PhD Position – IMPLANTEU MSCA Doctoral Network: Innovative Approaches to Embryo Implantation Research in Health and Disease Clinica EUGIN in Spain

The IMPLANTEU MSCA Doctoral Network, hosted at Clinica EUGIN in Barcelona, Spain, is offering a fully funded PhD position dedicated to innovative research in embryo implantation. This prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA-DN) project aims to advance understanding of embryo implantation in both human health and agricultural contexts, developing a comprehensive molecular blueprint to improve reproductive success and implantation efficiency in livestock.

As a doctoral candidate, you will join an international network of researchers and benefit from multidisciplinary training across reproductive and stem cell biology, bioengineering, ethics, and advanced technologies such as stem cell-based embryo models, organoids, machine learning, and organs-on-chip. The program is designed to equip you with the skills and expertise needed to make significant contributions to the field, including participation in international secondments at partner institutions and industry, and opportunities to contribute to high-impact publications and conferences.

The specific research project focuses on the impact of chromosomal mosaicism on human peri-implantation development. You will work under the supervision of Dr. Montserrat Barragán Monasterio at Clinica EUGIN, engaging in hands-on research involving mammalian cell culture, human stem cell systems (hPSCs), advanced co-culture approaches, molecular biology techniques (qPCR, CRISPR-Cas9, RNA/protein assays), immunofluorescent-based assays, and theoretical work in genetics and developmental biology.

Eligibility requirements include a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in biology, medicine, physiology, or machine learning, obtained by the start date. Applicants must be within the first four years of their research careers and must not have been awarded a doctoral degree. The MSCA mobility rule applies: candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activities in Spain for more than 12 months in the three years immediately before recruitment. Language proficiency is required, with a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent, or a Bachelor’s degree conducted in English. Proven experience in mammalian cell culture, familiarity with human stem cell systems, and expertise in molecular biology and genetics are essential.

The position is funded for 27 months under the Horizon Europe MSCA-DN program, including a stipend, international secondments, multidisciplinary training, and personalized career development plans. The application deadline is 19 May 2026. Video interviews are anticipated in May 2026, with a mid-2026 start date.

To apply, submit a detailed CV, motivation letter, and all requested supporting documents as outlined in the application form. Email your application to [email protected] using the subject 'IMPLANTEU PhD candidate' followed by the DC number. Download and complete the application form from the project website. For further information, visit https://www.implanteu.eu/ or https://www.eugin.es/.

This is an exceptional opportunity to join a cutting-edge research network and contribute to advances in reproductive biology and health sciences.