve health. IGTP is part of the Can Ruti biomedical campus and coordinates campus science strategy with ISCIII accreditation and CERCA status.
IGTP conducts research in 9 areas: Cancer; Cardiovascular and Respiratory Diseases; Community Health; Diseases of the Liver and Digestive Tract; Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases; Immunology and Inflammation; Infectious Diseases; Neuroscience; Science of Behaviour and Substance Abuse.
IGTP provides a translational research environment with a commitment to equal opportunities and to support candidates with disabilities.
Key Skills
Project Management, Program Management, Budgeting, Leadership, Supervision, Microsoft Office, Contracts.
Employment Type: Full-Time
Experience: years
Vacancy: 1
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