This PhD project focuses on developing and optimizing a novel nanoparticle-based biosensor platform for the rapid detection of nucleic acids from infectious pathogens. Traditional diagnostic methods such as PCR and sequencing, while accurate, are slow, expensive, and require centralized laboratory facilities, limiting their scalability for widespread diagnostic needs. The research aims to address these limitations by advancing a gold colloidal biosensor technology capable of direct detection of viral nucleic acids from biological fluids, eliminating the need for purification or amplification steps. The project will expand the platform to detect multiple clinically relevant pathogens, validate its analytical and clinical performance, and prepare it for commercialisation and compliance with in vitro diagnostic regulations. Hosted at IIS Biogipuzkoa Health Research Centre in Spain, the work will be conducted within Dr. Charles Lawrie’s Molecular Oncology group, which integrates biomarker discovery, diagnostic tool development, and therapeutic innovation. The laboratory offers access to advanced facilities for cell culture, flow cytometry, microscopy, genomics, histology, and clinical trials, as well as strong links to oncology medical services. The position is part of the INT2ACT Doctoral Network, providing opportunities for secondments at collaborating institutions, including Shanghai University in China. Candidates should have a Master’s degree in materials science, biomedical engineering, biotechnology, chemistry, or a related field, and must not already hold a doctoral degree. Desirable skills include bioinformatics, computational biology, nucleic acid detection, nanomaterials, biosensor development, and experience with medical device translation or regulatory aspects. Strong motivation, multidisciplinary research interest, and proficiency in English are required. The position is fully funded under EU MSCA regulations, including salary, benefits, and travel support. Applications require a statement of interest, CV, academic certificates, and degree documentation, submitted as a single PDF. The deadline for applications is January 31, 2026.

This PhD position, hosted at IIS Biogipuzkoa Health Research Centre in Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain, is part of the INT2ACT Doctoral Network and affiliated with the University of Udine. The project, BIOCART, aims to identify novel blood-based biomarkers in CAR-T–treated patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell lymphomas. CAR-T therapy has revolutionized treatment for these patients, but resistance and toxicities such as cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity remain significant challenges. The project addresses the urgent clinical need for biomarkers to better predict and manage these toxicities and monitor disease progression. Unlike previous studies that relied on single omic approaches and small cohorts, BIOCART employs a comprehensive multi-omics strategy, including cfDNA, miRNA, methylomics, glycomics, and spectroscopy, in a large, prospective, international, multicenter study. Blood samples are collected at multiple time points before and after CAR-T infusion, and the resulting data are used to develop and train machine learning pipelines capable of integrating and harmonizing multi-omics datasets. The goal is to identify biomarkers for early treatment response, disease progression, and therapy-related toxicities. The developed algorithms and biomarkers will be validated in an independent cohort of 120 patients. The PhD student will focus on bioinformatics analyses, data fusion, and the development of new computational tools for data harmonization. The host laboratory, led by Prof. Charles Lawrie, is well-equipped with facilities for cell culture, flow cytometry, microscopy, genomics, histology, and clinical trials, and maintains strong connections with oncology medical services. The project includes secondments to collaborating groups in China (Prof. Lei Zhang, SSIAT, Shanghai University) and Spain (Dr. Marc Weber, Flomics Biotech SL, Barcelona), so willingness to travel is essential. Applicants must have a Master’s degree in a relevant field, not already hold a doctoral degree, and comply with the mobility rule. Experience in bioinformatics, computational biology, and programming (Python, R, C++) is advantageous, as is knowledge of machine learning. Proficiency in English is required. Funding is provided through the INT2ACT Doctoral Network, with details available on the recruitment web page. The application deadline is January 31, 2026. For more information, visit the INT2ACT website or contact Dr. Charles Lawrie.