IRB Barcelona is offering a Predoctoral Researcher (PhD Student) position for an early stage scientist from the national and international community to study the effects of DNA methylation on DNA damage and DNA repair. The candidate will join the Molecular Modelling and Bioinformatics Laboratory led by Dr. Modesto Orozco and the Experimental Bioinformatics Laboratory led by Dr. Isabelle Brun-Heath in their work on DNA and chromatin structure.

KEY RESPONSABILITIES 

• Perform the genomics and Molecular Biology experiments.

• Participate in data analysis and 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

• Education (completed one of the following options by April 2026):

  • Studies that lead to an official Spanish (or from another country of the European Higher Education Area) university degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedicine, Biotechnology, Immunology or related fields and that have 300 credits (ECTS), of which at least 60 must correspond to master level.

  • A degree in a non-Spanish university not adapted to the European Higher Education Area and that gives access to doctoral studies in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmacy, Physics, Medicine, Chemistry or related fields in Spain.

• Experience: Previous experience in research environments.

• Knowledge: Master’s degree in molecular and/or cellular Biology or Biochemistry.

• Skills:

  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

  • Fluency in English. High writing and verbal communication skills in English.

  • Positive organizational and problem solving skills.

  • Highly motivated and collaborative person.

YOU MIGHT ALSO HAVE

• Good communication and teamwork abilities.

• Interest for Genomics or Epigenomics studies.

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: Predoctoral Contract. 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 & SELECTION PROCESS:

• Deadline for applications: 26/05/2026 (If no suitable candidate is found, the deadline will be extended) 

• Number of positions available: 1

• Starting date: June, 1st

• 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, 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).