Doctoral candidate in Microbiology (DC9)

Offer description: This thesis project involves bioprospecting thermal environments to obtain new hydrolases using (ultra) high-throughput screening.  The doctoral candidate will: (i) develop host-vector systems for expression of metagenomic libraries at high temperatures; (ii) create metagenomic libraries from diverse environments in suitable vectors; (iii) adapt existing enzyme assays to droplet format; (iv) screen libraries from metagenomes; v) sequence and structure determination, biochemical and characterization of hits, including stability, selectivity; vi) participate in the training, reporting, communication and dissemination actions of the MetaExplore MSCA-DN and the host laboratory.

Research field: Biological Sciences, Technology
Type of contract: Temporary
Job status: Full-time
Hours per week: (37,5 full-time)
Offer starting date: Flexible between April 1st and September 1st 2026
Application deadline: Application will open in November 2025 and will remain open until January 12th, 2026.

Requirements:
Education level: Master’s
Skills/Qualifications: Master’s in Microbiology/Biotechnology/Molecular Biosciences or similar.
Specific requirements: Experience in at least 1 of the following: molecular microbiology, microbiology of extremophiles, functional metagenomics, microfluidics, protein expression and purification, enzymology, directed evolution.
Motivation letter, full academic transcript of B.Sc., and M. Sc., CV and 2 references

Required languages: Excellent level of English
Required research experience: B. Sc. and M.Sc. thesis on topics related to: molecular microbiology, functional metagenomics, enzyme biotechnology, biocatalysis or similar. Additional research experience (e.g. internships, contracts) is welcome.

Benefits: Will be enrolled in a relevant Doctoral Programme at UAM; Training programme of the MetaExplore network, focused on bioinformatic and activity-based mining of metagenomes, soft skills, entrepreneurial skills; Salary according to MSCA-DN criteria for Spain, including mobility allowance and family allowance, where pertinent.

Eligibility criteria

Must not hold a Ph.D. at the time of recruitment; Must not have resided in Spain more than 12 months in the 36 months prior to the date of recruitment; Must have successfully completed a Master’s Degree before September 2026, granting access to doctoral programs within the EEES.

Selection process

Open, transparent and merit-based process consisting of evaluation of CV, motivation letter, academic transcript and personal interview (online) of shortlisted candidates.

Additional comment

Please send applications to ahidalgo@cbm.csic. es , including CV, full B.Sc. and M.Sc academic transcript, letter of motivation and 2 references.  Please specify MetaExplore DC9 in the email subject