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 Predoctoral Researcher to join the lab of Dr. Antonio Zorzano at the IRB Barcelona (https://www.irbbarcelona.org/es/research/complex-metabolic-diseases-and-mitochondria)

The contract will be co-financed by the ‘Project PID2022-137576OB-I00 MINISTERIO DE CIENCIA E INNOVACIÓN/ Proyectos de Generación de Conocimiento 2022 Investigación Orientada Tipo B. The Ph.D. student will participate in a project aimed to identify modulators of mitochondrial metabolism, and to analyze their impact on pathology.

The project will permit a better understanding of the regulation of mitochondrial metabolism and their implications in metabolic diseases such as obesity, diabetes or cancer. The project will involve the use of novel mouse models, advanced cell cultures studies and translational approaches. The starting date will be between end of 2023 and beginning 2024.

Recently published data by the laboratory:
Romero et al., Nat. Cell Biol. 2018; doi: 10.1038/s41556-018-0072-9.
Hernández-Alvarez et al., Cell 2019; doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2019.04.010.
Ivanova et al., EMBO J. 2019; doi: 10.15252/embj.201899300.
Sabaté-Perez et al., Autophagy 2022; doi: 10.1080/15548627.2022.2111081.
Irazoki et al., Nat. Commun. 2023; doi: 10.1038/s41467-022-35732-1.
Naón et al., Science 2023; doi: 10.1126/science.adh9351.

For a global view on the research field, you can also read:
Sebastian & Zorzano, Dev. Cell 2020; doi: 10.1016/j.devcel.2020.06.030.
Sun-Wang et al., Aging Res. Rev. 2020; doi: 10.1016/j.arr.2020.101203.
Sun-Wang et al., Trends Endocrinol Metab. 2021; doi: 10.1016/j.tem.2021.04.015.

DUTIES: 

The Ph.D. project will involve the use of novel mouse models, advanced cell cultures studies and translational approaches. The duties of the Ph.D. student will be mainly to perform the research project taking every step required for it. The Ph.D., student will participate in all scientific activities in the research group and at the IRB Barcelona.

EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS:

Must Have – Required: 

• Experience in cell culture, and in cell biology techniques
• Enthusiasm and self-motivated individual with the ability to work hard and to learn quickly
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team  

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.
• Training and Career: Training is a way of life at IRB Barcelona. Predoctoral researchers joining IRB Barcelona gain access to the Institute’s advanced research training and career development opportunities, all within in a competitive international environment. Courses and workshops on themes of particular interest to predocs are offered regularly by the Institute.
• International environment: Nearly 100 predoctoral researchers (almost half non-Spanish nationals) are currently working towards their doctoral degree at IRB Barcelona. Opportunity to join a prestigious, diverse and inclusive international research institution.

HOW TO APPLY & SELECTION PROCESS:

• Deadline for applications: 30/09/2023 (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 and 1 or 2 reference letter.
  • 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.