Created in 2005 by the Generalitat de Catalunya (Government of Catalonia) and the University of Barcelona, IRB Barcelona is a Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence—a seal that was awarded in 2011.

The institute is devoted to conducting research of excellence in biomedicine and to transferring results to clinical practice, thus improving people’s quality of life, while simultaneously promoting the training of outstanding researchers, technology transfer, and public communication of science. Its 28 laboratories and seven core facilities address basic questions in biology and are orientated to diseases such as cancer, metastasis, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and rare conditions.

IRB Barcelona is an international centre that hosts 400 members and 35 nationalities. It is located in the Barcelona Science Park. IRB Barcelona forms part of the Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST) and the “Xarxa de Centres de Recerca de Catalunya” (CERCA).

IRB Barcelona seeks to recruit a Research Assistant. We are looking for a motivated individual with teamwork skills to join Dr. Eulàlia de Nadal and Dr. Francesc Posas team at the IRB Barcelona (https://www.irbbarcelona.org/es/research/cell-signaling).

We aim to unravel how cells detect and respond to environmental changes. We focus our studies on the characterisation of stress signal transduction pathways, especially those regulated by MAP kinases of the Hog1/p38 family, also known as the stress-activated MAP kinases (SAPKs). Proper adaptation to stress involves the modulation of several basic aspects of cell biology, among them the cell cycle and gene expression. Using S. cerevisiae budding yeast as a model organism, as well as higher eukaryotic cells, we are dissecting the molecular mechanisms underlying cell response to changes in the extracellular environment and characterising the adaptive responses required for cell survival. Based on our knowledge of signal transduction and using synthetic biology, we also seek to modify cell behaviour to reprogram cell response to specific inputs/stimuli.

DUTIES: 

• Work efficiently and cooperatively with a team of researchers in support of projects.

• Implementing established protocols and developing new protocols.

• Perform research using S. cerevisiae as a model organism.

• Producing high quality data to be included in research papers for publication.

• He/she will be responsible of the management and lab organizer of the research group.

• Perform other duties as required.

EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS:

Must Have – Required

Knowledge: BS in Chemistry and PhD, and very high motivation to work in complex problems in the cutting edge of the field. Strong background in chemistry, biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology

Skills: Strong enthusiasm for developing new skills and expertise. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Fluency in English, Catalan desirable. Candidates should have the ability to work independently and within a collaborative research team, and possess excellent organisation skills.

Experience:

• More than 15 years of postdoctoral experience in research
• Expertise using yeast as a model organism
• Expertise in studies on gene expression regulation
• Experience as research manager in a laboratory
• More than 10 years of teaching experience in different subjects

WORKING CONDITIONS & ENTITLEMENTS:

• Working conditions: Permanent contract. Employed in compliance with Spanish legislation and regulations under a full-time contract. Employees receive the benefits of the Spanish Social Security system covering sickness, maternity/paternity leave and injuries at work. Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications. This Job position is following the ordinary and additional rate of Law 20/2021, of 28 December, measures urgent for the reduction of temporary employment in the public sector and the Gov/241/2022 Agreement of 22 of November authorizing the increase in the budget staff in application of the labor reform and for the reduction of temporary employment in public employment. and approved by the IRB Barcelona Board of Trustees.
• International Environment: The opportunity to join a prestigious international research institution and become a member of an established research group.
• Continuous training in a high-quality environment.

HOW TO APPLY & SELECTION PROCESS:

• Deadline for applications: 31/01/2022 (If no suitable candidate is found, the deadline will be extended) 
• Number of positions available: 1
• Selection process will be merit based:
  • Pre-selection: Will be based on CV, motivation letter, experience, management of research and innovation. 
  • Interviews: Short-listed candidates will be interviewed.
  • Job offer: Will be sent to the successful candidate after the interview. 

Note: The strengths and weaknesses of the applications will be provided upon request.