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PhD Position in Protein Engineering and Catalytic Biomaterials

On-site in San Sebastián·Added yesterday (last checked 28 Oct)

CIC biomaGUNE

5 open roles

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Our summary

Work mode: On-site, San Sebastián
Education: Doctorate

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Skills

Biochemistry

The role

The project SmartCat "Engineered Protein-Metal Hybrids for Smart Catalytic Biomaterials" is funded by the Spanish Research Agency (AEI). The project aims to develop a new generation of engineered protein-metal hybrid catalysts and catalytic biomaterials capable of performing new-to-nature chemical transformations under mild and sustainable conditions.

The PhD candidate will work on the design and engineering of protein scaffolds with tailored metal-binding and catalytic properties to generate artificial metalloproteins and metalloenzymes with programmable catalytic activities. These protein-metal hybrids will be integrated into supramolecular architectures and biomaterials to investigate how their organization influences catalytic performance. The project will also explore stimuli-responsive elements to develop smart catalytic biomaterials with externally controlled activity.

The project is highly multidisciplinary and combines protein design and engineering, protein biochemistry and biophysics, bioinorganic chemistry, nanotechnology, supramolecular biomaterials and catalysis. The project will be carried out at CIC biomaGUNE, a multidisciplinary and international research institute in San Sebastian, Spain, offering state-of-the-art infrastructure and a highly collaborative research environment at the interface of chemistry, biology, nanotechnology and materials science.

About CIC biomaGUNE

CIC biomaGUNE (Center for Cooperative Research in Biomaterials) is a non-profit research organization and member of the Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), created to promote scientific research and technological innovation in the Basque Country under the BioBasque policy. Its activity is conducted by an average of 11 international research groups working at the interface between chemistry, physics, and biology, with an emphasis on the design of nanostructures and biomaterials and their applications in biomedicine. The center's strategy is structured around three research priorities: Biofunctional Nanomaterials, Synthetic Bioengineering, and Molecular and Functional Imaging, with applications spanning diagnostic, therapeutic, theranostic, and multimodal imaging.

The center is located in the Science and Technology Park of Gipuzkoa in Donostia-San Sebastián, Basque Country, Spain. It has earned national and international recognition as a scientific leader in biomaterials, including the 2018 'María de Maeztu Unit of Excellence' accreditation — the highest recognition of scientific excellence in Spain from the Spanish State Research Agency (AEI) — and the 'HR Excellence in Research' seal. It runs structured career pathways for researchers at all levels, including a PhD Program, Postdoctoral Program (including the BREATH Postdoctoral Programme), Master Program, and Undergraduate and Vocational Training Programs, making it a relevant destination for international scientists seeking research careers in Spain.

Industry: Biomaterials Research

Good to know if you are moving

Located in the Science and Technology Park of Gipuzkoa in Donostia-San Sebastián, Basque Country, with an average of 11 international and dynamic research groups.
Holds the 'HR Excellence in Research' seal and implements a Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R), signaling structured, researcher-friendly employment practices.
Accredited in 2018 as a 'María de Maeztu Unit of Excellence' — the highest recognition of scientific excellence in Spain awarded by the Spanish State Research Agency (AEI).
Offers structured research career pathways including a PhD Program, Postdoctoral Program (including the BREATH Postdoctoral Programme), Master Program, and Undergraduate and Vocational Training Programs.
Member of the Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), a network of Basque research and technology centers.

All open roles at CIC biomaGUNE