PhD position available to study the interaction of proteins with chiral gold nanoparticles as a function of the physicochemical environment.

CIC biomaGUNE; España; On-site; EUR 13,000 - 20,000; Full time

Job summary

CIC biomaGUNE invites applications for a predoc researcher position in the CHIRAL-PRO ERC project. The successful candidate will work in the Bionanoplasmonics laboratory under Prof. Luis M. Liz-Marzán and Dr.

Pamina Winkler. The project focuses on chiral nanoparticle interactions with proteins, employing time-lapse AFM in liquid to study diffusion, interaction and assembly on membranes. Applicants should have a BSc and MSc in relevant fields (bio-chemistry, biophysics, molecular biology) and a

Qualifications

• Eligible to join a doctoral programme for the 2026/2027 academic year.
• Interest in multidisciplinary work and capacity to operate in an international environment.
• Good written and oral communication skills in English are required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct experimental investigations on environmental factors and chiral nanoparticles affecting protein interactions in biological systems.
• Track the dynamics of amyloid proteins and their oligomer formation using time-lapse AFM.
• Collaborate within an ERC-funded project under international supervision to develop new insights in bionanomaterials.

Skills

Multidisciplinary work

International environment

Interpersonal skills

English communication

Education

BSc in related field

MSc in related area

Tools

Atomic force microscopy

Job description

Organisation/Company CIC biomaGUNE Department Research in Biomaterials Research Field Biological sciences Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Leading Researcher (R4) First Stage Researcher (R1) Established Researcher (R3) Application Deadline 18 Nov 2026 - 23:59 (UTC) Country Spain Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 40 Offer Starting Date 3 Jan 2027 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - ERC Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

CHIRAL-PRO, supported by the European Research Council (ERC) and in collaboration with the University of Antwerp, the University of Michigan and the University of Vigo, is aimed at the tailored formation of handshake complexes (with chirality-directed recognition) between chiral nanoparticles and proteins or protein assemblies. Within this project, the proposed predoctoral research will focus on experimental investigation of the role of environmental factors and of chiral nanoparticles on protein interaction dynamics in biologically relevant systems.

The project will be carried out at the Bionanoplasmonics laboratory ( https://www.cicbiomagune.es/org/researchgroup-detail/42447 ) of CIC biomaGUNE under the supervision of Prof. Luis M. Liz-Marzán and Dr. Pamina Winkler. CIC biomaGUNE (San Sebastian) is a leading research center in the area of bionanomaterials, molecular imaging and regenerative medicine, and maintains a vibrant weekly scientific seminar program by visiting leading scientists. Additional training in soft skills and technologies covered by the CIC biomaGUNE technical platforms is offered to researchers within the in-house training program. In 2018 CIC biomaGUNE was recognized as Maria Maeztu Unit of Excellence.

The proposed research line will focus on tracking the dynamics of amyloid proteins how they form oligomers and incipient aggregates on biological membranes using time-lapse atomic force microscopy in liquid environments. First, the influence of the physicochemical environment—including metabolites, salt ions, and pH—on the nanoscale diffusion, force and topography of amyloid proteins and their assemblies will be investigated on biological membranes of different compositions. Subsequently, the interaction between amyloid proteins and chiral gold nanoparticles of different morphologies will be deciphered. Third, the collective influence of the physicocehmical environemnt and chiral nanoparticles on amyloid protein dynamics and assembly will be elucidated.

Requirements

Skills/Qualifications

The candidates should be eligible to join a doctoral programme for the 2026/2027 academic year. They are expected to have interest in multidisciplinary work, motivation to learn from a diversity of scientific areas and the capacity to work in an international environment. Good interpersonal skills as well as written and oral communication skills in English are required.

Specific Requirements

A BsC and MSc in a relevant area of (bio-)chemistry, biophysics, molecular biology, or related areas. Experience in the fields of protein chemistry, advanced bioimaging techniques such as atomic force microscopy are positively evaluated.