PhD Student - X-Rays for inorganic biochemistry laboratory (Open)

We are looking for a highly motivated student recently graduated or finishing a Master in Physics, Chemistry, or related fields interested in performing a PhD at the X-rays for Inorganic Biochemistry Laboratory (XIBL) of the Donostia International Physics Center (DIPC).

X-ray techniques can provide chemical information with precise spatial resolution to understand the behaviour of therapeutic or diagnostic agents inside patients or cells. Still, biological organisms are not static entities and currently it is not feasible to use X-rays at will on biological samples, as they cause extensive damage to tissues, cells and biomolecules during irradiation. Therefore, dynamic information cannot be acquired on intact samples. The candidate will develop new approaches for the analysis of biologically relevant samples with X-rays imaging or spectroscopic techniques that lays beyond the current state-of-the-art methods using static-by-nature conditions.

Depending on the student’s profile, the project will focus on:

• Using continuous flow microfluidic setups to reduce beam damage and achieve temporal resolution during the acquisition of meaningful X-ray spectra (i.e. absorption or scattering) on biological fluids.
• Use homogeneous cell populations generated by synchronisation of the cultures to reduce cell-to-cell variability and improve the significance of X-ray microscopy results during the study of dynamic cellular processes.

Previous experience in X-ray imaging or spectroscopy, X-ray or neutron scattering, microfluidics and/or cell culture are particularly welcome, but not essential.

The PhD position will be fully funded and secured, but applications from candidates with strong academic records and willing to apply for competitive funding calls are particularly welcome.

• Contract duration: 1 year (possibility to extend up to 4 years)
• Estimated annual gross salary: Salary is commensurate with qualifications and consistent with our pay scales
• Target start date: 2026/09/01

We provide a highly stimulating research environment, and unique professional career development opportunities.

We offer and promote a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applicants regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity.

DIPC is a research center whose mission is to perform and catalyze cutting-edge research in physics and related disciplines, as well as to convey scientific culture to society. Located in Donostia / San Sebastian (Basque Country, Spain), DIPC was born from a strategic alliance of both public institutions and private companies. Since 2008 DIPC is a 'Basque Excellence Research Center' (BERC) recognized by the Basque Government's Department of Education. In 2019, DIPC was also recognized as a "Severo Ochoa" Excellence Center by the Spanish Research Agency.

The successful candidate will work with Dr. Carlos Sanchez-Cano at the X-rays for Inorganic Biochemistry Laboratory (XIBL) of the DIPC.

The research interests of the XIBL centre in understanding the behaviour of metallic devices in biological systems, for which the group employs spectroscopy and imaging synchrotron-based techniques.

In particular, the group work using X-rays focuses in the development of experimental approaches that allow the use of synchrotron-based hard X-ray nanoprobes (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2021, 60, 6462; J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2021, 143, 20224; Chem. Sci., 2022, 13, 59; Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 18112) and energy dependent scattering (Small, 2025, 21, 2504135) to probe the chemical reactivity of metal-based systems in cells and biological fluids.

Interested candidates should submit an updated CV and a brief statement of interest to the following application email below. 

Reference letters are welcome but not indispensable.

The reference of the specific opening to which the candidate is applying should be stated in the subject line, and the application must be received before the application deadline.

Although candidates are welcome to contact the project supervisors to know further details about the proposed research activity, please be aware that the application will be evaluated only if it is submitted directly to the email address listed below as application email.

• Reference: 2026/15
• Application deadline: 2026/06/30
• Application email: jobs.research@dipc.org

Applications received by the deadline will be evaluated by a Committee designed by the DIPC board on the basis of the following criteria:

• CV of the candidate (60%)
• Adequacy of the candidate’s scientific background to the project (20%)
• Reference letters (10%)
• Other: Diversity in gender, race, nationality, etc. (10%)

Evaluation results will be communicated to the candidates soon after. Positions will only be filled if qualified candidates are found.

The DIPC may revoke its decision if the candidate fails to join by the appointed time, in which case the position will be awarded to the candidate with the next highest score, provided it is above 50 (out of 100).

However, the selected candidate may keep the position if, in the opinion of the Selection Committee, the candidate duly justifies the reasons why he or she cannot join before the specified deadline, and as long as the project allows it.

Proyecto PID2024-158141NB-I00 financiado por MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 y por FEDER, UE