ETPN is honored to highlight an outstanding PhD opportunity offered by one of our most distinguished academic members, Prof. María José Alonso from the University of Santiago de Compostela (USC). Prof. Alonso, globally recognized as a pioneer in biopharmaceutics and pharmaceutical technology, invites motivated candidates to join a multidisciplinary research project dedicated to developing a microfluidic tumor-on-a-chip model. This innovative approach aims to enhance the evaluation and optimization of mRNA-loaded lipid nanoparticles (mRNA-LNPs) delivery in solid tumors. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to work under the supervision of Prof. Alonso and Dr. Isabel Rodríguez (IMDEA Nanoscience, Madrid), benefiting from extensive national and international collaborations.

Position Offer

• Opportunity to join a multidisciplinary research project focused on the development of a microfluidic tumor-on-a-chip model to evaluate and optimize the delivery of mRNA-loaded lipid nanoparticles (mRNA-LNPs) in solid tumors.
• Enrolment in the PhD program at the University of Santiago de Compostela (USC): “Doctoral Programme in Drug Research and Development” (https://www.usc.gal/en/studies/doctoral-programme/health-sciences/doctoral-programme-drug-research-and-development)
• Supervision by Prof. María José Alonso (USC, Santiago de Compostela) and Isabel Rodríguez (IMDEA Nanoscience, Madrid).
• National and international collaborations.
• Predoctoral contract before predoctoral fellowship applications.
• Learn more about our laboratories: https://cimus.usc.gal/es/sobre-cimus/visita-virtual-360o

Candidate Profile

• Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in the biomedical field (minimum of 300 ECTS credits).
• Availability to start in September 2025.
• The following qualifications will be highly valued:
  • Interest in biomedical research.
  • Proactive attitude and problem-solving
  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to integrate into a research group.
  • Interest in an international research stay.
  • Previous experience in laboratory activities and/or scientific writing.
  • Academic record.
  • Good level of English.

Application Process

Interested candidates should send the following documents to Purificación Domínguez (purificacion.dominguez@usc.es) and Dr. Alfonso Fernández Blanco (alfonsofernandez.blanco@usc.es) with the subject line “PhD Position Offer – Tumor-on-a-chip” by September 1, 2025:

• Curriculum Vitae.
• Cover letter (maximum one page) outlining research interests, attitude, and motivation for pursuing a PhD.
• Copy of the academic transcript for undergraduate and master’s degrees. If the degree is still in progress, an incomplete transcript will be accepted.