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.