The successful candidate will undertake their doctoral thesis in NEIKER’s Department of Animal Science, as part of a research project aimed at improving the early detection of bovine paratuberculosis and genetic resistance to this disease

NEIKER has opened a call for applications for a pre-doctoral research position in the Department of Animal Science, where the successful candidate will undertake their doctoral thesis within the Immunogenetics research area. The position offers the opportunity to join a scientific environment of excellence, with access to state-of-the-art facilities and a multidisciplinary team committed to innovation, knowledge transfer and professional development.

La investigación se enmarca en el proyecto EARLYPTB – “Digital PCR y caracterización genética, transcriptómica, metatranscriptómica y epigenética para mejorar la detección temprana y la resistencia genética a la paratuberculosis” (PID2025-168088OR-C21), recientemente seleccionado para financiación dentro de la convocatoria 2025 de Proyectos de Generación de Conocimiento del Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación.

The research forms part of the EARLYPTB project – “Digital PCR and genetic, transcriptomic, metatranscriptomic and epigenetic characterisation to improve early detection and genetic resistance to paratuberculosis” (PID2025-168088OR-C21), recently selected for funding under the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation’s 2025 call for Knowledge Generation Projects.

Research to advance the fight against bovine paratuberculosis

The aim of the doctoral research will be to improve the early detection of bovine paratuberculosis (PTB) and to make progress in identifying animals with greater natural resistance to this disease. To this end, innovative diagnostic technologies will be combined with multi-omics tools to gain a deeper understanding of the biological mechanisms associated with the infection.

The ultimate aim of the project is to provide veterinary professionals and the livestock sector with new tools to identify, from an early age, both infected animals and those with greater resistance to Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP), the causative agent of the disease.

Main tasks

The successful candidate will play an active role in all stages of the research, including:

• Carrying out the experimental work associated with the project.
• Generating, analysing and interpreting scientific data.
• Preparing scientific publications and contributing to the research group’s findings.
• Presenting findings at national and international seminars and conferences.
• Participating in scientific meetings and collaborative activities.
• Undertaking research placements at national and international centres to further their training and the development of the project.

Required profile

This call for applications is aimed at graduates in disciplines related to the biosciences, including:

• Genetics
• Biology
• Biotechnology
• Veterinary Science
• Biochemistry
• Agronomy
• Environmental Sciences
• Pharmacy
• Food Science and Technology
• Molecular Biology
• Chemistry

Other related degree programmes: Candidates must provide proof of admission to or enrolment in a PhD programme at the time of signing the contract and must not already hold a PhD.

Furthermore, they must be nationals of a Member State of the European Union or hold legal residence and a work permit in Spain.

Added merits

The following will be regarded as particularly positive:

• Previous laboratory experience in immunology, microbiology or molecular biology techniques.
• Knowledge of statistics and bioinformatics.
• English language proficiency equivalent to B2 and a working knowledge of Spanish.
• Involvement in research projects, scientific publications or attendance at conferences.

Terms and Conditions

The offer includes terms designed to support research training and professional development:

• Contract duration: 4 years.
• Gross annual salary: 27,227.24 euros.
• Additional grant of up to 7,000 euros to cover:
  • Research placements at other R&D centres.
  • Tuition fees for the PhD programme over the four years.
• Working hours:75 hours per week.
• Holidays: 29 days per year.
• Leave: 6 days at the employee’s discretion.
• Continuing professional development and opportunities for career progression.

The contract is due to commence in January 2027.

Submission of nominations

Applications must be submitted exclusively online via the NEIKER website, attaching all supporting documentation for the requirements and merits claimed.

Applications will be assessed on the basis of the candidate’s academic and scientific-technical background, previous experience, suitability for the research project and potential for professional development. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview, which may take place in person or online.

With this call for applications, NEIKER reaffirms its commitment to training new research talent and to developing innovative solutions that contribute to improving animal health and the sustainability of the livestock sector.