Predoctoral position in biomedical research in rare diseases

Autonomous University of Madrid (Universidad Autónoma de Madrid); Spain; On-site; EUR 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Autonomous University of Madrid (Universidad Autónoma de Madrid) offers a four-year, full-time predoctoral PhD position focusing on the molecular, biochemical, and cellular mechanisms of neurometabolic diseases using human iPSC-derived models.

The project includes generating cerebral organoids to study disease phenotypes and evaluating therapeutic strategies, including antisense oligonucleotides and gene editing techniques.

Qualifications

• Academic background in Biochemistry, Biology, Biomedicine, Biotechnology or related fields.
• Teamwork and scientific communication skills are required.

Responsibilities

• Culture and differentiation of iPSCs.
• Generation and characterization of cellular and organoid models.
• Application of molecular and cellular biology techniques; microscopy.
• Analysis of gene expression and cellular pathways; gene editing.
• Participation in scientific publications and conferences.

Skills

Teamwork

Scientific communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry,Biology,Biomedicine, Biotechnology

Master's degree in relevant field

Job description

Organisation/Company Autonomous University of Madrid (Universidad Autónoma de Madrid) Department Science Faculty, Molecular Biology Department Research Field Biological sciences Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 30 Nov 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Madrid) Country Spain Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 37,5 Offer Starting Date 1 Mar 2027 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

PhD position focused on the study of the molecular, biochemical, and cellular mechanisms involved in neurometabolic diseases, with particular emphasis on propionic acidemia, using human models derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).

The project will include the generation and characterization of cerebral organoids to investigate the molecular and biochemical phenotype associated with the disease, as well as the evaluation of potential therapeutic strategies targeting altered cellular pathways, including pharmacological compounds and miRNA-based approaches.

In addition, the research will address the study and correction of splicing defects caused by variants identified in patients with neurometabolic diseases through the use of antisense oligonucleotides and gene-editing strategies.

Responsibilities will include the culture and differentiation of iPSCs; generation and characterization of cellular and organoid models; application of molecular and cellular biology techniques; microscopy; analysis of gene expression and cellular pathways; gene editing; analysis and interpretation of results; and participation in scientific publications and conferences.

• - Academic background and academic record in Biochemistry, Biology, Biomedicine, Biotechnology, or related fields.
• - Previous research experience, especially in rare diseases.
• - Experience in cell culture will be considered an asset, particularly with induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).
• - Experience in gene expression analysis, splicing, microRNA (miRNA) studies, and/or gene editing techniques will be considered an asset.
• - Experience in animal experimentation and relevant accreditation will be considered an asset.
• - Teamwork and scientific communication skills.

Languages ENGLISH Level Good

Languages SPANISH Level Good

Additional Information

Four-year, full-time predoctoral contract at Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), with the opportunity to pursue a PhD in a multidisciplinary research environment.

Eligibility criteria

Applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree and a Master's degree in the fields specified above, or equivalent qualifications, and meet the requirements for admission to a PhD programme at UAM.

Selection process

Candidates will be evaluated based on their academic record, research experience, and the skills and qualifications listed above. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview.

Additional comments

Applications to this offer must be registered online through the application portal of UAM. Nevertheless, prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the PI beforehand to discuss their suitability for the position, and to seek for assistance with the online application system