IRB Barcelona is seeking a talented and highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Structural Bioinformatics and Network Biology group (https://sbnb.irbbarcelona.org), led by Dr. Patrick Aloy, to work on Systems Medicine approaches in the context of the CLARITY European collaborative project.

Viral infections, together with human genetics, constitute major risk factors for developing complex diseases. However, the molecular and physiological mechanisms of how these viral infections cause and contribute to non-communicable disease development are unknown thus hampering prevention and therapeutic approaches. CLARITY will take advantage of cutting-edge experimental technologies and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven analytics to elucidate the molecular and physiological mechanisms of how RSV infection (infectious disease) contributes to asthma (non-communicable disease) development.

In particular, we will use modern AI techniques to integrate the generated RSV data with the bulk of current biomedical knowledge and derive RSV perturbation signatures. We will then compare these signatures to those of non-communicable human diseases, and implement a strategy to discover causal relationships between them. Finally, we will identify and validate drug-like molecules with the potential to revert the RSV perturbation induced changes in vitro, and provide initial lead compounds for further development.

This position is co-financed by the project Causative Link between respirAtory syncytial viRus and chronic lung diseases: Identifying Targets for therapY de la Comisión Europea. Acrónimo: CLARITY. Grant Agreement: 101137201.

DUTIES: 

The successful candidate will work in a very collaborative environment, where he/she will be responsible for the integration of all the data generated within the consortium into the embeddings space of the Chemical Checker (Duran-Frigola et al. Nat Biotechnol 2020; Bertoni et al. Nat Commun 2021; Comajuncosa-Creus et al. Nat Protocols 2025) and the Bioteque (Fernández-Torras et al. Nat Commun 2022) as well as the development of the new signatures to define the perturbed modules. Additionally, he/she will also be responsible for developing the comparative methods to link the effects of viral-perturbations to the signatures of non-communicable common diseases. Finally, he/she will adapt the generative-AI models available in the group to identify or design new chemical compounds with the capacity to stop the progression from RSV-induced cellular perturbations to the onset of related non-communicable diseases.

EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS:

Must Have – Required: 

• Education: Bachelor in Biosciences, or Engineering degree in Computer or Data Sciences. PhD in bioinformatics, data sciences, machine learning or related areas.

•  Experience: previous experience working with multi-omics data and the use of machine learning and data science techniques. Strong publications record according to his/her career stage.

• Skills:

  • Excellent programming and scripting skills, with deep knowledge of Python.

  • Excellent knowledge of machine learning packages (Scikit, Keras, Pytorch, etc).

  • Competent in the use of HPC systems, virtual machines (OpenNebula) and Grid Containers (Docker, Singularity).

  • Highly motivated. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Fluency in English.

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.

• 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: 15/01/2026. 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 and experience.

-     Interviews: Short-listed candidates will be interviewed.

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

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.