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Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowships: Call for Expressions of Interest 2026

15/04/2026

We support excellent candidates keen to join us

 

CiQUS is looking for outstanding researchers to apply for the MSCA-2026 Postdoctoral Fellowship (PF) and join our research center

We offer cutting-edge research Groups and specialized support for the applications.

Applications from female researchers will be prioritized

Selected candidates will be invited to work collaboratively with the Host PI and our support staff to develop a competitive application for MSCA-2026-PF.

 

Can you apply for MSCA-2026 Postdoctoral Fellowship? 

At the time of the Call deadline, 9th September 2026, the researchers: 

  • should have a PhD degree (successfully defended the doctoral thesis).

  • must have a maximum of 8 years research experience (career breaks will not count).

  • European Fellowship: must not have lived/worked in Spain for more than 12 months in the last 36 months.

  • Global Fellowship: must not have lived/worked in the country of the Outgoing Phase for more than 12 months in the last 36 months.

Please find here a brief about general conditions, eligibility and the 2 types of grants.

 

 

Why apply for a MSCA-PF at CiQUS?

  • Our researchers have been granted a total of 18 ERC projects (5 ERC-PoC), and we have successfully supported 23 MSCA-PF since 2021. 

  • Our research groups raised almost 10 MEUR/year and published over 100 publications/year, 40% in high-impact journals (JCR-IF > 9).

  • Santiago de Compostela offers a high-level scientific environment, and it is a lovely and friendly UNESCO World Heritage City. 

 

Project Idea and Research Opportunities

We invite you to submit an Expression of Interest (EoI) and strongly encourage applications from women. To find a suitable Supervisor, explore our Research Areas:

In addition, find below some topics proposed by our host supervisors

Expressions of Interest

Send one PDF file to ciqus.jobs [at] usc.es, subject: MSCA-2026, by May 31, including: 

1.- A short CV, maximun 2 pages, with your ORCID, Scopus or ResearcherID profile.

2.- A Letter of Interest including a summary of your project idea, maximun 2 pages.

EoI will be evaluated upon receipt by an internal committee and pre-selected on the basis of their quality and alignment with strategic lines.
 

Proposed Research Projects

Towards a molecular-level characterization of myelin directly from nerve tissue
Supervisor: Tiago Mendes Ferreira

Myelin is the substance that insulates axons making possible fast propagation of action potentials. Demyelination occurs in several diseases, the most common being multiple sclerosis. Understanding demyelination and remyelination at the molecular level may lead to the design of new treatments. We are currently investigating myelin models at the molecular level using advanced solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (ssNMR) spectroscopy methods and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations.

The goal is to be able to apply ssNMR spectroscopy to peripheral and central nerve tissue enabling unprecedented direct access to the molecular structure of myelin in its native form.

Candidates must have expertise in at least one of these methodologies: (i) NMR spectroscopy, (ii) MD simulations, and (iii) preparation of myelin samples from animal models. Potentially interested candidates may contact Dr. Tiago Mendes Ferreira for more details.

Selected references:

Mag. Reson, 2023,

Nat. Comm., 2024,

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy tools for application in cultural heritage
Supervisor: Massimo Lazzari

We are always looking for new generation researchers aiming to get involved in the study of the cultural heritage from a more multidisciplinary point of view.

We have experience in the study of the ageing of natural and synthetic organic materials in artworks and on their use for the conservation and preservation of historical objects and artworks, and also on the development of new non-invasive and non-destructive analysis techniques.

The applicant, either a chemist, a material scientist, a physicist or a heritage scientist would be involved in the application and the development of novel surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy tools for a wide-range application in cultural heritage.

Talanta, 2023, 254, 124177

Polymers, 2021, 13, 883

Chem. Commun., 2018, 54, 10638
New Peptide and Structural Motifs to Control the Membrane Translocation Nucleic Acids
Supervisor: Javier Montenegro

The development of novel strategies to cross the lipid bilayer and reach the cytosol of the cell is of great importance. We develop new carriers by using dynamic covalent chemistry for the straightforward incorporation of hydrophobic tails to amphiphilic molecules. Here, the challenge is to develop new peptide vectors for nucleic acid immunotherapy.

The applicant would be involved in the biochemical characterization of novel membrane penetrating and bioactive molecules, including transfection, internalization pathways, localization, function, etc. In vivo experiments towards nucleic acids cancer inmunotherapy will be targeted in this approach.

We seek motivated candidates with initiative, creativity and team-working ability. Experience in nucleic acid-based immunotherapy will be highly considered.

Nat. Rev. Mater., 2025, 10, 490

ACIE, 2024, 63, e202404286

Nat. Commun., 2024, 15, 6987

Nature, 2022, 603, 637-642

RSC Chem. Biol., 2021, 2, 503-512

Nat. Rev. Chem., 2018, 2, 258-277

J. Chem. Sci., 2017, 8, 7923-7931
Development of Advanced Molecular Materials for Thermal Switching
Supervisor: Francisco Rivadulla

The goal of this project is the development of thermal switches based on molecular materials, i.e. organic flexible materials, liquid crystal mesophases, etc in which different thermal states can be induced by an external stimulus (electric field, light, etc).

The researcher is expected to develop a multidisciplinary project in molecular materials synthesis and physical properties (mechanical and thermal) of polymers and other organic materials.

Candidates are required to have experience in organic and polymer synthesis.

References:

Interfacial Thermal Resistive Switching in (Pt,Cr)/SrTiO3 Devices. ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces, 2024, 16, 15043-15049

Mechanisms of Electrical Switching of Ultrathin CoO/Pt Bilayers. Nano Lett, 2024, 1471-1476

Interfacial Thermal Resistive Switching in (Pt,Cr)/SrTiO3 Devices. ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces, 2024, 16, 15043-15049

Light-induced bi-directional switching of thermal conductivity in azobenzene-doped liquid crystal mesophases. J. Mater. Chem. C, 2023, Adv. Article
Design, synthesis and characterization of large aromatic molecules and nanographenes
Supervisor: Diego Peña

We are looking for a proactive, independent, and enthusiastic researcher with experience in synthetic organic chemistry and interest in molecular materials and on-surface synthesis. In more detail, the researcher is expected to design and synthesize new nanographenes with tailored photoelectronic properties. Part of the work will be done in the framework of ERC Synergy Grant MolDAM (Molecular Devices by Atom Manipulation).

MolDAM is an interdisciplinary project co-led by the CiQUS PI, Prof. Diego Peña, at the USC, jointly with the specialist in Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) Dr Leo Gross at IBM Research (Switzerland) and Prof. Jascha Repp at the Universität Regensburg (Germany).

MolDAM aims at building and controlling individual molecules through their manipulation with AFM.

ACIE, 2025, e21944

JACS, 2025, 147, 39067-39071

ACIE, 2025, e201512575

Science, 2022, 377, 6603, 298-301
Expanding the Chemistry's Frontier: Synthetic Catalysis in Living Cells
Supervisor: J.L. Mascareñas & María Tomás

Since the dawn of time, Nature has captivated chemists, serving as a boundless source of inspiration for addressing everyday human challenges. One of these challenges is precisely understanding and manipulating biological processes in the living world in a precise and controlled manner. This requires the development of tailored chemical tools that allow to perform bioorthogonal chemical reactions within living systems without generating undesired effects.

Very recently, the host group has made significant contributions to implement new human-designed catalytic transformations in live environments, using metal catalysis, and more recently photocatalysis. One of the advantages of this last strategy derives from its stimuli-controlled nature, which allows for the spatiotemporal control of the reactivity.

This proposal intends to discover and develop new strategies for performing bioorthogonal reactions in live cell in a stimuli-controlled manner. Transformations might offer unpredictable opportunities to understand and manipulate cell biology and to develop novel therapeutic tools.

We look for motivated and creative candidates with passion for both Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology to overcome the proposed challenges.

JACS, 2024, 146, 5, 2895

ANIE, 2021, 60, 22017

New photochemical methods for DNA-encoded libraries synthesis
Supervisor: Manuel Nappi

DNA-encoded libraries (DELs) are a powerful technology that has found widespread application in medicinal chemistry as a time- and cost-effective platform for the discovery of new therapeutic candidates. The key aspect is the conjugation of chemical compounds or building blocks to short DNA fragments that serve as identification bar codes.

To develop DELs platforms, on-DNA chemistries are required to incorporate multifunctional building-blocks from readily available chemicals. However, the idiosyncratic nature of the encoding DNA results in reaction requirements that are incompatible with a significant portion of the conventional medicinal chemistry toolbox.

In this project, the researcher will develop new photochemical reactions that are compatible with DELs. We are looking for a candidate with experience in organic synthetic chemistry and/or photochemistry.

https://nappichem.com/publications

"Photocatalytic Deoxygenative Z-selective olefination of aliphatic alcohols".

Nat. Commun.,2025, 16, 3155

"Metal-free Deoxygenative Coupling of Alcohol-Derived Benzoates and Pyridines for Small Molecules and DNA-Encoded Libraries Synthesis".

Chem. Sci., 2022, 13, 6982-6989
Oral delivery of proteins for biomedical use
Supervisor: J.M. Martínez-Costas

We developed an innovative in cellulo, one-step protein micro- and nano-encapsulation platform that allows enzyme-mediated surface derivatization of the purified spheres with any molecule of choice, from small molecules (fluorophores, peptides, adjuvants…) to large substrates (proteins, affibodies, nanobodies…). This approach, combined with a straightforward and cost-effective purification method, makes this technology a highly versatile and efficient alternative for various applications (e.g., subunit vaccines, enzyme stabilization).

Such covalent modification does not affect the properties and activity of the encapsulated protein, while enabling resistance throughout the full gastrointestinal tract and maintaining bioavailability, highlighting its potential for the oral delivery of bioactive peptides.

This project offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge biotechnology focused on the oral delivery of peptides for various applications. We are seeking highly motivated candidates with a transversal vision and a strong interest in the oral delivery of therapeutic proteins.

Related Publications (same technology):

• Oral delivery: unpublished.

• Expression system

IC-Tagging methodology applied to the expression of viral glycoproteins and the difficult-to-express membrane-bound IGRP autoantigen. Scientific Reports, 2018, 16286

• Subunit Vaccines: Vaccines 2025, 13(3), 291; Vaccines 2022, 10(7), 1124; Vaccine, 2020, 38, 882-889; Antiviral Research, 2017, 142, 55
Development of DNA origami nanostructures for the functionalization of nanocarriers
Supervisor: Beatriz Pelaz

The structure and pair base correspondence of DNA can be employed for the design of tailormade nanostructures, this technique is known as DNA origami.

This technology is based on the computer assisted design of nanostructures and the corresponding DNA sequences. The precise conformation of those structures will allow to control the steric functionalization of nanoparticles.

The applicant will carry out research in the framework of the project ERC-Starting Grant “SPACING” – (SPAtially-Controlled lIgand arraNGement by origami-based nanoprinters, 2016-2026).

References:

ACS Nano, 2017, 11(3), 2397-2402

ChemBioChem, 2017, 18, 1873–1885

Molecules, 2021, 26, 2287
Building Artificial Cells with Dendrimers
Supervisor: E. Fernández-Megía

The phenomenon of compartmentalization observed in eukaryotic cells has played a decisive role in the genesis of primitive cells. Although preparing completely functional cells is beyond the reach of current technologies, the de novo construction of artificial cell models that perform natural cellular functions represents a first step towards this goal. In addition, as compartments get better at mimicking natural, living cells, some of the mysteries of biology will be revealed, leading to a deeper understanding of prebiotic forms of early life, as well as the development of new therapeutic applications.

Our goal in this project is to develop coacervate artificial cells with life-like technologies, able to communicate with natural cells and tissues. With this aim we rely on dendrimers, globular, monodisperse, and tree-like polymers that grant artificial cells enhanced stability under physiological conditions.

We are seeking motivated candidates with experience in organic chemistry who are open to multidisciplinary research.

JACS, 2026, 148, 9346

JACS, 2025, 147, 29457

ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces, 2025, 17, 47426

JACS, 2024, 146, 17211
Biomimetic nanoparticles as drug delivery carriers and nanovaccines
Supervisor: Ester Polo

We aim to engineer bioinspired nanomaterials that replicate the structural and functional properties of cell membranes. By designing nanocarriers with surfaces mimicking specific cellular compositions (e.g., leukocytes, platelets, erythrocytes, macrophages, or tumor cells), we enable programmable biological functions such as immune evasion, lymphocyte and dendritic cell activation, endothelial adhesion, and homotypic targeting. This approach leverages the translation of cell membrane features into nanomedicine, opening new avenues for next-generation biomimetic nanocarriers for nanovaccines and targeted drug delivery.

Our strategy is based on the self-assembly of cell-derived components into multifunctional biomimetic nanocarriers with tunable physicochemical and biological properties. By incorporating fusogenic elements and functional biomolecules, we enhance cellular interaction and delivery efficiency. Furthermore, we develop hybrid biomimetic nanostructures that integrate cell membrane components with organic or inorganic nanoparticles, creating advanced bio–inorganic nanoassemblies that combine biomimetic behavior with unique physical functionalities. These systems hold strong potential for transformative applications in immunotherapy, precision medicine, and advanced therapeutics.

The project offers interdisciplinary training at the interface of nanotechnology, biomaterials, and nanomedicine. The fellow will gain expertise in biomimetic design, nanoscale self-assembly, physicochemical and biological characterization, and advanced therapeutic applications. We are looking for highly motivated candidates with initiative, creativity, and team-working ability. Experience in bionanointeractions will be highly considered.

J Colloid Interface Sci,2025, 682, 31-40

J Nanobiotechnol,2024, 22, 10

J Colloid Interface Sci,2023, 648, 488

Adv Biosyst,2020, 1,1900260
Metal-catalyzed C-H and C-C activation strategies: Enantioselective access to biorelevant heterocycles
Supervisor: Fernando López

The development of transition-metal-catalyzed C–C and C–N bond-forming methods that enable the efficient and stereoselective construction of valuable chiral skeletons remains a highly active research area, with ample opportunities for significant advances..

In particular, efficient approaches based on the metal-catalyzed direct addition of C–H and N–H bonds across unsaturated systems (i.e., hydrocarbonation and hydroamination reactions) are very attractive because of their overall atom economy and the structural simplicity of the required precursors. Despite major advances over the past decades, this field is far from mature, and there is a particular need for new methods that offer excellent control over chemo-, regio-, and enantioselectivity, enabling access to products bearing highly challenging tetrasubstituted stereocenters and/or multiple stereocenters in a fully stereoselective manner.

During the last years, we made significant we efforts to harness the distinctive reactivity of iridium catalysts to promote asymmetric hydrocarbonation and hydroamination reactions with unconventional selectivities in both intra- and intermolecular settings.

In this context, we are looking for highly motivated and talented candidates with expertise in transition metal catalysis and or organic synthesis to advance in this direction as well as in the development of alternatives

based on earth-abundant, environmentally friendly first-row metals.

JACS, 2026, 10.1021/jacs.6c05640

ACIE, 2025, 64, 202508252

ACIE, 2025, 64, e202512027

ACIE, 2024, 63, e202408258

ACS Catal., 2024, 14, 11574–11583

ACS Catal., 2024, 14, 2872–2882

ACIE, 2021, 60, 19297–19305

ACIE, 2021, 60, 8182–8188
Altermagnets: spin current generation in unconventional magnetic materials
Supervisor: Rafael Ramos

In this project we aim to explore spin current generation in a recently discovered new class of materials known as altermagnets [1].

Due to their specific type of symmetry, they possess properties that are akin to both ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic phases, with large spin splittings and zero net magnetic moment. Having potential for highly efficient reading/writing capabilities in spintronics applications.

The applicant would be expected to combine thin film growth of candidate materials and investigate the physical properties related to spin-dependent transport [2] and thermal generation of spin currents [3].

[1] arXiv:2408.05187

[2] R. Ramos et al. Appl. Phys. Lett. 114, 113902 (2019)

[3] R. Ramos et al. Nat. Comm. 10, 5162 (2019)
Development of Selective DNA Junction Binders for Targeted Anticancer Therapy
Supervisor: Miguel Vázquez

The recognition of DNA secondary structures is a promising strategy in anticancer therapy. Our research focuses on artificial metallopeptides, particularly peptide helicates, as highly selective binders of DNA junctions (3WJ and 4WJ). These structures play critical roles in DNA repair pathways and genomic stability, making them attractive therapeutic targets.

Our project investigates the design, synthesis, and mechanistic study of selective DNA junction binders to disrupt DNA processing in cancer cells. Using a multidisciplinary approach that integrates coordination chemistry, chemical biology, biochemistry, and structural biophysics, we aim to develop novel metal-based anticancer agents..

Our reserch group is part of the International Research Network (IRN) on Nucleic Acid Junctions, collaborating with leading European experts in the field, including Prof. David Monchaud and Prof. Mike Hannon.

Ideally, the candidate will have a background in chemical biology and supramolecular chemistry, with experience in metallosupramolecular systems and nucleic acid interaction.

JACS, 2025, 147, 25254-25263

Methods, 2023, 219, 30-38

Chem. Commun, 2022, 7769-7772

ACIE, 2021,60, 8859-8866

Bioconjugate Chem, 2021,1564-1569

Inorganic nanoparticle-loaded metal-organic-frameworks (iNP@MOF) for bioapplications
Supervisor: Pablo del Pino

The versatility and chemical flexibility of MOFs will be further complemented by inserting iNPs, including metal and metal oxide nanostructures having plasmonic, magnetic and/or photoemissive properties.

The combination of microporosity and iNP-derived properties will be exploited for theranostic applications in living cells and tissue models.

We are looking for highly motivated candidates with initiative, creativity, and team-working ability.

References:

Small Struct.,2024, 5, 2300464

Chem. Commun., 2023, 59,2869

Nanoscale, 2022, 14, 6789-6801

ACS Nano, 2021, 15,10, 16924-16933

Cell Rep. Phys. Sci., 2020, 1, 100076

ANIE, 2019, 58,7078–7082
Self-assembled beta-helical conductive peptides for applications in green electronics
Supervisor: Eugenio Vázquez

Over the last few years, conductive peptides have emerged as an exciting technological opportunity for the development of new bio-based conductive materials, to the point that these systems are now ready to take the front seat as the basis of e-Biologics for the fabrication of sustainable green electronics.

In this context, we aim to develop a robust self-assembled fibrous peptide platform that can be easily synthesized and rationally modified to fine-tune its properties (e.g., electron or proton conductivity, stiffness, thermal stability, or rheological properties) for their applications in green electronics.

Ideally, the candidate will have a complementary background in materials science and study of conductive materials for electronics and energy applications.

Exo-chirality: selective transmembrane transport
Supervisor: Julián Bergueiro

The proposed project focuses on the exploration of the selective transmembrane transport of biologically relevant molecules through peptide-based pores. Engineering self-assembly peptides that will allow novel types of selectivity is the main objective of this research project.

Peptide chemistry, chirality, supramolecular assembly, computational chemistry, and nanotechnology are valued candidate prerequisites.

Reference:

Exo-chirality of the alpha-helix.

Nat. Commun., 2024, 15,6987
Can E3 Ubiquitin Ligases Be Harnessed to Enhance Crop Immunity?
Supervisor: Beatriz Orosa-Puente

Plants have evolved sophisticated immune responses to defend against a wide array of pathogens. Central to this defence is a tightly regulated network of post-translational modifications, with ubiquitination playing a pivotal role. Among the components of this system, E3 ubiquitin ligases act as critical regulators, conferring both substrate specificity and signalling plasticity within the ubiquitination cascade. However, adapted pathogens have evolved effector proteins capable of disarming host immunity, leading to successful infection and severe crop losses.

This project will adopt an innovative bioengineering approach to investigate how E3 ligases control immune signalling in crops. By characterising immune-regulatory E3 ligases, we aim to uncover how these enzymes contribute to pathogen resistance. A deeper understanding of how ubiquitination modulates crop immune responses will provide the foundation for developing novel tools to manipulate plant-pathogen interactions, with direct implications for agricultural resilience and global food security.

The project will deliver both fundamental insights and practical bioengineering strategies for enhancing immunity. The tools and concepts developed here will be broadly applicable across multiple crops and pathosystems, offering a platform for future translational research in sustainable crop protection.

The Fellow will join a dynamic and interdisciplinary research group, gaining hands-on experience and training in areas including molecular biology, biochemistry, proteomics, synthetic biology, and plant immunity. Applicants should have demonstrable experience in core molecular techniques such as qPCR, cloning, and western blotting. A background in protein structure-function analysis or synthetic biology would be advantageous.

This project offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge plant biotechnology, with rea-world impact.

Orosa-Puente et al. Science, 362(6421), 1407-1410 (2022)

Orosa-Puente et al. Nat Commun 9, 5185 (2018)

Sci. Adv.8, eabn4466 (2022)
Small molecules in cancer immunotherapy: harnessing the immune system to fight cancer
Supervisor: Eddy Sotelo

The advent of immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) using therapeutic antibodies has fueled major efforts to develop conceptually novel anticancer drugs. In this context, small-molecule immuno-oncology drugs are emerging as tailored agents that can target immunosuppressive mechanisms but also to activate intracellular pathways downstream of checkpoint proteins (in innate or adaptive immune cells) or modulate cancer metabolism targets.

The aim of the project is to develop small molecule modulators of immune checkpoints in adenosinergic pathways for cancer therapy, with a focus on glioblastoma treatments. The applicant will be involved in the conceptualization and experimental validation of new drug modalities in the context of a multidisciplinary team integrated in the ERNEST and IMMUNO-model COST actions.

We are looking for a proactive, autonomous, and enthusiastic researcher practiced in medicinal chemistry approaches. Expertise in computational drug design or experimental immunology methods would be an asset.

Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2020, 59, 16536-16543

J. for ImmunoTher. Cancer, 2022, 10, e004592

J. Med. Chem. 2023, 66, 890-912

J. Med. Chem. 2021, 64, 458-480
Sustainable Energy Conversion and Storage: electrodes/electrocatalyst/batteries
Supervisor: María Giménez

Our research focuses on electrochemistry and advanced materials for energy conversion and storage, including (but not limited to): 1-Electrocatalysis for fuel cells and water electrolyzers, 2-Metal–air/ion/Flow batteries, 3-Zn-based energy storage systems (e.g., Zn–MnO₂), 4-Design of functional electrodes and nanostructured materials (in-situ/operando techniques). We are open to diverse and original research ideas aligned with our expertise, and we encourage candidates to propose their own project within (or close to) these areas.

We are looking for highly motivated candidates with: 1-Initiative, creativity and independence, 2-Strong scientific background and publication record, 3-Interest in developing a competitive MSCA proposal in collaboration with our team. A background in electrochemistry, materials science, nanomaterials or related fields is desirable but not strictly limiting. Candidates with interdisciplinary profiles (e.g., operando/interphase characterization, modelling, or advanced spectroscopy) are also encouraged to apply.

We offer: 1-Close support in co-developing a competitive MSCA proposal, 2-Guidance on proposal writing and strategy, 3-Access to established research infrastructure, 4-A collaborative and international research environment.

Adv. Mat., 2025, e12902

Adv. Sci., 2025, e05104

Adv. Sustainable Syst., 2024, 8(5), 2300607

Related Ongoing Projects:

ERC-PoC "ZEST"

IGNICIA "ZinCage"

MSCA-DN "INCEPTION"

Supramolecular components based on cyclic peptides for bionanotechnological applications
Supervisor: Juan Granja

The technological applications of nanomaterials have grown exponentially in recent years thanks to their novel properties. Particularly relevant are those that are biocompatible due to their undeniable influence on improving our quality of life, such as supramolecular drugs.

This novel therapeutic strategy is based on the use of nontoxic components with self-assembly properties that, under appropriate conditions, form the supramolecular drug responsible for its therapeutic action. In this sense, cyclic peptide nanotubes are very promising materials on which our group has been actively working.

One of the unique properties of these tubular structures is the presence of two types of surfaces, the internal and the external, whose properties can be tuned by selecting the appropriate sequence. These special properties allow us to develop peptides that can interact with specific cell organelles to trigger different biological responses.

We are seeking highly motivated candidates with creativity, initiative, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in synthesis and chemical biology will be strongly valued.

References:

Self-Assembling Cyclic Peptide Nanotubes for the delivery of doxorubicin into drug-resistant cancer cells (submitted)

Photo-assembling cyclic peptides for dynamic light-driven peptide nanotubes. Chem. 2023, 9, 3365

Self-healing Cyclic Peptide Hydrogels. J. Mat. Chem. B, 2023, 11, 606-623,

Molecular Plumbing to bend of Self-assembling Peptide Nanotubes. ANIE, 2021, 60, 18838-18844
Cutting-Edge Therapeutics to Counteract Emerging Bacterial Pathogens
Supervisor: Concepción González-Bello

This project seeks to develop precision antimicrobials with focused and well-defined activity against the life-threatening pathogens highlighted by World Health Organization (WHO) while preserving the integrity of the host microbiota or incentivizing resistance. We aim to develop first-in-class antibiotics, with no cross-resistance against the commercial antibacterial classes, and an innovative mechanism of action, involving the inhibition of targets that have not been explored to date. This project will also focus on the development of innovative resistance breakers to restore the efficacy of a natural antibiotic with a well-established safety profile in humans for the treatment of urinary tract infections. In parallel, we aim to design and validate a clinical chemical sensor for the detection of bacterial strains exhibiting innate resistance to this antibiotic, thereby enabling timely and targeted therapeutic interventions.

The applicant will address key pathogens causing major drug resistance concerns through a rational multidisciplinary approach (organic synthesis, biochemistry, X-ray crystallography, computational studies) to promote basic research forward to clinic. We seek for motivated candidates with initiative, creativity, and team-working ability.

Bioorg. Chem., 2024, 150, 107528

ACS Omega, 2024, 9, 26484-26949

Eur. J. Med. Chem., 2022, 232, 114206
Self-Replicating Nanostructures for Biomedicine
Supervisor: Ignacio Insua

This project aims to develop self-replicating molecules, capable of making copies of themselves, with application as biomedical tools. Self-replication allows the design of next-generation nano-therapeutics with advanced properties like targeted switch-on and autonomous amplification of their therapeutic action.

The candidate will develop a multidisciplinary project combining peptide chemistry, supramolecular nanotechnology and biological assays - experience in these topics will be highly valued.

References:

- Structural screening of short peptide amphiphiles with autocatalytic self-replication,

ChemSystemsChem 2025, e202400094

- Supramolecular fibrillation of peptide amphiphiles induces environmental responses in aqueous droplets,

Nature Communications, 2021, 12, 6421