Location: Spanish National Centre for Biotechnology (CNB), Madrid, Spain
Program: PIF2025 Fellowship
Application Deadline: Until the official PIF2025 Fellowship closing date (expected September 2025) – early applications highly encouraged
The Spanish National Centre for Biotechnology (CNB), a leading research institute in Madrid, is inviting applications for a fully funded PhD position in Computational Microbial Biotechnology under the prestigious PIF2025 Fellowship. This position is part of the AMBIZIONE Project, a cutting-edge international initiative focused on the rational design of synthetic microbial communities (SynComs) through a combination of computational modeling and experimental research.
About the AMBIZIONE Project
AMBIZIONE (Advanced Microbiome Biotechnology Zips ONE HEALTH) is an innovative research program integrating ecological, biochemical, and evolutionary data to design microbial communities for applications in human health, agriculture, and environmental sustainability.
The project uses a wide range of state-of-the-art technologies, including:
- Advanced statistical analysis
- Metabolic modeling
- Multi-omics (OMICS) technologies
- Complex network analysis
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning
The ultimate aim is to build a robust SynCom design platform that can transform microbiome engineering for practical real-world solutions.
PhD Role and Key Responsibilities
As a PhD researcher in this project, you will:
- Develop theoretical and computational models for microbial community design
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams at CNB and partner institutions
- Contribute to high-impact publications and conference presentations
- Progressively shape and develop your own research ideas
- Actively participate in laboratory and institutional activities
Candidate Profile – Who Can Apply?
Ideal candidates should have:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or other quantitative fields
- Strong programming skills in Python, R, Julia, or C
- Experience with software development tools (Git, Nextflow, Snakemake)
- Interest in biological systems and microbiome research
- Fluency in English and excellent communication abilities
Funding and Benefits
Selected candidates will receive:
- 4-year fully funded PhD position under the PIF2025 Fellowship
- Competitive salary: €1,623.26/year (1st year) and €2,029.07/year (2nd–4th years)
- Coverage of lab fees and research expenses
- Access to national and international research collaborations
- Training in scientific research and career development
- Official enrollment in the PhD program at Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
Application Process
- Prepare Your Documents:
- Motivation Letter outlining your research interest and fit for the project
- Updated CV with academic qualifications and technical expertise
- Submit Your Application:
Email your application to the project supervisors:- Alberto Pascual-García – alberto.pascualgrcia@gmail.com
- Javier Nogales – jnogales@cnb.csic.es
Subject line: PhD AMBIZIONE
📅 Deadline: Applications remain open until the PIF2025 Fellowship deadline (expected September 2025). Early submission is strongly advised.
Why Apply?
This is an exceptional opportunity to join one of Europe’s leading microbiome research teams, work with cutting-edge computational and experimental methods, and contribute to groundbreaking advancements in synthetic microbial biotechnology.