PhD in Photoactive Supramolecular Materials for Biomedical and Sensing Applications
Published: 28/10/2025
Deadline: 15/12/2025
Envisaged Job Starting Date:

February 2026

The newly appointed Supramolecular Inorganic Biosystems Lab, led by Dr. Guillermo Moreno Alcántar, is looking for an enthusiastic and driven PhD candidate to join an exciting project at the interface of inorganic supramolecular chemistry and biology. The research will explore the design and development of novel supramolecular assemblies and materials incorporating photoactive synthons, aimed at applications in photodynamic therapy, drug delivery, and sensing.

We are seeking curiosity-driven candidates with an MSc in chemistry, hands-on experience in organic synthesis, and interests in supramolecular and bioinorganic chemistry. Prior exposure to coordination or organometallic chemistry will be positively valued. Throughout the PhD, the candidate will develop expertise in spectroscopy, materials characterization, and cell biology to meet the project's interdisciplinary goals.

The project focuses on the design, synthesis, and functionalization of metallacages constructed from metal-ligand coordination, with special emphasis on gold and platinum-based systems incorporating photoactive synthons. The candidate will explore metallacages with tunable cavities capable of hosting small molecules, with potential applications in photodynamic therapy (PDT), drug delivery, and molecular sensing. 

The project also involves studying drug-target interactions with non-canonical DNA structures, leveraging advanced techniques like fluorescence spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, TEM, and NMR, to elucidate drug-target recognition and stabilization mechanisms. Additionally, the work aims to harness the photoactive properties of metal-porphyrin systems for photocatalysis and sensing, exploiting their ability to generate reactive oxygen species and stabilize excited states for advanced biomedical applications.

Finally, the candidate will investigate strategies for surface-functionalization, stimuli-responsive crosslinking, and incorporating active targeting vectors such as peptides, enabling controlled release and selective delivery in therapeutic contexts. This interdisciplinary project offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge developments in supramolecular chemistry with impactful applications in medicine and sensing.

Key publications

  • Thomas, S. R.; Willnhammer, N.; Casini, A.; Moreno-Alcántar, G. Gold Metallacages: Design Principles and Applications. Chem 2025, 11 (6), 102502. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chempr.2025.102502.
  • Rodríguez-Prieto, T.; Wragg, D.; Heiduk, N.; Park, M.; Strittmatter, N.; Fischer, R. A.; Casini, A.; Moreno-Alcántar, G. A Golden Touch in the Design of Multifunctional Porphyrin Metallacages: Host–Guest Chemistry for Drug-Target Interactions. CCS Chem. 2024, 6 (7), 1662–1671. https://doi.org/10.31635/ccschem.024.202404056.
  • Moreno-Alcántar, G.; Drexler, M.; Casini, A. Assembling a New Generation of Radiopharmaceuticals with Supramolecular Theranostics. Nat. Rev. Chem. 2024, 8 (12), 893–914. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41570-024-00657-4.
Required Education Level:

Master’s degree (MSc) in Chemistry or a closely related field.

Required Skills/Qualifications:

•    Hands-on experience in routine organic synthesis and purification techniques.
•    Familiarity with the interpretation of characterization methods (UV-Vis, NMR, Mass Spectrometry, FT-IR) 
•    Interest or experience in chemical biology or biomedical applications
•    Background in inorganic chemistry, coordination, and organometallic chemistry
•    Curiosity-driven ability to independently plan and conduct experiments and contribute to multidisciplinary research
•    Good communication skills in English

Duration:

Temporary full-time contract with an initial duration of 1 year, renewable up to 48 months.

According to the contract regulation, the candidate must be enrolled in a doctoral program on the date of joining the center. Further information on the enrolment process will be given during the selection.

Informal Inquiries:

Informal requests for additional information can be sent to Luis Guillermo Moreno Alcantar at gmorenoalcantar@cicbiomagune.es

Applications sent directly to the emails listed above will be NOT be accepted.

Equal opportunities Policy:

CIC biomaGUNE is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to: age, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by European, national, or local law.

Open Transparent and Merit Based Recruitment Policy:

You can check here CIC biomaGUNE OTM-R Policy.

Job Offer is closed, Deadline was 15/12/2025