The (I²SysBio) in Valencia, Spain is recruiting a highly motivated doctoral student to join its internationally recognised research team working on virus-host interactions and antiviral immunity.
Researchers with a passion for virology, molecular biology, and infectious disease research have an exciting opportunity to pursue a fully funded PhD in Spain.
The position is funded through Spain’s prestigious FPI (Formación de Personal Investigador) doctoral programme and is linked to the research project “Host Factors Inhibiting Viral Entry: Discovery and Mechanistic Profiling (H5:DaMP)”, led by Principal Investigator Dr. Jérémy Dufloo.
The project is funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities and offers four years of fully funded doctoral research, international collaboration opportunities, and advanced scientific training.
About the Fully Funded PhD Position in Virology in Spain 2026
The doctoral position is hosted at the Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I²SysBio), a joint research institute of the University of Valencia and the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) in Valencia, Spain.
The successful candidate will become part of an international and multidisciplinary laboratory investigating how viruses invade host cells and how human antiviral proteins can block viral infections. The project combines cutting-edge experimental and computational approaches to better understand viral entry mechanisms across numerous virus families.
The PhD candidate will also enrol in the University of Valencia Doctoral Programme in Biomedicine and Biotechnology, gaining access to extensive scientific and transferable skills training throughout the programme.
Research Project Overview: PhD Position in Virology in Spain 2026
Viruses must successfully enter host cells before they can replicate, making viral entry one of the most critical stages of infection. Despite significant advances in virology, many host proteins capable of preventing viral entry remain unidentified, and the mechanisms through which they function are still poorly understood.
This research project aims to discover and characterize these antiviral restriction factors using a combination of innovative laboratory and computational techniques.
The project will utilise:
- Large-scale cell culture experiments
- Virology techniques
- CRISPR functional genomics
- Computational biology
- Experimental evolution approaches
One of the project’s unique strengths is its extensive collection of more than 100 viral pseudotypes representing 14 different virus families, allowing researchers to systematically investigate viral entry inhibition across a wide range of emerging human and animal viruses.
The findings are expected to contribute significantly to the understanding of antiviral immunity and may support the development of future antiviral therapies.
What the PhD Scholarship Offers
The selected doctoral researcher will receive a comprehensive funding package under Spain’s highly competitive FPI doctoral programme.
Benefits include:
- Fully funded four-year PhD contract.
- Competitive salary.
- Full social security coverage.
- Additional funding for research stays and specialised training.
- Enrolment in the University of Valencia Doctoral Programme in Biomedicine and Biotechnology.
- Access to an international and multidisciplinary research environment.
- Collaboration with leading laboratories worldwide.
- Opportunities to present research at international scientific conferences.
- Opportunities to publish findings in peer-reviewed journals.
- Advanced technical and transferable skills training.
The programme provides an excellent platform for students seeking careers in academic research, biotechnology, biomedical sciences, or the pharmaceutical industry.
Research Areas and Training
During the doctoral programme, the successful candidate will receive multidisciplinary training across several advanced scientific fields, including:
- Virology
- Virus-host interactions
- Viral evolution
- Cell biology
- CRISPR functional genomics
- Computational biology
- Emerging viruses
- Endogenous viruses
- Experimental evolution
Working within a collaborative international research environment will allow the student to develop both technical expertise and independent research skills.
Eligibility Criteria
The research group is seeking highly motivated candidates with strong academic backgrounds in life sciences.
Applicants should:
- Hold a Master’s degree in Virology, Microbiology, Biology, Biotechnology, or a closely related discipline.
- Demonstrate a strong interest in virology and virus-host interactions.
- Possess good written and spoken English communication skills.
The laboratory welcomes applicants from diverse scientific backgrounds who are enthusiastic about pursuing cutting-edge biomedical research.
Preferred Experience
Previous laboratory experience is considered an advantage but is not mandatory.
Experience in any of the following areas will strengthen an application:
- Cell culture
- Molecular biology
- Virology
- Antiviral immunity
- CRISPR technologies
- Bioinformatics
Candidates without experience in every area are still encouraged to apply if they demonstrate strong academic potential and motivation.
Why Apply?
This PhD offers much more than financial support. It provides an opportunity to join one of Spain’s leading research environments while working on globally important questions in infectious disease biology.
Successful applicants will benefit from:
- Fully funded doctoral education.
- International scientific collaborations.
- Access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities.
- Training in advanced experimental and computational techniques.
- Career development opportunities through conference participation and scientific publications.
- Mentorship from experienced researchers in virology and biomedical sciences.
- Opportunities to develop expertise in emerging viruses and antiviral research.
The interdisciplinary nature of the programme also prepares graduates for careers across academia, research institutes, biotechnology companies, public health, and pharmaceutical industries.
Required Application Documents
Interested applicants should prepare the following documents:
- A motivation letter (maximum one page).
- An updated curriculum vitae (CV).
- Contact details for two academic referees, such as lecturers, thesis supervisors, or internship supervisors.
Applicants should ensure that their motivation letter clearly explains their research interests, academic background, and reasons for applying to the programme.
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted directly by email to the Principal Investigator:
Dr. Jérémy Dufloo
Applicants should email their complete application package, including the motivation letter, CV, and referee contact details.
Early applications are encouraged as recruitment may continue until a suitable candidate is identified.
SEE ATTACHED IMAGE TO APPLY
For graduates seeking a fully funded PhD in virology, molecular biology, or biomedical sciences, this opportunity at the Institute for Integrative Systems Biology offers an outstanding chance to contribute to internationally significant research while developing advanced scientific expertise in one of Europe’s leading research environments.
