PhD in Functional Metallacage-Polymer Hybrids for Advanced Cancer Therapies (POLYCAGE)

PhD in Functional Metallacage-Polymer Hybrids for Advanced Cancer Therapies
(POLYCAGE)
Job Summary
The groups of Dr. Guillermo Moreno-Alcantar (Supramolecular Inorganic Biosystems,
CIC biomaGUNE) and Dr. Ana Beloqui (POLYMAT) are oKering a jointly supervised, fully
funded (4-year) PhD position within the POLYCAGE project, focused on the development
of functional metallacage–polymer hybrid biomaterials for advanced cancer therapies.
The successful candidate will work across supramolecular inorganic chemistry, polymer
chemistry, and bioconjugation to design stable, stimulus-responsive nanomaterials.
We are seeking curiosity-driven candidates with an MSc in chemistry, hands-on
experience in organic synthesis, polymer chemistry, and interests in supramolecular and
bioinorganic chemistry. In addition to deepening in these areas, throughout the PhD, the
candidate will develop expertise in spectroscopy, materials characterization, and cell
biology throughout the PhD to meet the project’s interdisciplinary goals. The project
includes training and research stays at both institutions, oKering an interdisciplinary
environment with strong potential for biomedical translation.
Full Job description
POLYCAGE aims to convert metallacages from elegant molecular assemblies into
robust, multifunctional hybrid biomaterials with biomedical utility. The project combines
the expertise of Dr. Ana Beloqui at POLYMAT and Dr. Guillermo Moreno-Alcántar at CIC
biomaGUNE to develop functional polymer-metallacage hybrids. These materials will be
designed to improve colloidal stability, introduce stimulus responsiveness, and enable
controlled delivery of therapeutic cargos
We are seeking a motivated candidate with a strong background in chemistry, materials
science, or a closely related discipline, and with a clear interest in interdisciplinary
research at the interface of supramolecular chemistry, polymer chemistry, and
biomedical applications. The ideal applicant will have practical experience in organic
synthesis, coordination or supramolecular chemistry, and polymeric systems.
The profile is particularly well suited to candidates with experience in supramolecular
systems, organometallic synthesis, and polymer/materials development. Hands-on
familiarity with analytical and structural techniques for chemical (NMR, HPLC, mass
spectrometry, IR) and material (DLS, microscopy, thermal/mechanical analyses)
characterization will be especially valuable for the project’s tasks.
We are especially interested in candidates who demonstrate autonomy in laboratory
work, strong problem-solving ability, good scientific communication skills in English, and
the capacity to work eKectively in an international, co-supervised environment.
The position oKers:
• A 48-month fully integrated PhD project.
• Co-supervision by leading groups at CIC biomaGUNE and POLYMAT.
• Access to advanced facilities and a well-resourced international research
environment.
• Training in cutting-edge chemistry and biomaterials methods.
• The opportunity to contribute to high-impact publications and a novel joint
research line.
• A distinctive interdisciplinary skill set relevant to academia and the
biomedical/biotech sector.
Required Education Level
Master’s degree (MSc) in Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related fields.
Type of Contract and Duration
Temporary full-time contract with an initial duration of 1 year, renewable up to 48 months.
According to the contract regulation, the candidate must be enrolled in a doctoral
program on the date of joining the project. Further information on the enrolment process
will be provided during the selection process.
The expected starting date is Octobre 1st 2026.
Applica’ons should be addressed to Dr. Ana Beloqui and sent via email in one single PDF to
ana.beloquie@ehu.eus before the 24.08.2026 including:
(i) a cover leFer highligh’ng their interest in the posi’on.
(ii) curriculum vitae.
(iii) academic record.
(iv) a short descrip’on of previous research (1-2 Pages).
(v) the names and contact addresses (e-mail) of two academic referees.
POLYMAT and CICBiomaGUNE have obtained the ‘HR Excellence in Research award‘. The
award reflects our commitment to con’nuously improve our human resource policies in line
with the European Charter for Researchers, the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of
Researchers and our commitment to achieve fair and transparent recruitment and appraisal
procedures.