Research opportunity
We seek an outstanding and highly motivated PhD candidate to join the Biocolloids and Neutron Scattering Laboratory, led by Prof. Marité Cárdenas, to work on the research project "Physicochemical determinants of lipid nanoparticle and lipoprotein function" (grant PID2025-170281NB-I00, funded by MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and by the ESF+).
The project aims to elucidate the nano-physicochemical determinants governing the structure, heterogeneity and protein-corona formation of both natural lipoproteins (HDL) and synthetic lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), and to relate these properties to their biological function. By integrating bulk and single-particle biophysical approaches, the research seeks to uncover the molecular basis of HDL dysfunction and identify the factors determining the efficiency of LNP cellular delivery and endosomal escape.
The project combines a wide range of advanced methodologies, including lipidomics and proteomics (OMICS), small-angle X-ray and neutron scattering (SAXS/SANS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), neutron reflection, Single Particle Profiler (SPP), and cryo-electron microscopy.
The successful candidate will be appointed through a four-year FPI (Formación de Personal Investigador) predoctoral contract. Predoctoral grant associated with project reference PID2025-170281NB-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 Chemistry at the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU).
The project includes close collaboration with leading research groups in Spain and abroad, as well as experimental use of major international large-scale research infrastructures, including the Institut Laue-Langevin (France), ESRF (France), EMBL (Germany), the European Spallation Source (Sweden), and the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source (United Kingdom).
About Instituto Biofisika
Instituto Biofisika (IBF) is a joint research center of the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) and the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC). Together with Fundación Biofísica Bizkaia, a Basque Excellence Research Centre (BERC), IBF provides an internationally recognized environment for interdisciplinary research in biophysics, structural biology, and advanced imaging.
Located on the UPV/EHU campus near Bilbao, the institute hosts internationally competitive research groups and offers access to state-of-the-art scientific infrastructure.
Research Environment
The successful candidate will join the Biocolloids and Neutron Scattering Laboratory, an internationally active research group specialized in the physicochemical characterization of biological colloids and membrane systems.
The project provides advanced training in:
Lipid nanoparticle and lipoprotein biophysics
Small-angle X-ray and neutron scattering (SAXS/SANS)
Neutron reflection
FTIR spectroscopy
OMICS approaches
Single Particle Profiler (SPP)
Cryo-electron microscopy
Quantitative data analysis and structural interpretation
The candidate will have opportunities to perform experiments at international neutron and synchrotron facilities and to present research at international conferences.
Candidate Profile
Applicants should have:
A Bachelor's and Master's degree in Physics, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmacy, Biotechnology, Biophysics, or a closely related discipline.
A strong academic record.
Excellent written and spoken English.
Strong motivation to develop an academic career in interdisciplinary biophysical research.
Previous experience in microscopy, scattering techniques, structural biology, or related experimental methods will be considered an advantage but is not required. Full training will be provided to highly motivated candidates.
What We Offer
A fully funded four-year FPI predoctoral employment contract.
Advanced training in state-of-the-art structural and biophysical techniques.
Access to leading European large-scale research infrastructures.
An international, collaborative, and multidisciplinary research environment.
Opportunities to attend international conferences and specialized training courses.
Close scientific supervision and career development within an internationally recognized research group.
Selection Process & Evaluation Criteria (OTM-R Aligned)
Assessment Stage
Primary Evaluation Criteria
| Assessment Stage | Primary Evaluation Criteria | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Eligibility Check | Compliance with formal degree requirements and application completeness. | Pass / Fail |
| 2. Academic Record & CV | Academic excellence, technical background, research experience, and overall suitability for the project. | 50% |
| 3. Interview | Motivation, scientific reasoning, communication skills, English proficiency, and project fit. | 40% |
| 4. Reference Check | Confidential assessment of academic potential, commitment, and teamwork from two academic referees. | 10% |
Notice: Reference checks and interviews form an integral part of the evaluation process. Only shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview. Instituto Biofisika is committed to equal opportunities and recruits following the principles of Open, Transparent and Merit-based Recruitment (OTM-R).
How to Apply
Please send a single PDF containing:
Curriculum vitae (maximum two pages)
Motivation letter (maximum one page)
Academic transcripts (Bachelor's and Master's degrees, including grades)
Contact details for two academic referees
Applications should be sent to marite.cardenas@ehu.eus with the subject line:
Job Application_154: PhD Opportunity in Biophysics of Lipoproteins and Lipid Nanoparticles
Application deadline: 31 October 2026
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis starting 30 September 2026, and the position will remain open until filled. Early applications are strongly encouraged. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.