PhD student position in the “Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Metabolic Diseases” group

PhD position available in the “Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Metabolic Diseases” group, under the supervision of Dr Eduardo Balsa, at the Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CBM-CSIC/UAM), Madrid, Spain.

https://www.cbm.uam.es/balsalab

https://www.balsalab.es

The PhD project will investigate how metabolism determines the ability of cancer cells to form metastases in specific organs. The project will explore how metastatic cells adapt to the distinct metabolic environments of organs such as the liver, lung and brain, how they acquire the metabolic compatibility required to colonize these tissues, and whether organ-specific metabolic vulnerabilities can be exploited for therapeutic purposes. We offer multidisciplinary training in a dynamic and collaborative scientific environment, combining cellular and animal models of metastasis with state-of-the-art approaches including CRISPR/Cas9, single-cell RNA-seq, lineage tracing and cellular barcoding, transcriptomics, metabolomics, proteomics, stable isotope tracing, and analysis of post-transcriptional and translational regulation.

Candidates should hold a degree in Biology, Biotechnology, Medicine, Pharmacy or a related discipline, as well as a completed Master’s degree in Biomedicine or a related field. We are looking for highly motivated candidates with a strong interest in cancer and metabolism research and an excellent academic record (average grade ≥ 8.0) to apply for competitive predoctoral fellowships.

Previous experience will be valued in cellular, molecular and biochemical techniques, cell culture, animal experimentation (functions A, B and C), as well as good written and spoken English.

Interested candidates should send their CV and academic transcript to ebalsa@cbm.csic.es by October 30, 2026.