Microalgae are unicellular photosynthetic organisms that are emerging as important players in industrial biotechnology. They have several advantages such as rapid growth, reduced water use, no need for arable land, and often GRAS status, so their role in the bioeconomy is increasing. Among them, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii has become a reference model for chloroplast engineering, as its plastome enables targeted genome modification and high recombinant protein expression.

This PhD project aims to apply synthetic biology and bioprocess engineering principles to develop a platform based on the chloroplast of green microalgae as a chassis to produce valuable biocompounds.

The PhD candidate can join one of the two ongoing research lines:

(i) Expanding the Modular Cloning Mocloro toolkit previously published by our group and developing regulatable gene expression systems for advanced chloroplast genome engineering.

(ii) Bioprocess engineering for scalable chloroplast-based biomanufacturing. The PhD project will develop and optimize bioprocesses for the efficient production of high-value recombinant biomolecules in the chloroplast of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. The research will address strain-to-bioprocess integration by optimizing heterotrophic high-cell-density cultivation, bioreactor operation, and process monitoring to maximize product titer, productivity, and scalability.

Tasks

Pursue a PhD in synthetic biology and microalgal biotechnology.

The successful candidate will:

- Be encouraged and supported to apply for competitive predoctoral fellowships and will carry out their doctoral research within the recently awarded project
- Enrol the Bioengineering PhD program at Universitat Ramon Llull (link).
- Be based at IQS-School of Engineering, an internationally renowned research Institution in the field of Chemistry, Biosciences and biotechnology.
- Receive advanced training in microalgae physiology, molecular biology, bioprocessing and data-analysis methodologies.




- Participate in national and international research collaborations.
- Have opportunities to present results at scientific conferences and contribute to hight-impact peer-reviewed publications.
- Receive support to prepare competitive predoctoral fellowship Applications (FI, FPU, INPhINIT).

Conditions

Commitment to applying for competitive predoctoral fellowships. If candidate is not awarded an external fellowship, it may still be considered for funding subject to the availability of project funds and performance during the selection process.

The estimated start date of the contract is: November 2026.

The duration of the contract will be depend on the felloship.

More information at

Requirements

- Master degree in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Biology or related fields.
- Outstanding academic record, as academic excellence is a key criterion in the evaluation of competitive predoctoral fellowships. Candidates with an average grade of 8.5/10 or above, or an equivalent international qualification, are particularly encouraged to apply.
- Experience in some of these fields: molecular biology or/and bioreactor cultivation.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary research team.
- Strong motivation, curiosity, creativity and a proactive attitude towards research.

Selection Process

before 14 September 2026

Other information

We are an equal opportunity employer . We promote equality and inclusion. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions or any other characteristic protected by law. We strongly welcome applications from female candidates as they are currently under-represented at this level in this field of knowledge in our School.

We also promote scientific and technological knowledge, business transformation and societal progress . At IQS we look for professionals committed to both these values.

📌 PhD Candidate in microalgae synthetic biology and bioprocess engineering (Barcelona)
🏢 IQS Barcelona
📍 Barcelona