Scientists at IRB Barcelona are supported by an extensive range of Core Facilities (CF) that provide state-of-the-art technologies and scientific services. These facilities are a key asset for our research, allowing the Institute to obtain outstanding results. They are designed to incorporate the most novel technologies available and provide them to our researchers in the shortest time possible.

Our CFs are integrated into the Catalan and Spanish research systems, which translates into agreements and collaborations with other research institutions. There is also participation in COST action (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) and in European research infrastructures (Eurobioimaging, ELIXIR), thus being part of an international research network.

IRB Barcelona is hiring 8 outstanding Technical Officers to participate in an Advanced Training Programme in Technology for Research to join the Core Facility of their Choice. By joining the Institute, the selected candidates are entering a world of opportunity in which they can contribute to research projects and learn in a unique international and multidisciplinary setting.

Candidates will be involved in providing services which facilitate the collaboration between scientists and enable access to advanced technologies essential to modern research.

Brief description of IRB´s CFs:

• Advanced Digital Microscopy (ADM): Provides access to advanced optical bioimaging technology, and tailored bioimage analysis. The facility is committed to providing a complete range of advanced light microscopy imaging systems and techniques to researchers at IRB Barcelona and other institutions. The ADM is also committed to develop research instrumentation to adapt, improve or newly implement innovative biology-driven imaging applications. ADM provides open-access (24/7) access and training to state-of-the-art, mostly laser-based, commercial or customized microscopes, as well as training, assistance and development in Bioimage Analysis, data interpretation and presentation. More info.

• Biostatistics/ Bioinformatics: The Biostatistics/Bioinformatics Unit is a key resource for all IRB Barcelona research groups. With their advanced methodology and unparalleled expertise in analyzing complex biomedical datasets, this unit provides invaluable consultation services on experimental design, data analysis, statistical methodology and custom solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of each project. By collaborating with these experts, scientists can unlock new insights into their research that would otherwise remain hidden - making it a must-have partner for any researcher looking to achieve breakthrough results. More info.

• Functional Genomics (FGCF): Provides comprehensive support, training opportunities, and a wide-range of services in the field of genomics, transcriptomics and epigenomics. Our existing workflows cover a wide-range of applications for bulk/population-wide, single-cell and spatial transcriptomics studies. The FGCF develops quality control of biological samples, including DNA, RNA and live-cells. Qualifies samples for use in downstream applications. Deploys new methodologies in collaboration with the different research groups. Prepares high-quality libraries for next-generation sequencing. Particularly, the FGCF deployed semi-automated single-cell assays, including microfluidics- and microwell-based assays. Finally, the facility develops sequencing on Illumina platforms, along with primary analysis of the data. Other activities include training of personnel, access to qPCR instrument, and consulting. More info.

• Protein Expression: The Protein Expression Core Facility (PECF) offers a variety of services to accelerate IRB research by offering the latest technologies for the cloning, expression and purification of vital protein reagents, The PECF is a well-equipped, self-contained facility offering a wide range of techniques, including many that are unavailable to the majority of standard research laboratories. With expertise in all stages of the gene-to-protein pipeline (construct design/cloning-protein expression-multiple purification process) and the choice of three expression hosts (E.coli, Sf9 insect cells via BEVs and transient gene expression in human 293-6E cells) the PECF helps IRB researchers get the expression constructs or proteins they need. More info.

• Histopathology: The facility provides histopathological services and training opportunities to the IRB scientific community and to external public and private research centers, offering customized and cost-effective support. Facility staff highly qualified has a large experience in working with a wide variety of histological studies, ranging from routine techniques and services to the development of new approaches (special stainings, IHC, IF, ISH, multiplexing IHC/IF, tissue image analysis, etc.) in a diverse range of experimental pathology studies (mouse phenotyping, animal models of disease, drug efficacy and non-GLP toxicity studies). More info.

• Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics: Offers IRB Barcelona researchers and external scientific community a variety of mass spectrometry-(MS) based proteomics techniques that can help to further their knowledge of disease, pathways, targets, and drug effects. The Facility is equipped with cutting-edge instrumentation and composed by a team of experts, which provide professional and specialized proteomics service and method development at the forefront of biomedical and translational research. Resources and support cover the requirements of any scientific goal that calls for the use of MS analysis, from experimental design, experimental workflows, data acquisition and data analysis to results validation,interpretation and reporting. More info.

• Drug Screening Platform: Provides expert support for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery projects. The core facility accepts projects from the entire IRB Barcelona research community, as well as from external projects, both from academia and industry. The expert team provides tailored experimental support for a wide range of targets and technologies during the Candidate Discovery phase, from High-Throughput Screening (HTS) to Lead Optimisation. More info.

• Animal House Technician: Provides support in the generation of genetically modified mouse models and cell culture. Be responsible for the maintenance of different lines of transgenic mice, which include basic genotyping and phenotyping. For this service, a valid certificate to work with animals will be required.

This call is under the framework of the INVESTIGO Programme for recruitment of young job seekers to carry out research and innovation – Funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Required conditions for candidates to meet, as this position belongs to the INVESTIGO Programme:

• Before the starting of the labour relationship with the institute, the candidate must be registered as a job seeker in the “Servei Públic d'Ocupació de Catalunya” and has to be unemployed.

• Not having previous labour relations with the IRB Barcelona within a period of 6 months, before the beginning of the contract.

• Only applicable for candidates under 30 years old (before the start of the employment contract).

• To have the specific studies related to the field, which give the candidate the competencies and skills required for the position:
  • 2 positions for candidates that hold at least Superior Degree Vocational Training (FPII)
  • 6 positions for candidates that hold at least a bachelor degree.
  • Candidates holding a Msc. or a PhD. are also eligible and welcome to apply.

• Availability to join the IRB Barcelona by the 1st of September 2023.

WORKING CONDITIONS & ENTITLEMENTS:

• Working conditions: two year contract linked to the INVESTIGO Programme, to allocate young people in search of a job in the research field, under the framework project: “Pla de Recuperació, Transformació i Resiliència”. 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.
• Estimated annual gross salary: 24.875€. Salary might be negotiable based on 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 core facility.
• Benefits: Continuous training in a high-quality environment with unique professional career opportunities.

HOW TO APPLY & SELECTION PROCESS:

Applications for the above opening should include a Full CV and candidates must indicate the Core Facility(s) to which they wish to apply (up to 2 and in order of preference).

• Deadline for applications: 26/06/2023 (If no suitable candidate is found, the deadline will be extended) 
• Number of positions available: 8
• Selection process:
  • Pre-selection: Will be based on will be based on CV (anonym format), experience and required conditions met from the INVESTIGO Programme.
  • 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.