Your Role & Our Team

Are you passionate about biomedicine? Do you want to pursue a PhD, train in the first-class research environment provided by the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), learn from internationally recognized experts in their respective fields, and build a solid knowledge base that will open up career opportunities?

IRB Barcelona is offering a Predoctoral Position for an early-stage researcher—national or international—interested in joining the Laboratory of Microtubule Organization in Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, led by Dr. Jens Lüders. The project is centered on the regulation of the microtubule nucleator g-tubulin ring complex, reconstitution of this process and its biochemical characterization in vitro, and its analysis in cell culture models.

Key responsibilities

• Develop projects in collaboration with other team members.
• Participate and present in group meetings and scientific discussions.
• Write manuscripts together with other researchers and the PIs.
• Engage in career development outreach and soft-skill training.

You have

• Fulfil one of the following options (mandatory requirements according to the Bologna process to be able to enroll in a doctoral programme at the time of the effective recruitment):
• Completion of studies that lead to an official Spanish (or from another country of the European Higher Education Area) university degree awarding 300 ECTS credits, of which at least 60 must correspond to master level.
• Completion of a degree in a non-Spanish university not adapted to the European Higher Education Area that gives access to doctoral studies in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmacy, Physics, Medicine or related fields in Spain.

• Experience: Previous experience in research environments.

• Qualification: Master degree in Biology or related.

• Knowledge/Skills:

• Curiosity about scientific discovery,
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Very good writing and verbal communication skills in English.
• Positive organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently after initial training.
• Teamwork abilities.

What we offer:

To be a part a part of something meaningful: The mission of IRB Barcelona is to carry out research of excellence to cure cancer and other diseases.

Good Working conditions: Temporary contract to do a PhD. 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.

International Environment: Nearly 100 students (almost half non-Spanish nationals) are currently working toward their PhD theses at IRB Barcelona.

Continuous Training and Career Development: Training is a way of life at IRB Barcelona. PhDs have access to a wide variety of scientific activities and services and an extensive network of academic and industrial contacts, which serve to strengthen the perspectives of their research career. Furthermore, they can benefit from our Language Training Programme. PhD students receive close mentoring and work on a research project that is chosen in mutual agreement with their group leader.

Multidisciplinary Research: Research of excellence at the unique interface between biology, chemistry, and structural and computational biology.

Relocation & Visa Assistance: Trained staff provides support on visa paperwork, administrative requirements, and practical information on living and working in Barcelona, etc.

Social Life: We like to have fun. We promote several activities, like a Football League, an annual skiing trip, a Mountaineering Club, a Running Club and "Cool-off sessions", where members meet informally for drinks, snacks and scientific discussions.

Fairness: Our recruitment is open, transparent and merit-based, and all applicants compete on the same terms. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, nationality, ethnic origin or disability.

How to Apply

Applications should include a Full CV, Motivation letter and academic record.  

• Deadline for applications: 31/05/2025

The deadline can be extended.

• Number of positions available: 1

Selection Process

• - Pre-selection: Will be based on CV, motivation letter & academic record.

• - Interviews: Short-listed candidates will be interviewed.

• - Job offer: Will be sent to the successful candidate after the interview.

About us, the institute

Created in 2005 by the Generalitat de Catalunya (Government of Catalonia) and the University of Barcelona, IRB Barcelona, a Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence since the first call in 2011, has received the accreditation four consecutive times.

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 29 laboratories and seven core facilities address basic questions in biology and are oriented towards diseases such as cancer, metastasis, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and rare conditions.

IRB Barcelona is an international centre that hosts 500 members from 45 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).