PhD Student Position on Understanding Lipid Immunometabolism to Treat Disease (UNLIMITED, MSCA Doctoral Network) Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III in Spain

The Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (CNIC) in Madrid, Spain, offers a PhD student position within the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network (MSCA-DN) project “Understanding Lipid Immunometabolism to Treat Disease” (UNLIMITED). This interdisciplinary research opportunity is part of a prestigious Horizon Europe-funded consortium, aiming to advance knowledge in lipid metabolism and its impact on immune cell function, with implications for diseases such as cancer and autoimmunity.

The successful candidate will join a vibrant international network of 15 academic and non-academic partners, receiving comprehensive training in scientific, technical, and transferable skills. The research focus is on the role of CPT1A and fatty acid oxidation in macrophage differentiation and function, including activation, polarization, phagocytosis, antigen presentation, and trained immunity. The project utilizes mouse models with CPT1A gain or loss of function and employs advanced bioenergetic profiling techniques such as Seahorse and spatial SCENITH assays, in collaboration with CIML.

UNLIMITED provides a unique interdisciplinary environment, integrating immunology, bioinformatics, metabolism, and drug development. Doctoral candidates will benefit from network-wide training activities, secondments at partner institutions, and exposure to cutting-edge methods like multi-omics, single-cell technologies, and advanced lipidomics. The program aims to uncover novel therapeutic targets and promote excellence in precision medicine, strengthening Europe’s leadership in health innovation.

The position at CNIC is offered as a "Predoctoral Researcher Training Contract" for up to 4 years, with the first three years funded by the UNLIMITED project and the fourth year by group funds according to the CNIC PhD salary scale. The salary is attractive and complies with MSCA regulations. CNIC is a Severo Ochoa Center of Excellence, renowned for its state-of-the-art infrastructure and commitment to scientific excellence and researcher training.

Eligibility criteria include compliance with the MSCA mobility rule (no residence or main activity in Spain for more than 12 months in the past 36 months), not already holding a doctoral degree, and possession of a Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field (biomedical or health sciences, biophysics, bioengineering, or related disciplines). Applications must be submitted in English, with official translations for documents issued in other languages. Required documents include the UNLIMITED application form, CV, cover letter, reference letters, transcripts, and any additional certificates.

To apply, candidates must submit their application in parallel to the UNLIMITED MSCA website and the CNIC careers portal, compiling all documents into a single PDF file (maximum 5 MB). Applications should be emailed to [email protected] and uploaded to https://www.cnic.es/en/careers. Only complete applications submitted in English will be considered. The selection process involves shortlisting based on fit with the research project, followed by interviews during a recruitment event in April 2026. The hosting institution is an equal opportunity employer, welcoming applications from all qualified candidates.

This is an exceptional opportunity for early-stage researchers to contribute to innovative research in lipid immunometabolism, develop advanced skills, and collaborate within a leading European network. For further information, contact Dr. Angel Anzani ([email protected]) or [email protected].