PhD Fellowship in Spain at VHIO International | Apply Online For PhD Fellowships 2027

How could your research contribute to more precise cancer treatments? This PhD Fellowship in Spain offers international candidates the opportunity to pursue doctoral research at the Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO) in Barcelona. The 2027 call provides seven fully funded scholarships, combining cancer research with scientific training and career development.

  • Program: VHIO International PhD Fellowships 2027

  • Location: Barcelona, Spain

  • Available fellowships: Seven

  • Funding duration: Four years

  • Application deadline: December 15, 2026

  • Expected start: September–December 2027

  • Nationality: Open to candidates of any nationality

About The Institution

VHIO conducts translational, preclinical and clinical cancer research with a focus on precision oncology. Its doctoral researchers benefit from advanced core technologies and an integrated training program covering scientific methods, technological skills, complementary skills and career development.

PhD Fellowship in Spain: Research Opportunities

Applicants can select up to two participating laboratories according to their scientific interests. Research topics span:

  • Cancer genetics, genome engineering, chromatin remodeling and tumor evolution.

  • Single-cell technologies, spatial transcriptomics and computational cancer genomics.

  • AI, deep learning and medical imaging for precision oncology.

  • Tumor-reactive T cells, CRISPR screening and cancer immunogenomics.

  • CAR-T therapies and other cell-based immunotherapies.

  • Experimental pharmacology, drug repurposing and machine learning.

  • Genomic epidemiology, mutational signatures and liquid biopsies.

  • Hereditary cancer, RNA-based diagnostics, aging and cancer.

  • Prostate and colorectal cancer precision medicine.

The call offers seven fellowships across the participating research options; the laboratory list should not be interpreted as a funded place in every group.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must have:

  • A university degree and master’s degree in biomedical or medical sciences totaling at least 300 ECTS within the European Higher Education System, or an equivalent qualification permitting PhD admission in Spain.

  • An excellent academic record.

  • Previous research experience and a strong commitment to research.

  • A high working knowledge of English.

Candidates expecting to obtain the qualifying degree by September 2027 may apply.

The following candidates are not eligible:

  • Those invited to interviews in previous VHIO PhD calls.

  • Students undertaking their master’s at VHIO.

  • Candidates who worked at VHIO for more than three months before the application deadline.

Funding and Training

This PhD Fellowship in Spain provides a four-year work contract, with a competitive salary under national regulations, full health and occupational insurance, and Spanish Social Security coverage. An exact salary is not specified in the supplied information.

Training includes lectures, seminars, specialized scientific and technological courses, complementary skills development, career support and social activities.

How to Apply

Complete the online application with your education, coursework, honours and awards, research experience and scientific interests. You must also:

  • Select up to two laboratories.

  • Provide details of two referees.

  • Arrange transcript translations where originals are not in Catalan, Spanish, French, Italian or English.

Reference letters are requested automatically through the system. All application information and both reference letters must arrive by December 15, 2026.

Selection and Key Dates

  • Call opened: November 3, 2026.

  • Application deadline: December 15, 2026.

  • Remote screening: December 2026.

  • In-person interviews: February 16–18, 2027, at VHIO in Barcelona.

  • Results: Expected in late February 2027.

  • Fellowship start: September–December 2027.

Applications will be assessed by an external evaluation committee.

For candidates committed to cancer research, this PhD Fellowship in Spain offers sustained funding and training within a precision oncology environment. Choose laboratories that match your interests and use your application to explain how your research experience has prepared you for their scientific questions.

APPLY ONLINE HERE