PhD Fellowship

Position Detailso   Position Offered: JAE Predoc Contracto   Project Title: Magneto-opto-mechanical nanodevices for immunomodulationo   Research Fields: Nanotechnology, cell mechanical stimulation, nanotherapies, cell therapieso   Location: Institute of Microelectronics of Barcelona (IMB-CNM, CSIC), Cerdanyola del Valles, Cataloniao   Research Group / PI: Micro-nano Tools / Borja SepúlvedaProject SummaryMotivated by the systemic toxicity and delivery challenges of current immunotherapies, this PhD project seeks developing novel wirelessly controlled magneto-opto-mechanical (MOM) nanodevices to mechanically and biochemically harness macrophage plasticity for targeted treatments in cancer and inflammatory diseases. The core objective is to achieve remote control over macrophage phenotypes, reprogramming them from pro-tumor to anti-tumor in colorectal cancer, or from pro-inflammatory to regenerative in rheumatoid arthritis. The MOM nanodevices will combine different materials and multiple mechanical actuation modes, including opto-mechanical, photo-strictive, magnetophoretic or magneto-strictive with biochemical stimulation, to modulate macrophages phenotype. The therapeutic efficacy of the MOM nanodevices will be demonstrated in advanced 3D-bioprinted in vitro models. The project will utilize the largest Clean Room in Spain and will benefit from collaborations and secondments with IBEC and/or IIB Sant Pau for the preclinical validation.Specific Objectiveso   Fabricate (by photolithography, colloidal lithography, etc.) MOM nanodevices o   Develop optical/magnetic actuation setups for characterizing the MOM nanodevices and for remote optical/magnetic biomedical stimulationo   Understand the coupled mechanical and biochemical stimulation effects in the macrophage polarization, and demonstrate the therapeutic effects in 3D bioprinted models of colorectal cancer and rheumatoid arthritis pannusCandidate Profileo   Minimum Requirements: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Nanoscience, Physics, Chemistry, or Biomedical Science; excellent written and spoken English.o   Desirable Merits: Experience in nanofabrication/characterization techniques or in vitro cell assays.Offer & ConditionsContract: 4-year CSIC predoctoral contractStart Date: Before December 15, 2026.Additional Benefits: o   Access to cutting-edge nanofabrication facilities and research resourceso   Collaboration with leading researchers in the nanomedical fieldo   Publishing in high-impact scientific journals and presenting in international conferenceso   Enrolment at the UAB PhD program with multidisciplinary trainingHow to apply:Send the following documents before 15/09/2026 to borja.sepulveda@csic.es:1.    Updated curriculum vitae (CV)2.    Cover letter highlighting interest in nanomedicine and relevant experience3.    Copies of academic records4.    Names and contact information of two academic references