PhD position in Engineering robustness in yeast cell factories: coping with stress response Spanish National Research Council in Spain

This PhD position at the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) offers an exciting opportunity to advance the engineering robustness of yeast cell factories, focusing on coping with stress response mechanisms. The project aims to elucidate key drivers of metabolic shifts in Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell factories, design tunable precision toggle switches for controlled regulation, and develop inducible yeast strains for efficient biomanufacturing. The research will combine metabolic modeling and omics-based approaches to identify regulators of targeted metabolic shifts, informing the development of mathematical models of synthetic toggle circuits. These models will be integrated with automated biocircuit design tools, synthetic biology methods, and strain development techniques to engineer robust yeast strains for sustainable biomanufacturing.

The Dynamics Biodesign Lab (DBDL), led by Dr. Pablo Carbonell, specializes in automated biofoundries and sustainable industrial biotechnology, leveraging synthetic biology, machine learning, and biosensor design. The Biotechnology of Industrial Yeasts Laboratory, led by Dr. Agustín Aranda, focuses on regulatory systems and genetic manipulation of yeast species, particularly in winemaking environments. The Computational Synthetic Biology group, led by Dr. Irene Otero-Muras, works on the design and control of biomolecular networks relevant to cell regulation and metabolic processes. The host institution, CSIC, is Spain's largest public research organization, with a strong presence in the European Research Area and a commitment to excellence in research and training.

The position is funded through the Horizon Europe COFUND Marie Curie program, offering a competitive compensation package: a living allowance of 3400€/month (with country correction factor), mobility allowance of 600€/month, and family allowance of 660€/month if eligible. The doctoral candidate will benefit from a comprehensive, international training program covering life science, data science, artificial intelligence, humanities, and transferable skills, as well as a Personal Career Development Plan. Secondments at collaborating laboratories such as ETH Zurich and Wageningen University are possible, enhancing project outcomes and training quality.

Applicants must hold a master's degree or equivalent in biotechnology, synthetic biology, systems biology, mathematics, computer science, engineering, or a related field, with technical skills in programming and mathematical modeling. English proficiency (B2 or higher) is required. Eligibility criteria include not having been awarded a doctoral degree and compliance with the mobility rule (not residing or carrying out main activity in Spain for more than 12 months in the last 3 years). The application deadline is March 23, 2026.

To apply, download the Application Package and Guide for Applicants from the project website, gather all required documents into a single folder as instructed, and submit your application by email to [email protected]. For further information or questions, contact the team or consult the FAQ site. The position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to fundamental understanding of cell decisions in biology and advance sustainable yeast cell factory biomanufacturing.