The MSCA-COFUND CSIC Doctoral Program in Synthetic Biology 2026 is a highly competitive, fully funded PhD opportunity in Europe for outstanding international students and early-career researchers interested in synthetic biology, systems biology, bioengineering, and computational biology. This prestigious doctoral programme, known as SYNBIO-CSIC, is led by the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and co-funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA-COFUND) under Horizon Europe. It will recruit 20 fully funded PhD researchers, with 10 positions available in the First Call. If you are searching for fully funded PhD scholarships in Europe, MSCA PhD programs, or synthetic biology PhD positions in Spain, this opportunity should be high on your list.
SYNBIO-CSIC Scholarship in Spain—Overview
- Program Name: MSCA-COFUND CSIC Doctoral Program in Synthetic Biology (SYNBIO-CSIC)
- Host Country: Spain
- Host Organization: Spanish National Research Council (CSIC)
- Co-funded By: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (Horizon Europe)
- Degree Level: PhD (Doctoral Researcher)
- Contract Duration: 36 months (3 years, full-time)
- Total Positions: 20 (10 positions in First Call)
- Application Deadline (First Call): 26 February 2026
- Eligible Applicants: International applicants from all nationalities
Available Fields / Research Areas
SYNBIO-CSIC focuses on cutting-edge interdisciplinary research across three main thematic axes:
1. Bottom-Up Synthetic Cell Engineering
- Minimal and synthetic cells
- Biochemical reconstitution
- Artificial membranes and life-like systems
2. Top-Down Synthetic Biology
- Protein and metabolic engineering
- Cell reprogramming and gene circuits
- Cell factories, therapeutics, and biomanufacturing
3. Computational & AI-Driven Synthetic Biology
- Systems biology modeling
- Machine learning and AI for bioengineering
- Robotics, optimal experimental design, and biofoundries
Research projects are hosted across leading CSIC institutes in Madrid, Valencia, Cantabria, Granada, Bilbao, and Seville, offering access to state-of-the-art laboratories and international secondments.
Click Here for Detailed Research Projects for Marie Curie CSIC Spain PhD scholarship
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the MSCA-COFUND CSIC PhD Program, applicants must meet the following:
- Must not already hold a PhD degree
- Must be eligible to enroll in a doctoral program
- Must meet MSCA mobility rule:
- Not have resided or worked in Spain for more than 12 months in the last 36 months before the deadline
- Must hold:
- A Bachelor + Master degree (minimum 300 ECTS, with at least 60 at Master level)
- English proficiency required (minimum CEFR B2):
- IELTS (5.0–6.5), TOEFL (>72), Cambridge FCE, or equivalent
- No restrictions on nationality, age, or gender
Click Here for Detailed Fully Funded MSCA PhD Positions Requirements to Study in Spain
Application Process
Follow these steps carefully to apply successfully for International PhD Scholarships in Europe:
Step 1: Review the Guide for Applicants (official CSIC document)
Click Here for the MSCA SYNBIO-CSIC PhD in Spain Scholarship Guide for Applicants
Step 2: Prepare required documents, including:
- Europass CV
- Motivation letter
- Academic transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Proof of English proficiency
- Mobility declaration
Step 3: Select 3–10 PhD project proposals (across different institutes if desired)
Click Here for the Project Proposals for the PhD PhD POSITIONS in Europe
Step 4: Compile all documents into one folder following CSIC naming rules and Submit your application by email to:
Wait for eligibility screening, evaluation, and interview invitation
Click here to Apply for fully funded PhD scholarships in Europe
Financial Benefits / Funding Coverage
This is a fully funded MSCA PhD program with highly competitive conditions:
- Monthly living allowance: approx. €3,300 / month
- Full social security coverage
- PhD tuition fees fully covered
- Research, training & networking budget: €1,500 / month
- International secondments (1–3 months)
- Conference travel & workshops
- Paid annual leave (23 days/year)
- Family-friendly policies (maternity/paternity leave)
Compared to national PhD salaries in Spain, this MSCA-COFUND program offers significantly higher funding and benefits.
Apply Now—Study PnD in Spain for Free
The MSCA-COFUND CSIC Doctoral Program in Synthetic Biology 2026 is one of the best fully funded PhD opportunities in Europe for researchers aiming to work at the frontier of synthetic biology, AI-driven bioengineering, and systems biology. With excellent salaries, global mobility, and elite research training, SYNBIO-CSIC offers a powerful launchpad for academic and industry careers.
Click Here to Explore the Official MSCA CSIC Fully Funded PhD Positions in Spain
Also Check: List of Open International PhD and Research Fellowships Worldwide 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the MSCA-COFUND CSIC PhD fully funded?
Yes. It includes a monthly salary, social security, research costs, and tuition coverage.
Can international students apply?
Yes. Applicants from any country are welcome.
Do I need a research proposal?
No. You only need to select preferred projects from the official list.
How many projects can I choose?
You must select at least 3 and up to 10 projects in order of preference.
Is IELTS mandatory?
Only if you do not have another accepted proof of English proficiency.
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