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

Applications to this offer must compulsory be registered through the online application system of UAM. Nevertheless, prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the PI beforehand to discuss their suitability for the position, and to seek assistance with the online application system