PhD Candidate in RNA Biology and Neurodegeneration at Biogipuzkoa / UC San Diego Biogipuzkoa Health Research Institute in Spain

PhD candidate opportunity in RNA biology and neurodegeneration at Biogipuzkoa Health Research Institute in San Sebastián, Spain, in collaboration with University of California, San Diego.

The NeuroRNA group is seeking a PhD student to join a collaborative project focused on RNA biology, neurodegeneration, and Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD). The project is co-supervised by Lorea Blazquez (Ikerbasque Research Associate Professor, Biogipuzkoa) and Jone Lopez-Erauskin (Assistant Project Scientist, UC San Diego).

The research includes molecular and cell biology techniques, gene editing, patient-derived cell lines, antisense oligonucleotides, AAVs, lentivirus, high-throughput DNA/RNA sequencing (Illumina and Nanopore), spatial transcriptomics, and bioinformatics. The project aims to characterize RNA mis-processing in FTD due to GRN mutations, participate in spatial transcriptomics analysis of postmortem brain tissue, and explore RNA-targeting genetic therapies in FTD patients.

Applicants should have a finished or ongoing MSc degree in Biological Sciences or Biomedicine. Strong English communication and writing skills are required, and prior molecular biology experience plus a strong BSc academic record will be positively valued. The post is described as an international PhD thesis opportunity.

The position involves a 12- to 24-month internship at UC San Diego during the PhD. No stipend, tuition, or other funding details are specified in the post.

Application deadline: 31-07-2026.

How to apply: Contact the supervisors to discuss interests and working conditions. Submit a CV, contact details for 2-3 references, and a motivation letter outlining your experience and research interests by email.