**Published:** 16/12/2025**Deadline:** 01/02/2026**Envisaged Job Starting Date:**March 2026 A PhD Fellowship is offered in the group of Dr. Susana Carregal\-Romero (Molecular and Functional Biomarkers Laboratory, MFB) at CIC biomaGUNE, in close collaboration with Prof. Fernando López\-Gallego from the Heterogeneous Biocatalysis Laboratory (HetBioCat). The aim of this position is to develop biodegradable nanomaterials for theranostic applications in oncology. The specific goal is to synthesize, functionalize, and characterize calcium carbonate–based nanoparticles, optimizing their physicochemical properties and targeting capabilities for combined imaging and therapeutic use. The Molecular and Functional Biomarkers Laboratory is seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join the **OncoCal** project, conducted in collaboration with the Heterogeneous Biocatalysis Laboratory led by Prof. Fernando López Gallego. This interdisciplinary project focuses on the development of **next\-generation nanomaterials** for biomedical imaging and targeted therapies. By investigating the physicochemical behavior of biocompatible inorganic systems, this research aims to elucidate and precisely control nucleation and growth processes at the nanoscale. These insights will enable the rational design of **multifunctional nanostructures** that integrate diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities within a single platform. To achieve selective targeting, the resulting nanomaterials will be conjugated with biomacromolecules such as antibodies. The project combines advanced synthesis techniques with surface engineering and functionalization strategies to enhance nanomaterial **stability, biocompatibility, and pathological target specificity**. The resulting nanosystems will be evaluated through cutting\-edge **in vitro and in vivo** models to assess their performance in imaging and therapeutic applications. Beyond technological development, this work seeks to bridge **fundamental materials chemistry and translational biomedicine**, contributing to the creation of **safer, more effective nanomedicines** for precision healthcare. KEY PUBLICATIONS * *ACS Nano* 2023, 17, 14, 13811–13825\. ACS Nano. https://doi.org/10\.1021/acsnano.3c03523 * *ACS Catal.* 2023, 13, 17, 11441–11454\. https://doi.org/10\.1021/acscatal.3c01965 **Required Education Level:**Master’s degree (MSc) in Chemistry, Materials Engineering, Biochemistry or a closely related field. **Required Skills/Qualifications:*** Hands\-on experience in nanoparticle synthesis and purification techniques. * Familiarity with characterization methods (TEM, DLS, Mass Spectrometry, FT\-IR, TGA. Liquid chromatography) * Interest or experience in microfluidics, drug delivery, chemical biology or biomedical applications * Curiosity\-driven ability to independently plan and conduct experiments and contribute to multidisciplinary research * Good communication skills in English **Duration:**Temporary full\-time contract with an initial duration of 1 year, renewable up to 48 months. According to the contract regulation, the candidate must be enrolled in a doctoral program on the date of joining the center. Further information on the enrolment process will be given during the selection. **Project Funding:**TeraCal \- PIBA\_2025\_1\_0057 Cod 1251240534 \- (Basque Government) **Informal Inquiries:**Informal requests for additional information can be sent to *Susana Carregal Romero* at *scarregal@cicbiomagune.es* Applications sent directly to the emails listed above **will be NOT be accepted**. **Equal opportunities Policy:**CIC biomaGUNE is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to: age, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by European, national, or local law. **Open Transparent and Merit Based Recruitment Policy:**You can check CIC biomaGUNE OTM\-R Policy. **How To Apply:**Submit your application with a motivation letter stating why you are interested in this position, your CV, the contact details of two academics who can provide a reference using the "Apply" button. ***About CIC biomaGUNE:*** *CIC biomaGUNE, located in the Science and Technology Park of Gipuzkoa (Donostia\-San Sebastián), is a leading research center in the area of* ***bionanomaterials, synthetic bioengineering*** *and* ***molecular imaging*** *and counts with more than 180 people from 33 countries. The activity of CIC biomaGUNE is conducted by a team of 11 international and dynamic research groups, supported by flexible and efficient management teams and a unique research infrastructure including the Molecular Imaging Facility, one of the biggest preclinical imaging research infrastructures in Europe.* *CIC biomaGUNE 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.* *CIC biomaGUNE is committed to develop a HR Strategy for Researchers, designed to bring the practices and procedures in line with the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers (Charter and Code). Please check out the Human Resources Strategy for Researchers \-* *HRS4R at CIC biomaGUNE and the OTM\-R Policy.*