The Asymmetric Synthesis and Functional Nanosystems group is offering a four-year JAE PRE/MED pre-doctoral research fellowship.
PROJECT SUMMARY
Modern drug discovery requires researchers capable of integrating medicinal chemistry, artificial intelligence, nanotechnology and translational biology. The SENECA project offers a multidisciplinary pre-doctoral opportunity to participate in the entire drug discovery process, from the design and synthesis of new chemical entities to their biological validation and preclinical evaluation in haematological neoplasms. This process will be structured around iterative Design–Make–Test–Analyse (DMTA) cycles, in which AI-guided molecular design, chemical synthesis and experimental evaluation will continuously inform the optimisation of new drug candidates.
The project combines AI-assisted hit-to-lead optimisation, medicinal chemistry, supramolecular nanomedicine, omics-based target identification and translational oncology, within the framework of a collaboration between the Institute of Chemical Research (IIQ-CSIC), the Seville Institute of Biomedicine (IBiS) and the Haematology Department at the Virgen del Rocío University Hospital.
The successful candidate will work in a highly collaborative environment, supported by competitive national research projects, state-of-the-art scientific infrastructure and close collaboration between chemists, biologists and clinical researchers. The PhD programme will provide comprehensive training in modern drug discovery and contribute to the development of new therapeutic strategies for leukaemia and multiple myeloma.
PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
Minimum requirements:
A Master’s degree (or equivalent qualification granting access to a PhD programme) in Chemistry, Pharmacy, Biotechnology or related disciplines. A strong academic record. A good command of spoken and written English. A strong motivation for interdisciplinary biomedical research. Must meet the admission requirements for a PhD programme prior to signing the contract.
Other desirable qualities:
Experience in organic synthesis or medicinal chemistry. Knowledge of analytical techniques (NMR, HPLC, LC-MS, etc.). Experience in molecular or cellular biology. Experience in molecular modelling, cheminformatics or artificial intelligence. Previous experience in nanomedicine or drug discovery. Ability to communicate and work within multidisciplinary teams.
WHAT IS ON OFFER
The successful candidate will receive multidisciplinary doctoral training covering the entire drug discovery process, including medicinal chemistry, AI-assisted molecular design, nanomedicine, molecular pharmacology and translational oncology. They will work at the interface between chemistry, nanomedicine, artificial intelligence and translational medicine, integrating these disciplines throughout the various stages of the drug discovery process.
The PhD research will be carried out in a collaborative environment involving IIQ-CSIC, IBiS and the Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, with access to state-of-the-art facilities for chemical synthesis, advanced molecular characterisation, nanomaterial characterisation, cell biology, omics technologies and preclinical evaluation.
The successful candidate will receive close supervision from highly experienced researchers, regular scientific mentoring, the opportunity to participate in national and international conferences, opportunities for scientific publication, technology transfer and patent protection, international collaborations and complementary training activities offered by the University of Seville’s PhD Programme in Chemistry.
Progress will be monitored through regular meetings, annual assessments and personalised training plans, ensuring continuous scientific and professional development throughout the doctoral thesis.
Contract terms:
JAE PRE/MED: A 4-year pre-doctoral contract. Gross annual salary of €32,565.71 (including social security contributions).
Start date: before 15 December 2026
CONTACT DETAILS OF THE PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Email: