PhD Position in Chemical Glycobiology and Cancer Heterogeneity at CIC bioGUNE

2025/05/13

We seek a motivated PhD candidate to join “PreMetaCan AECC ”, a cutting-edge project on cancer metabolism and precision medicine. CIC bioGUNE has been awarded €2M by the Scientific Foundation of the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC) ExcellenceProgram – PreMetaCan AECC to tackle systemic tumour-host metabolic interactions and advance precision oncology. As part of grant, the PhD candidate will be integrated in a multidisciplinary project carried out in collaboration between the Chemical Glycobiology Lab (Jesús Jiménez-Barbero, Ana Gimeno) and Cancer Heterogeneity Lab (María dM Vivanco) at CIC bioGUNE, a Severo Ochoa Excellence research centre in Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain. The selected PhD candidate will work on determining how glycosylation contributes to cancer heterogeneity, stemness and therapy resistance with the final aims being to identify and establish precise markers and improved targeted therapies in breast cancer.  This project represents a multidisciplinary collaboration between both labs, where chemical-based, with a strong focus on NMR as a main technique, and functional-based, using cell and organoid models, views will be combined to decipher the impact of glycosylation in cancer. The PhD candidate will have access to cutting-edge NMR spectrometers, including 600 MHz, 800 MHz, and 1 GHz magnets, FACS instruments and well-equipped chemistry and cell biology labs, working alongside experts in chemical biology, glycobiology and oncology. We welcome applications from motivated young scientists with a background in Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, Medicine, or related fields. Candidates with experience or a strong interest in NMR and/or cancer biology, are particularly encouraged to apply. Given the nature of the project, experience in cell and tissue culture, molecular biology techniques and analytical skills will be considered as strong assets. Candidates must have completed their MSc degree at the time of incorporation, which is expected in the third quarter of 2025. Application procedure: Motivated candidates should submit an application including (i) a detailed CV, (ii) a cover letter describing your research goals, and (iii) contact details for two references. Applications should be submitted via the form available at form and indicating 42101 as reference.

PhD Position in Cancer Glycobiology laboratory at CIC bioGUNE

2025/05/07

We seek a motivated PhD candidate to join “PreMetaCan AECC”, a cutting-edge project on cancer metabolism and precision medicine, working under the supervision of Dr. June Ereño-Orbea and Dr. Marco Piva at CIC bioGUNE, a Severo Ochoa Excellence research center in Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain. This position is part of a prestigious €2M Scientific Foundation of the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC) Excellence grant aimed at tackling systemic tumor-host metabolic interactions to advance precision oncology. We welcome applications from motivated young scientists with strong background in cellular and molecular biology. Candidates with experience in glycobiology, biochemistry, or structural biology are particularly encouraged to apply. Given the nature of the project, training in immunology is an advantage. Applicants should be willing to be trained in a highly collaborative environment within a multidisciplinary team. The selected candidate will join a fully funded 4-year PhD project, supported by the AECC Excellence Program, focused on deciphering the glycan landscape of tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment across various pathological contexts to uncover novel therapeutic targets. This position offers a unique opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research in cancer glycobiology, while receiving multidisciplinary training in glycosciences, structural biology, and AI-based analytical tools. The candidate will gain hands-on experience with both in vitro and in vivo models and benefit from access to state-of-the-art facilities. The research will be conducted at CIC bioGUNE, a leading international center in biosciences, within a dynamic and collaborative environment. Application procedure: Motivated candidates should submit an application package including (i) a detailed CV, (ii) a cover letter, and (iii) contact details for references. Applications should be submitted via the form available at form and indicating 42201 as reference.