PhD Contract to Develop Novel Therapeutic Approaches for Atrial Fibrillation through Protein–Kv Channel Modulators, Fluorescent Bioimaging Tools and Inflammation-Resolution Strategies at the IQMB-CSIC Spanish National Research Council in Spain

PhD opportunity at the Instituto de Química Médica y Biomedicina (IQMB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain. The project is a doctoral contract focused on developing novel therapeutic approaches for atrial fibrillation through protein–Kv channel modulators, fluorescent bioimaging tools, and inflammation-resolution strategies.

The doctorate is linked to project PID2025-175748OB-C22 (KvRes4AF), funded by the Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación, the Agencia Estatal de Investigación, and the Fondo Social Europeo (FSE+) under the 2025 call for Proyectos de Generación de Conocimiento. The work is based at the CSIC Institute of Medicinal Chemistry and Biomedicine, with a strong medicinal chemistry and chemical biology orientation.

The research aims to identify new chemical tools that modulate protein–Kv channel interactions and fluorescent probes to visualize those interactions. These tools are intended to support the discovery of molecular targets relevant to medicinal chemistry programmes for treating atrial and ventricular arrhythmias. In parallel, the project seeks novel RvD1R agonists to address inflammation-resolution-driven mechanisms and advance therapeutic strategies for atrial fibrillation.

This is a full-time, temporary PhD position for a highly motivated graduate student with a strong interest in medicinal chemistry or related fields. Applicants should have an excellent academic record, a deep commitment to scientific research, and a solid working knowledge of English. Relevant background in organic chemistry, applied chemistry, medicinal chemistry, or chemical biology is especially welcome.

Eligibility highlights: applicants must hold, or be able to obtain by the start date, a master’s degree or equivalent in Chemistry, Pharmacy, or a related discipline that allows admission to a Spanish PhD programme. Prior experience in medicinal chemistry, organic chemistry, or chemical biology will be valued. English proficiency evidence is preferred (B2, First Certificate, IELTS 6, or equivalent), though not mandatory; candidates from the Anglosphere are exempt. Spanish is listed as an excellent language skill.

Application deadline: 30 September 2026, 23:59 (Europe/Madrid). The expected start date is 1 January 2027.

How to apply: submit the application by email to [email protected]. Include a CV, a personal statement, BSc and MSc transcripts, and the contact details of two referees. For degrees not issued in Spanish or English, a certified English translation is required. Shortlisted candidates’ referees may be contacted.

Location: Juan de la Cierva, 3, 28006 Madrid, Spain.