Lorea Blazquez

International PhD opportunity in RNA Biology and Neurodegenerative Diseases at Biogipuzkoa Health Research Institute in San Sebastian, Spain, in collaboration with the University of California San Diego (UCSD) . The NeuroRNA Lab is recruiting a PhD candidate to work on the molecular basis of neurological disease, with a strong focus on RNA processing disorders , frontotemporal dementia (FTD) , RNA-directed gene therapies , and spatial transcriptomics . The project aims to develop innovative diagnostic tools and personalized therapies for neurodegenerative disease. Research training includes genetic engineering , gene editing , transplantation of patient-derived cells, viral vectors ( AAVs and lentivirus ), high-throughput DNA and RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, and bioinformatics . The selected student will also complete a 12-24 month research internship at UCSD in world-class neuroscience and molecular medicine laboratories. Eligibility highlights: a completed or ongoing master's degree in Biological Sciences, Biomedicine, or a related field; strong background in molecular biology; proficiency in spoken and written English; excellent academic record; ability to work independently; and motivation/entrepreneurial spirit. Previous molecular biology experience and strong communication/writing skills are positively valued. Application deadline: 2026-07-31 . To apply, send a CV, motivation letter, contact details for 2-3 academic referees, and a short description of your research interests and experience to the listed email contacts.

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.