🧬 Fully Funded PhD in Computational Microbial Biotechnology – Spanish National Center for Biotechnology (CNB), Spain | Apply by September 2025

PhD in Computational Microbial Biotechnology – Spain
Join the renowned Spanish National Center for Biotechnology (CNB) in Madrid for a fully funded PhD project combining computational modeling, systems biology, and synthetic microbial community (SynComs) design. This exciting 4-year position is funded under the PIF2025 Fellowship (formerly FPI program) and is part of the AMBIZIONE project (Advanced Microbiome Biotechnology Zips ONE HEALTH).

This is your chance to contribute to cutting-edge microbiome engineering, work with top-tier researchers, and be part of a collaborative and international scientific environment.

🌍 About the Host Institution

The CNB (Centro Nacional de Biotecnología) is one of Spain’s most prestigious research centers under the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC). This opportunity is hosted jointly by the Systems Biotechnology and Integrative Biology laboratories at CNB, with affiliations to the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid and strong ties to both national and international research networks.

📍 Location: Madrid, Spain
🏫 Affiliation: CNB – CSIC & Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
💼 Fellowship: PIF2025 (Spanish government-funded doctoral fellowship)

🔬 Project Overview – AMBIZIONE

The selected PhD student will contribute to the AMBIZIONE project, a multidisciplinary initiative focused on developing a computational-experimental platform for the rational design of synthetic microbial communities (SynComs). These communities have applications in:

• ✅ Microbiome engineering
• ✅ Precision agriculture
• ✅ Environmental health
• ✅ Disease prevention & therapy

🧠 Methodologies Used:

• 🧮 ODE-based metabolic modeling
• 🧬 Complex biological network analysis
• 🤖 Artificial Intelligence & machine learning tools
• 🧪 Experimental microbial community assembly & validation
• 🔄 Integration of ecological, biochemical, and evolutionary data

This is a true interdisciplinary project, blending systems biology, computational science, and experimental microbiology to address real-world challenges in microbiome design and control.

🎯 Responsibilities of the PhD Candidate

As a member of this project, the PhD student will:

• Conduct research using computational tools to design SynComs
• Develop and test their own scientific hypotheses under expert mentorship
• Learn and apply advanced modeling and simulation strategies
• Engage in collaborative work with Spanish and international partners
• Contribute to peer-reviewed publications, presentations, and the broader CNB research ecosystem
• Complete all requirements for obtaining a PhD degree from Universidad Autónoma de Madrid

🧑‍🎓 Who Should Apply?

This opportunity is ideal for highly motivated candidates with a passion for computational biology, biotechnology, and microbial ecosystems.

✅ Applicant Profile:

• 🎓 Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree in:
  • Physics
  • Mathematics
  • Computer Science
  • Quantitative Biology
  • Systems Biology or related fields
• 💻 Familiarity with:
  • Programming languages (e.g., Python, C, R, Julia)
  • Software development tools: Git, Nextflow, Snakemake
• 💬 Fluent in English (spoken and written)
• ✅ Desired Attributes:
  • Interest in biological systems modeling
  • Good teamwork and communication skills
  • Open-mindedness and ability to work in a multidisciplinary team

💰 What’s Included – PIF2025 Fellowship Benefits

This position offers a fully funded 4-year PhD contract under the PIF2025 Fellowship Program, with a highly competitive compensation package:

• ✅ Full salary as per government fellowship rates
  • 2024 reference salary:
    • €1,623.26/month (1st year)
    • €2,029.07/month (2nd–4th year)
• ✅ Funding for:
  • Tuition fees
  • Conference attendance
  • Short-term international research stays
• 🏢 Access to:
  • CNB’s state-of-the-art research facilities
  • High-performance computing environments
  • Structured PhD training program (CNB Training Programme)
• 🌍 Integration in a wide network of national and international collaborators

📅 Important Dates & How to Apply

📅 Call Opens: September 2025
🕒 Applications accepted before and until the call opens

📄 Application Materials Required:

• ✅ CV (including academic background and relevant experience)
• ✅ Letter of Motivation (in English)
• ✅ Contact information for two academic referees

📧 Submit as a single PDF to:

• alberto.pascual.garcia@gmail.com
• jnogales@cnb.csic.es
  📌 Subject line: "PhD. AMBIZIONE"

Early submission is highly encouraged as the review process is ongoing.

If you require any help regarding your application, you can contact us at scholarshipswithaakash@gmail.com

🌟 Why Apply?

Here’s why this position stands out:

• 🔬 Work at the forefront of microbiome science
• 📍 Be based in Madrid, one of Europe’s most vibrant research cities
• 🌱 Tackle global challenges in health, agriculture, and ecology
• 💼 Receive professional training, not just scientific
• 🤝 Collaborate with experts in modeling, bioinformatics, and experimental biology

If you’re looking to bridge computational theory and biological application, this is your chance to be part of an elite European research initiative.

🤔 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

❓ Is this PhD position fully funded?

✅ Yes. It’s funded for 4 years under the PIF2025 Fellowship, with salary and tuition coverage.

❓ What background is required?

🎓 Applicants must have a degree in Physics, Math, Computer Science, or related quantitative fields.

❓ Is biological experience necessary?

No, but a genuine interest in learning biological systems is essential.

❓ Where is this PhD based?

📍 The position is based in Madrid, Spain, at the Spanish National Center for Biotechnology (CNB-CSIC).

❓ What programming skills are preferred?

Python, R, Julia, C, and familiarity with Git or workflow tools like Snakemake.

📌 Final Thoughts: Why You Shouldn’t Miss This

The PhD in Computational Microbial Biotechnology at CNB, Spain is more than just a degree. It’s your chance to be a pioneer in the rational design of synthetic microbiomes, contribute to the One Health initiative, and learn from internationally recognized researchers in computational systems biology.

📢 Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and the call opens in September 2025, so get your documents ready now!

📧 Submit to: alberto.pascual.garcia@gmail.com and jnogales@cnb.csic.es
📌 Subject: "PhD. AMBIZIONE"
🔗 Info: scholarshipswithaakash.site

🧑‍🎓 Author Bio

Mubeen Ali Niaz
Founder of ScholarshipsWithAakash.site
Mubeen curates elite, fully funded PhD and postdoc opportunities in life sciences, biotech, and computational research for aspiring scholars around the globe.

Stay tuned with Scholarships with Aakash — Where Your Academic Dreams Take Flight.

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