Job offer

European Commission; España; Presencial; EUR 25.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

The Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC) in Barcelona seeks a highly motivated PhD student for a project on brain lipids and GPCRs. The role offers a dynamic research environment with access to high-performance computing resources, along with a gross annual salary of approximately EUR 25,000.

Servicios

Access to high-performance computing resources

Collaboration opportunities with research networks

Dynamic, multidisciplinary research environment

Formación

• Excellent academic record at undergraduate and master’s level.
• Experience with molecular simulations is an advantage.

Responsabilidades

• Investigate how omega-3 fatty acids modulate GPCR function.
• Develop simulation protocols and analyze biomolecular systems.

Conocimientos

Programming skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Educación

Master's degree in chemistry, biophysics, bioinformatics, neuroscience

Herramientas

Molecular simulation software (GROMACS, NAMD)

Linux environments

Descripción del empleo

Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC)

Organisation/Company Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC) Research Field Physics » Biophysics Chemistry » Computational chemistry Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Country Spain Application Deadline 30 Jun 2025 - 14:00 (Europe/Madrid) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC) in Barcelona, part of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), is seeking a PhD student to join the Theoretical and Computational Chemistry Group within the Department of Biological Chemistry.

The selected candidate will join the Brain Signaling and Neurolipids Lab, led by Dr. Ramon Guixà-González, to work on a project investigating how brain lipids—especially omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids—modulate the structure and function of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in neuronal membranes.

Project Description

The human brain exhibits a unique lipid composition, enriched in omega-3 fatty acids that affect membrane fluidity and, consequently, the function of membrane proteins such as GPCRs. These receptors are central to neurotransmission and represent one of the most important families of therapeutic targets. Changes in brain lipid profiles have been linked to a variety of neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative conditions.

This PhD project will use molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to examine how polyunsaturated fatty acids influence GPCR conformational dynamics, ligand binding, and downstream G protein signaling. The student will contribute to the development of simulation protocols and the structural and energetic analysis of complex biomolecular systems.

To learn more about the group’s research and publications:

We are looking for a highly motivated and qualified candidate with:

• A Master’s degree in chemistry, biophysics, bioinformatics, neuroscience, or a related discipline
• An excellent academic record at both undergraduate and master’s level
• Strong programming skills and proficiency in Linux environments — both are essential requirements
• Experience with molecular simulation software (e.g., GROMACS, NAMD) is an advantage
• Knowledge of machine learning, neural networks, or AI methods is a plus
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Interest in interdisciplinary and collaborative science

What We Offer

• A 3-year PhD contract in a dynamic, multidisciplinary research environment at IQAC-CSIC in Barcelona
• Supervision and training in cutting-edge computational techniques applied to biomolecular systems
• Access to high-performance computing resources and collaboration opportunities with national and international research networks
• Gross annual salary: approximately EUR 25,000
• A stimulating scientific setting in Barcelona, known for its Mediterranean climate, cultural richness, vibrant research community, and outstanding quality of life

How to Apply

Applications should include:

• A detailed CV
• Academic transcripts (Bachelor and Master)
• Contact information for at least one academic reference

Where to apply

E-mail [e-mail]

Requirements

Research Field Physics » Biophysics Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field Chemistry » Computational chemistry Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent

Research Field Chemistry » Computational chemistryPhysics » Biophysics