IRB Barcelona is seeking a talented and motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Biomedical Genomics Lab led by Dr. Núria López-Bigas at IRB Barcelona (bbglab.irbbarcelona.org).

The candidate will work on the application of machine learning and artificial intelligence technologies to projects analyzing cancer genomes with the aim of understanding mutational processes and the mechanisms underlying driver mutations affecting cancer genes in tumorigenesis.

The ideal candidate will have previous experience in analysis of biomedical data, genomics data, including mutations, genomic elements, among others. They will have experience in cancer research and strong knowledge of molecular mechanisms of tumorigenesis and knowledge in data analysis. She/he should have strong analytical skills, in addition to creativity, curiosity, enthusiasm, and ability to work in a team. The candidate shall be well versed in general computational methods for the analysis of somatic mutations in cancer, for example they must possess familiarity with the principles of machine learning, the foundations of large language and agenting systems. They are also expected to have demonstrable hands-on experience on applying these techniques to cancer research.

The candidate must also be familiar with the analysis of DNA duplex sequencing data, both in the identification of somatic mutations and basic analysis of mutagenesis and selection based on them.

The candidate will participate and perform the activities, tasks, and reports within the framework of the EU-funded project DISCERN.

This position is cofinanced by the project “Discovering the causes of three poorly understood cancers in Europe de la Comisión Europea (Acronim: DISCERN. Grant Agreement: 101096888)”.

KEY RESPONSABILITIES

• Independently design and test computational genomics analyses, interpret and discuss their results.

• 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 analytical 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, collaboration, exchange of data sets, preparing project reports/deliverables.

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

YOU HAVE  

• PhD in Biomedicine, Biomedical informatics

• MsC in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology or similar.

• Experience in cancer genomics.

• Hands-on experience in machine learning and large language models-based agentic systems

• Deep expertise in widely used data analysis programming languages, such as Python, or R

• Demonstrated ability to design and conduct computational analyses independently.

• Excellent 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).

• Highly motivated, enthusiastic and collaborative person.

• Willing to keep on learning.

• Ability to work independently in a demanding research environment.

YOU MIGHT ALSO HAVE

• Experience in development of pipelines and bioinformatics tools

• Good communication and teamwork abilities.

• Experience with data analysis.

• Skills: Independence, self-learning abilities, goal-oriented.

• Experience in international teams.
  

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: Permanent contract (contrato indefinido ligado a las actividades científico-técnicas) linked to the scientific and technical activities of the project “Discovering the causes of three poorly understood cancers in Europe de la Comisión Europea (Acronim: DISCERN. Grant Agreement: 101096888)”. 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: 04/08/2026 (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 & 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 27 laboratories and 9 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).