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 is seeking a motivated, conscientious, and enthusiastic scientist to join the Inflammation, Tissue Plasticity & Cancer laboratory (Dr. Direna Alonso-Curbelo) as a research technician.

Our lab aims to understand how oncogenic mutations and environmental insults alter normal cellular identity and tissue homeostasis to drive and sustain cancer, with a focus on pancreatic and liver malignancies. To do so, we combine functional genomics tools (CRISPR/Cas9; RNAi), mouse models and organoid/cell culture systems, and (epi)genomic methods including single-cell technologies.

The successful candidate will perform molecular/cellular biology techniques (eg. cloning, DNA/RNA/protein extractions, cell culture, genotyping) and in vivo work (eg. preclinical animal models, rodent survival surgeries, tissue processing) to support projects investigating cell-intrinsic and microenvironmental mechanisms of tumor development and metastasis; and will assist in maintaining the lab’s experimental and organizational pipelines.

The candidate will work in close collaboration with other lab members (a lab manager, PhD students and a postdoc) as well as in an independent manner. The successful candidate will also benefit from the dynamic environment of a growing lab and state-of-the-art infrastructures. Both junior and senior candidates will be considered.

Starting date: 01/02/2023 or as soon as possible.

This position will be partially covered by the project PA210096 (US DoD´s Pancreatic Cancer Research Program Idea Development Award), investigating epigenetic mechanisms of tumor progression and immune evasion.

DUTIES: 

• Implement established and new experimental approaches and perform organizational duties under minimal supervision.

• Research activities may include (but are not limited to) DNA/RNA extraction, vector cloning, mouse handling, minor surgeries (pancreas, liver), iv/ip injections, tissue processing, cell line/organoid culture, genetic manipulation (CRISPR/Cas9, RNAi), genotyping, preparation of lab reagents, qRT-PCR, immunoblotting, flow cytometry and histology (IF/IHC), assisting with the establishment and implementation of experimental pipelines to support lab goals and their related SOPs, performing basic statistical data analysis and literature search to contribute with new ideas on topics related to the lab’s research mission.

• Operational activities may include (but are not limited to) monitoring and ordering supplies; operating and trouble-shooting lab equipment; organizing data repositories, lab freezers/fridges, and chemical inventory; managing mouse colony; assisting team members in planning or execution of experiments; and contributing to an enriching, positive and inclusive lab environment.

• Team dynamics: While prior expertise in the above activities will be positively valued, there will be ample opportunities for learning/training in the conceptual and experimental fronts driving our research forward. Thus, we are looking for a proactive scientist who will contribute to the lab’s goals with their expertise and is also committed to learning new technologies and concepts. The technician will also have opportunities to oversee and train undergraduate students and work with the PI to mentor junior lab members.

EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS:

Must Have – Required

• Experience:
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in molecular/cell biology, immunology, chemistry, biomedicine or other scientific disciplines in a related field; or FP degree in a related field and two (2) years of related experience.
• Animal experimentation training, with hands-on expertise in rodent-handling procedures. Practical experience with survival surgeries and/or colony management is a plus.

• Technical Skills:
• Laboratory techniques, equipment, terminology, and support processes and practices.
• Basic molecular techniques.
• Data organization, statistical analysis, and computer literacy.
• Prior experience in CRISPR/Cas9-based technologies, epigenomic (RNA/ATAC/ChIP-seq), proteomics, and/or single-cell analyses (data generation and/or computational analyses) will be positively valued.

• Soft skills:
• Interpersonal and effective communication skills.
• Motivated to learn new techniques.
• Ability to work independently well as a team member.
• Highly organized and proactive attitude.
• Ability to perform multiple tasks independently.
• Time- and deadline-management skills.

• Languages: Proficient in English (fluent, oral and written).

Desirable

• Experience:

• Prior experience in competitive research environments.
• Background in cancer, immunology, neurobiology and/or epigenetics.

• Technical Skils:
  • Epigenomic analyses and NGS methods (eg: ATAC-seq, ChIP-seq, RNA-seq data generation and/or computational analyses)
  • Clture and manipulation of primary immune cells and/or organoids.
  • Experience with pancreatic and liver cancer/regeneration models.
  • Histology.
  • Bionformatics skills - Python or R programming. Data visualization / biostatistics.

WORKING CONDITIONS & ENTITLEMENTS:

• Working conditions: 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 leaves and injuries at work.
• 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: 29/01/2023 (If no suitable candidate is found, the deadline will be extended) 
• Number of positions available: 1
• Selection process:
  • 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.