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 29 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 500 members and 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 is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join our Amino Acid Transporters and Disease laboratory led by Prof. Manuel Palacín.

The successful candidate will participate in the translational project "Development of a new biological drug that sequesters the uptake of essential amino acids to specifically deliver cytotoxic payloads in the treatment of colorectal cancer", financed by the Plan Estatal de Investigación Científica, Técnica y de Innovación - PROYECTO DE COLABORACIÓN PÚBLICO PRIVADA for 3 years (2025–2027).

Key responsibilities:

• Conduct independent experimental research on amino acid transporters, including transport activity, reconstitution, expression, purification and structure determination.
• Contribute to the design of experiments and supervise junior researchers (Research Assistants, MSc students).
• Collaborate closely with pharmaceutical partners to advance translational aspects of the project.
• Participate in data interpretation, manuscript preparation, and project reporting.

 You have: 

• PhD in Biochemistry, Biomedicine, Biotechnology or a related field.
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
  
• Fluent in English.
• Highly motivated and collaborative person.
• Willing to keep on learning.
• Ability to work independently in a demanding research environment.

You might also have: 

• Experience in cryoEM, membrane protein biochemistry, structural biology and protein expression, purification and analysis.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

What we offer:

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. A position for 6 months initially, extendable upon evaluation until October 2028. After this, the contract can be further extended up to 3 more years depending on the progression of the project.

Competitive salary: commensurate with experience and qualifications.

International Environment: Nearly 90 Postdoctoral researchers (more than a half non-Spanish nationals) are currently working at IRB Barcelona.

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

Training and Career: Postdoctoral 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 postdocs are offered regularly by the Institute.

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: 15/10/2025 (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.
  • 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.