IRB Barcelona seeks two motivated Lab technicians for the Quantitative Stem Cell Dynamics Lab, led by Dr. Alejo Rodriguez-Fraticelli (fraticellilab.com). The lab focuses on developing biotechnology to discover intrinsic regulators of stem cell heterogeneity in native hematopoiesis, leukemia and beyond.

We are looking for candidates with a strong background in hematopoietic stem cell culture, molecular cloning, transplantation, single-cell sequencing, and library preparation, with an interest in working at the interface between epigenetic analysis and stem cell biology. Experience with hematopoietic stem cell cultures is not a must, but it will be highly valued. Animal experience is not a pre-requisite but will be highly valued.

These positions will be funded through the project “Origins and Consequences of Stem Cell Memories (MemOriStem)” awarded by the ERC (Starting Grant).

Key responsibilities

• Carry out cell culture of 293T and hematopoietic cells (including leukemic cells).
• Create vectors for transgenic manipulation
• Process cells for single-cell RNA/DNA library preparation
• Perform single-cell sequencing, all the way up to data storage
• Breed and maintain animal models
• Isolate cells from animal models for cell culture or transplantation
• Develop new methodologies for stem cell manipulation ex vivo and in vivo
• Perform lab duties (media preparation, lab clean-up, reagent stocking)
• Assist with lab purchases, package reception, and database updating
• Participate in scientific discussions and lab meetings
• Assist in writing manuscripts together with other researchers

You have

• Technical degree (FP) or BSc in biomedical or health sciences.
• Advanced knowledge of standard wet-lab techniques (cell culture, PCR, cloning).
• Experience working in previous lab environments.
• Fluency in English.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Highly motivated and collaborative person.
• Willing to keep on learning.
• Ability to work independently in a demanding research environment.

You might also have

• Experience with hematopoietic and/or leukemic stem cell culture.
• Experience and certification for animal work (specifically stem cell transplantation).
• Experience with statistical analysis.
• Experience with lab management/database management and procurement software.
• Text-book knowledge in Developmental Biology, Hematopoiesis, and/or Cancer Biology.
• Experience in international teams with English as main language.
• Good communication and presentation skills.

WORKING CONDITIONS & ENTITLEMENTS:

To be a part a part of something meaningful: We are a biomedical research centre that tirelessly works to achieve a society free of diseases. Our mission is to carry out research of excellence to cure cancer and other diseases linked to ageing.

Good 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 leave and injuries at work.

Competitive salary: commensurate with experience and qualifications.

International Environment: we are home to nearly 500 researchers, technical and support staff from 45 countries.

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

Continuous Training: Transversal and general training is offered to our community (examples include research seminars, conferences, training in time management, scientific integrity, gender equality, health and safety, languages courses and emotional wellbeing).

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 & SELECTION PROCESS:

• Deadline for applications: 22/09/2025 (If no suitable candidate is found, the deadline will be extended) 
• Number of positions available: 2
• Selection process:
  • Pre-selection: Will be based on CV, motivation letter & experience.
  • 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).

IRB Barcelona endorses the Requirements and Principles of the European Charter for Researchers, the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers, and Open, Transparent, Merit-based recruitment promoted by the European Commission and follows Equal Opportunities policies.

On 9 December, 2014, IRB Barcelona was awarded the "HR Excellence in Research" logo. This recognition reflects the commitment of the Institute to the continuous improvement of its human resources policies in line with the Charter & Code. The Institute works to ensure fair and transparent recruitment and appraisal procedures.

Please check our Recruitment Policy.

Note: The strengths and weaknesses of the applications will be provided upon request.