PhD Position in Protein Engineering and Catalytic Biomaterials Biomolecular Nanotechnology Group
Published: 18/08/2026
Deadline: 30/09/2026
Envisaged Job Starting Date: Please note the starting date is estimated to be from December 2026 to April 2027. Starting date: the first day of the corresponding month
The project SmartCat “Engineered Protein–Metal Hybrids for Smart Catalytic Biomaterials” is funded by the Spanish Research Agency (AEI). The project aims to develop a new generation of engineered protein–metal hybrid catalysts and catalytic biomaterials capable of performing new-to-nature chemical transformations under mild and sustainable conditions.
The PhD candidate will work on the design and engineering of protein scaffolds with tailored metal-binding and catalytic properties to generate artificial metalloproteins and metalloenzymes with programmable catalytic activities. These protein–metal hybrids will be integrated into supramolecular architectures and biomaterials to investigate how their organization influences catalytic performance.



The project will also explore stimuli-responsive elements to develop smart catalytic biomaterials with externally controlled activity.
The project is highly multidisciplinary and combines protein design and engineering, protein biochemistry and biophysics, bioinorganic chemistry, nanotechnology, supramolecular biomaterials and catalysis. The project will be carried out at CIC biomaGUNE, a multidisciplinary and international research institute in San Sebastian, Spain, offering state-of-the-art infrastructure and a highly collaborative research environment at the interface of chemistry, biology, nanotechnology and materials science.
Required Education Level:
Candidates should hold a Master's degree in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Nanoscience/Nanotechnology, Materials Science, Bioengineering or a related discipline.
Candidates who are currently completing a Master's degree may also apply. By the date of incorporation

📌 PhD Position in Protein Engineering and Catalytic Biomaterials Biomolecular Nanotechnology Group (Donostia / San Sebastián)
🏢 Cic Biomagune
📍 Donostia / San Sebastián