PhD Position in Immunology, Cancer Genomics, and CAR T-Cell Engineering at VHIO Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology in Spain

Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO) in Barcelona, Spain is recruiting a fully funded PhD student for a 3-year predoctoral position (Reference: 2026-038-01) within the Cell Engineering and Hematologic Immunotherapy Group, led by Dr. Pere Barba Sunol. The project focuses on understanding why some CAR T-cell therapies achieve durable responses while others fail.

The successful candidate will work at the intersection of immunology, cancer research, genomics, bioinformatics, and cell engineering. The research includes patient-derived samples, next-generation sequencing, CRISPR-based genome engineering, flow cytometry-based cell sorting, deep whole-exome sequencing, and functional characterization of engineered T cells. The position is embedded in a highly collaborative translational environment with access to clinical CAR T programs, longitudinal patient samples, and a large biobank of CAR T-treated patients.

This opportunity is especially relevant for candidates interested in hematologic malignancies, cellular immunotherapy, synthetic biology, genome engineering, and translational cancer research. The project is developed in collaboration with the groups of Dr. Francisco Martínez-Jiménez and Dr. Alena Gros Vidal.

Eligibility highlights: Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree in Biomedicine, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, or a related discipline; strong interest in immunology, cancer research, and cellular therapies; excellent English; desirable experience in flow cytometry, cell culture, T-cell biology, CRISPR, R/Python, NGS, or bioinformatics.

Funding: Fully funded PhD position for 3 years, full-time, with salary according to VHIO pay scales and additional flexible remuneration benefits.

Deadline: 26 June 2026. Apply via the provided application link and contact the listed researchers if you have questions.