PhD student position PR41/ 07/2026

Unist; Madrid; On-site; EUR 26,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Autonomous University of Madrid seeks a PhD candidate to join a translational project focused on CAR‑T therapies for pediatric CNS tumors, including rhabdoid tumors. You will work in a multidisciplinary team spanning molecular biology, immunology, and clinical hemato‑oncology, contributing to data generation, analysis, and interpretation of findings in line with current literature.

The role combines extensive in‑vitro culture with patient-derived samples and in‑vivo murine validation to assess

Qualifications

• University degree in Biology, Biomedicine, Biotechnology, Pharmacy, Medicine, or related life sciences discipline.
• Solid theoretical background in cellular immunology and/or cancer biology; interest in cell/gene therapy approaches.
• Practical experience in cell culture and basic molecular biology methods (e.g., flow cytometry, cytotoxicity assays).
• Willingness to work with laboratory animals (murine models).
• Motivation to participate in outreach and public engagement activities.

Responsibilities

• Design, development, and preclinical validation of CAR‑T cell therapies targeting pediatric CNS tumors (rhaboid/AT/RT).
• Lead data generation, analysis, and interpretation in context of current literature.
• Perform in‑vitro cell culture experiments with patient-derived samples and in‑vivo validation in murine models.

Skills

Biology/Biomedicine background

Immunotherapy interest

Cell culture experience

Flow cytometry

Molecular biology techniques

English proficiency

Team collaboration

Outreach and public engagement

Education

Biology/Biomedicine/Pharmacy degree

Tools

Flow cytometry

Lentiviral vector production

Lentiviral transduction

Job description

Organisation/Company Autonomous University of Madrid (Universidad Autónoma de Madrid) Department Teaching and Research Staff (Personal Docente e Investigador) Research Field Medical sciences Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions Master Positions Application Deadline 31 Jul 2026 - 00:00 (Europe/Madrid) Country Spain Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 37,5 Offer Starting Date 1 Oct 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Reference Number S2022/BMD-7225 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The PhD candidate will join a translational research project focused on the design, development, and preclinical validation of novel CAR‑T cell therapies targeting pediatric central nervous system tumors, with a specific focus on rhabdoid tumors (AT/RT). The candidate will work under close supervision within a multidisciplinary team combining molecular biology, immunology, and clinical hemato‑oncology expertise. The candidate will take an active role across the full experimental cycle of the: data generation, analysis, and interpretation in the context of the current scientific literature. Work will combine extensive in‑vitro cell culture‑based experimentation, including the use of patient‑derived samples, with in‑vivo validation in murine models, aiming to characterize the efficacy and safety of the CAR‑T constructs developed against rhabdoid tumor cells.

• Background in Biology, Biomedicine, Biotechnology, Pharmacy, or a related life sciences field.
• Previous participation in Bachelor’s or Master’s theses (TFG/TFM) or research projects in the field of paediatric oncology or advanced therapies.
• Interest in cancer immunotherapy, cell therapy, and translational pediatric oncology.
• Prior hands‑on experience with cell culture, flow cytometry, molecular biology techniques, and/or handling of laboratory animals will be positively valued.
• Previous experience generating CAR‑T cell products, including lentiviral vector production and titration, and lentiviral transduction of primary T cells.
• Fluency in English (spoken and written) required for scientific communication and publication.
• Experience with flow cytometry applied to the study of paediatric tumours.
• Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams (clinicians, basic scientists, platform staff) and high motivation for translational research in childhood cancer.
• Strong motivation to participate in, and help organize, scientific outreach and public engagement activities aimed at the general public

Specific Requirements

• University degree in Biology, Biomedicine, Biotechnology, Pharmacy, Medicine, or a related life sciences discipline.
• Solid theoretical background in cellular immunology and/or cancer biology, with a particular interest in cell and gene therapy approaches.
• Practical experience in cell culture techniques and basic molecular biology methods (e.g., flow cytometry, cytotoxicity assays) will be highly valued.
• Previous experience in, or willingness to be trained in, the handling and experimental use of laboratory animals (murine models).
• Motivation to participate in, and help organize, scientific outreach and public engagement activities aimed at the general public.
• Good level of English, both spoken and written, to ensure effective scientific communication and participation in international research settings.

Additional Information

• 2.305 €/monthly gross payment
• Expected end of contract: 31/12/2026

Eligibility Criteria

• Previous experience working in a translational research laboratory, preferably in the field of immunotherapy
• Prior hands‑on experience with cell culture, flow cytometry, molecular biology techniques.
• Previous experience generating CAR‑T cell products, including lentiviral vector production and titration, and lentiviral transduction of primary T cells.

Languages – ENGLISH Level Excellent

Research Field – Medical sciences