MSCA PhD student position in HEAL-4WARD Doctoral Network
Published: 29/04/2026
Deadline: 28/05/2026
Envisaged Job Starting Date:

2026 Jun-July or 2026 Sept-Oct (if visa is required)

Biofilm formation in wound environments is a major barrier to effective healing, as microbial communities interact with host tissue properties that are still poorly understood. In particular, the role of tissue mechanics in regulating biofilm development and bacterial communication remains largely unexplored, limiting the development of targeted intervention strategies. This PhD project focuses on integrating biomimetic reconstitution and Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) to investigate how the physical and biochemical properties of wound-like environments influence biofilm progression.

The project will develop extracellular matrix models with controlled rheological properties that mimic relevant wound conditions, enabling systematic study of mono- and multispecies biofilms. In parallel, plasmonic nanostructures will be incorporated to enable non-invasive, label-free monitoring of bacterial quorum sensing and biofilm dynamics using SERS. A key objective is to establish a platform that links tissue mechanics, biofilm behaviour, and real-time molecular detection, providing new insights into infection progression and potential intervention points. The approach combines bioengineered mimetic matrix, nanomaterials, and optical sensing to capture biofilm dynamics in physiologically relevant conditions The doctoral candidate will receive interdisciplinary training in biofabrication, nanomaterials, spectroscopy, and microbiology.

The project will contribute to the development of advanced diagnostic platforms for infection monitoring within the HEAL-4WARD programme. Host laboratory: The Bottom-up Cell Biology and Bioengineering Lab aims to reverse-engineer molecular assemblies to understand how they function and to search for clinically relevant strategies to control peptidoglycan synthesis, biofilm matrix remodelling, and host-pathogen interactions. Our general goal is to advance our mechanistic understanding of key processes in bacterial physiology, potentially revealing new bacterial targets and thereby aiding the development of new strategies to combat bacterial pathogens. More information https://www.baranovalab.com/ The project will be developed in a tight collaboration with the world-leading expert on SERS Prof. Luis Liz-Marzán. More information http://www.bionanoplasmonics.com/index.php

Secondments: This project is carried out in collaboration with the following groups, and visits to their laboratories are expected during the project. A willingness to travel and spend time abroad is therefore essential:

  • Prof. Gustavo Bodelon, University of Vigo, Spain
  • Prof. Benoit Couturaud, CNRS-ICMPE, France
  • Prof. Iolanda Francolini, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
Required Education Level:
  • Experience in molecular biology, biochemistry, microbiology, ideally extracellular matrix models, demonstrated through a Master’s thesis work or research internships.
  • Familiarity with biofilm-related research and physicochemical or analytical techniques (e.g. TIRF microscopy, spectroscopy or SERS) would be an advantage.
  • Proficiency in the English language is required, as well as good communication skills, both oral and written. Successful candidates will need to provide an English test (e.g. IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge English). You may be exempt if you are a national of a majority native-English speaking country, or have qualifications/degree that has been taught and assessed in English. The supervisor may also confirm that a candidate has the required level of English.
  • Required documents to apply:
    • Statement of interest (limit of 2,500 characters) explaining why you wish to be considered for the fellowship and which qualities and experience you will bring to the role.
    • Curriculum vitae et studiorum.
    • A certificate of University examinations taken (with marks).
    • A final degree certificate translated in English. If, at the time of application, candidates should not be yet in possession of a degree certificate, they can submit it at the time of the examination.
    • A limited number of applicants will be invited for an interview and will be required to provide contact information of up to two contact person for reference letters.

Enquiries: For general information about the HEAL-4WARD Doctoral Network visit the project website (www.heal-4ward.eu) or send an email to heal4ward@gmail.com.

For additional information on this project, please contact Dr Natalia Baranova (nbaranova@cicbiomagune.es).

Duration:

The Doctoral Candidate will be hired under a three-year predoctoral contract and will receive a gross monthly salary of EUR 3,407 in accordance with the MSCA Doctoral Networks programme, including a living allowance and a mobility allowance.

This amount corresponds to the contractual gross salary and is stated before the deduction of employee taxes and social security contributions.

An additional family allowance (if applicable) is foreseen The net salary will depend on local taxation, social security, and employment regulations.

 

According to the contract regulation, the candidate must be enrolled in a doctoral programme on the date of joining the centre.

 

 

Project Funding:

HEAL-4WARD - 101226731 - (European Commission - Horizon Europe)

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 28/05/2026