SHORT DESCRIPTION

IMDEA Materials seeks a motivated PhD candidate to participate in a regional project by the Community of Madrid, by integrating experimental biology with material engineering and computational modeling (digital-twin). This project aims to redefine mechanobiology as a driver of innovation for health care applications, providing insights into fundamental disease phenomena while opening new therapeutic and translational opportunities by using technological platforms including advances in vitro models, organ-on-a-chip, and scaffolds.

OTHER DETAILS

Ref. num. 2025-ME_PD-R1-294

Ph.D Candidate – Biological evaluation of mechanobiological platforms for understanding disease, developing therapies, and innovating in tissue engineering

IMDEA Materials Institute is a public research organization founded in 2007 by Madrid’s regional government to carry out research of excellence in Material Science and Engineering by attracting talent from all over the world to work in an international and multidisciplinary environment. IMDEA Materials has grown rapidly since its foundation and currently includes more than 120 researchers from 22 nationalities and has become one of the leading research centers in materials in Europe which has received the María de Maeztu seal of excellence from the Spanish government. The research activities have been focused on the areas of materials for transport, energy, and health care and the Institute has state-of-the-art facilities for processing, characterization and simulation of advanced materials.

More information can be found at our webpage.


Description

The PhD candidate will contribute to the develop and biological validation of diverse platforms in vitro to understand mechanobiological phenomena in diseases, exploring therapeutic mechanical stimuli, and advance tissue engineering applications.

Some of the specific fields involved are:

  • Design and biological in vitro evaluation of 3D scaffolds
  • Development and characterization of 3D cell models (spheroids, orgaoids)
  • Use of microfluidic, organ-on-a-chip setups with different cell types
  • Study of mechanobiology mechanisms

We are looking for a candidate with a background in biomaterials and knowledge in biology, cell culture techniques, and programming.


Requirements
  • Candidates should have a background in biomedical engineering, materials science, biology, chemistry, medical science, biotechnology, or a related discipline.
  • Strong interest in mechanobiology, cell biology, and bioengineering.
  • Experience in the biological evaluation of materials (in vitro).
  • Knowledge of molecular biology techniques (immunostaining, PCR, Western blot, etc.).
  • Motivation to work in an interdisciplinary environment (collaboration with engineers, computational scientists, and eventually with clinicians).
  • Availability to start in January 2026.
  • Good communication skills.
  • Fluent in English (written and oral).
  • Confident in hands-on work in the lab and an excellent self-starter.
  • Quick learner and comfortable working in novel environments.
  • Ability to set up new experiments based on requirements.

Desired (not mandatory):

  • Familiarity with microfluidics, lab-on-chip systems, or bioreactors.
  • Experience in cell culture (2D/3D), organoids, or tissue models.

Conditions

Three-year contract with a first-year evaluation period.

- Full-time contract, including social security coverage.

Project acknowledgment:

This job offer is part of the iCELLS-CM project (SYG-2024/TEC-1062) funded by the Comunidad de Madrid under the call PROYECTOS SINÉRGICOS I+D 2024.


Applications are processed upon reception. The position might be closed once ten working days have passed since publication, so we encourage early application.

The working language of the Institute is English. Full command of the English language is required in all positions.

WHAT YOU WILL FIND AT IMDEA:

Stimulating environment where you can grow professionally.

IMDEA Materials Institute is committed to equal opportunities, diversity and the promotion of a healthy work environment and work-life balance. Female applicants are encouraged to apply to our research and technical positions. See our Gender Equality Plan here and our Code of Ethics here.

Besides on-the-job technical training, IMDEA Materials Institute is committed to training the Institute’s scientists and staff in “soft” or transversal skills. See the available training here.

Meet some of our alumni to see what it is like to work with us.