OFFER 153
Fully Funded PhD Opportunity in Cryo-Electron Microscopy and Structural Biology
Publication date: 28 July 2026
Research opportunity
We seek an outstanding and highly motivated PhD candidate to join the Structural Biology of Disease Mechanisms Laboratory, led by Dr. Iban Ubarretxena-Belandia, to work on the research project CRYOPROTEOSTASIS (grant PID2025-175587NB-I00 funded by MICIU/AEI/ 10.13039/501100011033 and by ERDF/EU).
The project aims to uncover the structural mechanisms that govern mitochondrial protein folding and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) protein maturation, combining single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), in situ cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET), protein biochemistry and mammalian cell biology.
The successful candidate will be appointed through a four-year FPI (Formación de Personal Investigador) predoctoral contract. Predoctoral grant associated with project reference PID2025-175587NB-I00 funded by MICIU/AEI /10.13039/501100011033 and by the ESF+.
The candidate will join Instituto Biofisika (IBF) and enroll in the PhD Programme in Molecular Biology and Biomedicine at the University of the Basque Country. The project provides advanced training in protein purification, mammalian cell culture, single-particle cryo-EM, cryo-focused ion beam (cryo-FIB) milling, and in situ cryo-ET. The research is carried out in collaboration with leading international laboratories specializing in structural biology, proteostasis, and cryo-electron microscopy.
About Instituto Biofisika
Instituto Biofisika (IBF; https://www.biofisika.org/en) is a joint research center of the University of the Basque Country (EHU) and the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC). Together with Fundación Biofísica Bizkaia, a Basque Excellence Research Centre (BERC), IBF offers a world-class environment for interdisciplinary research in structural biology, biophysics, and advanced imaging.
Located on the EHU campus near Bilbao, Spain, the institute hosts internationally recognized research groups and provides access to state-of-the-art scientific infrastructure.
Research environment
The successful candidate will join a leading laboratory in cryo-electron microscopy and structural biology with access to exceptional research facilities, including:
Krios G4 300 kV cryo-transmission electron microscope
Aquilos 2 cryo-FIB/SEM for cellular lamella preparation
Talos F200i 200 kV cryo-transmission electron microscope
High-performance computing resources for cryo-EM and cryo-ET data processing
Advanced facilities for light microscopy, protein biochemistry, and cell biology
Candidate profile
Applicants should have:
A Bachelor´s and Master’s degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biology, Biotechnology, Biophysics, Physics, or a related discipline
An excellent academic record (typically a with a Bachelor’s GPA above 8.5/10 and a Master’s GPA above 8.5/10)
Excellent written and spoken English
Strong motivation to pursue interdisciplinary research at the interface of structural biology, biochemistry, and cell biology
Previous experience in cryo-electron microscopy is welcome but not required, as comprehensive training will be provided.
What we offer
A fully funded four-year FPI predoctoral employment contract
Hands-on-training Advanced training in state-of-the-art cryo-EM, cryo-FIB and cryo-ET methodologies
Access to world-class microscopy and computational infrastructure
An international, collaborative, and multidisciplinary research environment
Opportunities to present research at international conferences and participate in specialized training courses
Close scientific mentoring and career development within a highly productive research group
How to Apply
Please send a single PDF containing:
Curriculum vitae
Motivation letter
Academic transcripts for the Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees
Contact details for two academic referees
Send applications to ivan.ubarrechena@ehu.eus, with the subject line:
Job Application_153: PhD Opportunity in Cryo-EM
Application deadline: 28 September 2026
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and early applications are strongly encouraged.