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).

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IRB Barcelona seeks to recruit a Research Assistant. We are looking for a motivated individual with teamwork skills to join Dr. Xavier Salvatella team at the IRB Barcelona :

(https://www.irbbarcelona.org/en/research/laboratory-of-molecular-biophysics).

The research work carried out at the Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics aims, on the one hand, at developing methods to probe the fluctuations of the structure of proteins by combining experimental data and molecular simulations and, on the other hand, at understanding how changes in such motions relate to the molecular recognition of proteins, to their function and disease.

DUTIES: 

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

• Design strategies to express proteins in E. coli and purify them by using different chromatographic techniques.

• Collaborate with the IRB maintenance team as well as with suppliers to ensure the equipment of the laboratory is in order.

• Perform other duties as required.

EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS:

Must Have – Required: 

• Knowledge: Degree in chemistry, biology or a related science. Knowledge of techniques used to express in E. coli and purify them by using chromatographic techniques. Knowledge of biophysical techniques used to characterize purified proteins
• Skills: Strong enthusiasm for developing new skills and expertise. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Fluency in English and Catalan. Candidates should have the ability to work independently and within a collaborative research team, and possess excellent organisation skills.
• Experience: 5 years of experience as laboratory technician or research assistant in a laboratory in either the public or private sector is a must. Experience in protein expression in E. coli and purification by using chromatography is a must. Experience in handling intrinsically disordered proteins is desirable.

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 stabilization rate of Law 20/2021, of December 28, measures urgent for the reduction of temporary employment in the public sector and approved by the IRB Barcelona Board of Trustees.
• Estimated annual gross salary: Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• International environment: The opportunity to join a prestigious, diverse and inclusive international research institution and to become a member of an established research group.
• Benefits: Continuous training in a high-quality environment with unique professional career opportunities. 

HOW TO APPLY & SELECTION PROCESS:

• Deadline for applications: 31/01/2023 (If no suitable candidate is found, the deadline will be extended) 
• Number of positions available: 1
• Selection process will be based on merits:
  • 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.