PhD Fellowships in Biomedicine, Cancer, Aging, and Computational Biology at IRB Barcelona Institute for Research in Biomedicine Barcelona in Spain

The Institute for Research in Biomedicine Barcelona (IRB Barcelona) is an internationally recognized center dedicated to advancing biomedical research, with a strong focus on curing cancer and understanding diseases related to aging. The IRB Barcelona PhD Call 2026 is now open, offering up to 20 fully funded PhD fellowships for early-career scientists eager to pursue research in a dynamic and collaborative environment.

Successful candidates will join one of 19 outstanding research groups, each tackling ambitious projects in biomedicine. Research clusters include Aging and Metabolism, Cancer Science, Computational, Chemical and Structural Biology, and Mechanisms of Disease. Supervisors leading these groups are internationally renowned scientists such as Dr. Alejo Rodríguez-Fraticelli, Dr. Ana Victoria Lechuga-Vieco, Dr. Lluís Ribas, Dr. Salvador Aznar, Dr. Stefanie Wculek, Dr. Alexandra Avgustinova, Dr. Angel Nebreda, Dr. Direna Alonso-Curbelo, Dr. Roger Gomis, Dr. Modesto Orozco, Dr. Núria López-Bigas, Dr. Patrick Aloy, Dr. Xavier Salvatella, Dr. Cristina Mayor-Ruiz, Dr. Francesc Posas, Dr. Eulàlia de Nadal, Dr. Jens Lüders, Dr. Marco Milán, Dr. Raúl Méndez, and Dr. Toni Gabaldón. More information about each group and their research activities can be found on the IRB Barcelona website.

The program provides world-class training, strong mentoring, and the opportunity to contribute to impactful science. Funding is fully provided, covering both stipend and tuition, and is supported by the European Union, the Spanish government, and Severo Ochoa Excellence. The fellowships begin in September 2026.

Applicants must submit an online application form in English, including a curriculum vitae, a motivation letter (maximum 2 pages), and a certified academic record showing exam grades. If academic records are not in Spanish or English, a translation must be provided. Two recommendation letters from university lecturers or scientists are required, with additional letters from IRB Barcelona researchers allowed for extra support. All documents must be uploaded in PDF format. Applicants should indicate up to three preferred research clusters or groups.

The application deadline is January 9, 2026. For questions or technical issues, contact [email protected]. To apply, visit https://phd.irbbarcelona.org/ and follow the application guidelines. This is an excellent opportunity for motivated students interested in biomedicine, cancer, aging, metabolism, computational biology, and translational research to join a leading institution and advance their scientific careers.