Your Role & Our Team

IRB Barcelona is seeking two highly motivated and talented Postdoctoral Fellows to participate in the cutting edge research line of the Innate Immune Biology laboratory led by Dr. Stefanie Wculek.

We are looking for experienced wet-, hybrid- or dry-lab immunologists who are curiosity-driven and responsible team players that are leading their research together with the PI.

One postdoctoral fellow will explore the tissue-specific biology of dendritic cells in aging. Her/his project aims to identify and characterize the relevance of context-dependent adaptations for the functions of dendritic cell subsets in young and aging-associated obese tissues; and dissect the underlying molecular mechanisms.

The other postdoctoral researcher will investigate the immunometabolism of neutrophils in health, obesity and metabolic diseases. Her/his project will determine and reveal the mechanistic connection between functional and metabolic alterations of mouse and human neutrophils in the context of obesity.

Successful candidates are expected to work independently to analyze and interpret transcriptomic, proteomic, epigenetic and metabolomic datasets (in collaboration with our bioinformatics unit) as well as apply advanced approaches and cutting-edge techniques for analysis of mouse models of diseases, primary tissue culture and human samples; including multicolor flow cytometry and cell sorting, several OMIC analyses, multiplex microscopy and spatial analyses of tissues, epigenetic analyses and various metabolic assays.

We provide a stimulating, interactive, challenging and equal opportunity team-working environment in a modern research institute, with innovative research infrastructures and core facilities. Moreover, we offer training in hard and soft skills with world-class support at the group- and institute-level to maximize professional career development.

One position is co-funded by the project: Studying the metabolism and function of myeloid dendritic cells and neutrophils in distinct tissues in health and aging from the European Research Council (ERC). Acronym: MyTissue. Grant Agreement: 101117470.

And the other position is part of action CNS2025-165793, funded by MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform excellent research according to the high standards of the lab and the IRB Barcelona under supervision of the PI.

• Independently design and test biological hypotheses to advance your research project.

• Plan, perform, record and interpret experiments informed by the current state-of-the-art.

• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary research team, tapping into the expertise of fellow researchers and external collaborators.

• Contribute to a culture of scientific excellence, efficiency, and teamwork.

• Contribute to other lab projects and to the maintenance of protocols and laboratory resources in the group.

• Critically analyze results, participate in scientific discussions and in preparation of diverse forms of scientific communication (seminars and conferences).

• Participate in the project activities: meetings, presentations, visits to other labs, attend and present at conferences, collaboration, exchange of data sets, preparing project reports/deliverables.

YOU HAVE  

• PhD in biomedicine or biosciences (ideally completed within no more than 2 years).

• Experience in conceptual aspects related to one of the projects; especially in biology of dendritic cells, neutrophils and/or obesity & metabolic disease.

• Experience in technical aspects related to the projects; bioinformatic analysis and interpretation of OMIC data and/or work with primary human cells/tissues.

• Creativity, motivation and enthusiasm to work in a demanding research environment.

• Demonstrated ability to design and conduct experiments as well as lead scientific projects.

• Excellent teamwork abilities, communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively.

• Strong organizational and multitasking skills, attention to detail and accuracy.

• Proficiency in English (both written and spoken).

YOU MIGHT ALSO HAVE

• Knowledge on innate immunity, immunometabolism and/or aging.

• Expertise in integration of different multi-omic datasets.

• Experience in working with laboratory mouse models of disease.

• Previous training in flow cytometry and sorting, multiplex immunohistochemistry, molecular biology techniques including cloning and CRISPR, analysis of cellular/systemic metabolism.

• Supervision of students or technicians and coordination of collaborative research efforts.

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: One contract is linked to the project: Studying the metabolism and function of myeloid dendritic cells and neutrophils in distinct tissues in health and aging from the European Research Council (ERC). Acronym: MyTissue. Grant Agreement: 101117470. And the other is part of action CNS2025-165793, funded by MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033.

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: 25/06/2026 (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. 

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.

ABOUT IRB BARCELONA,

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).