Introduction to the vacant position:
The Molecular Bionics Group is looking for a talented and highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join their phenotypic targeting team. The contract will be within the framework of the project in collaboration with ViaNautis Bio ltd.. In particular, the successful candidate will work on the fabrication, characterization, and testing of DNA-barcoded carriers to investigate the receptor-mediated targeted delivery to the brain. This strategy will enable the simultaneous in vitro and in vivo testing of entire libraries of formulations, thus reducing the ethical and economic impact of conventional in vivo testing procedures. As a direct application, the project aims at rationally advancing the toolbox for gene delivery to the central nervous system through phenotypic targeting. The associated fundamental findings will elucidate the interactions regulating brain trafficking phenomena involved in neurodegenerative diseases.
This project is financed by an industrial collaboration with ViaNautis Bio Ltd.
Main tasks and responsibilities:
- Self-assembly of soft block-copolymer nanocarriers
- High-throughput encapsulation of DNA sequences (barcodes) and creation of libraries
- In vitro testing of binding, uptake, and crossing of brain endothelium models
- Ex vivo processing of treated tissues and barcode detection by amplification and sequencing techniques.
- High-volume data processing to rationalize experimental results.
- Student supervision.
- Coordination of self-assembly activities in the group.
Requirements for candidates:
Essential:
- PhD in Nanoscience, Soft Matter, Physical Chemistry, or Material Science.
- Sound knowledge in supramolecular engineering phenomena.
- Experience in formulating of block-copolymer self-assembled structures and encapsulating macromolecular cargos (e.g., proteins, enzymes, nucleic acids).
- Experience in handling and characterising soft nanomaterials.
- Previous experience with cell culture, biological in vitro assays, and ex vivo processing of animal tissues.
- Experience in tutoring and supervising students.
- A strong commitment to scientific research and an excellent academic record.
- Good working knowledge of English.
- Good skills in communication, teamwork, proactivity, commitment, integrity, time management, critical and analytical thinking, precision, and focus.
- Willingness to work in a highly multidisciplinary environment.
Advantageous:
- Previous experience in working with nucleic acids, qPCR, and DNA sequencing.
- Knowledge of computing platforms (e.g., MATLAB, Python) enabling high-volume data processing.
- Previous experience with both optical and electronic microscopy techniques.
- Previous experience with sub-group coordination.
We Offer:
- Number of available positions: 1
- Starting date: 16th June 2024
- Working conditions:
- Full time 1 year contract linked to the duration and budget of the project
- Measures to reconcile work and family life (parental leave, flexible schedule working hours, 23 working days of paid holidays, 9 leave days for personal matters, among others).
- IBEC ensures equality of access to professional development opportunities irrespective of employment status, length at IBEC or other factors. The IBEC’s yearly training catalogue offers a wide range of training in technical and transferable skills including mobility grants and a Mentoring programme for predoctoral and postdoctoral researchers.
- Stimulating, interdisciplinary research and high-quality international scientific environment.
- Induction programme to facilitate incorporation at IBEC and additional support is provided for foreigners to obtain Visa-working permit and to install in Barcelona.
How to apply:
Until 24/05/2024 an online application form is available through IBEC dedicated site: https://careers.ibecbarcelona.eu/
Only those applications submitted before the deadline will be evaluated.
Reference: PD_GB
If you have any further question regarding your application, please contact us at jobs@ibecbarcelona.eu
Principles of the selection process:
IBEC is committed to the principles of the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers of the European Commission and the Open, Transparent and Merit based Recruitment principles (OTM-R) https://ibecbarcelona.eu/careers-at-ibec/jobs/
IBEC´s Commitment on equal opportunity:
- Our strength and excellence as an international transdisciplinary Research Institute are based on diversity. Being an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to diversity and inclusion, so that we support employees irrespective of their gender, nationality, religion, disabilities, age, sexual identity, or cultural and socioeconomic background.
- IBEC actively looks for female candidates for Senior positions ensuring that at least 40% of shortlisted applicants invited to interview have to be women with comparable level of CVs as the male candidates. At the end of the evaluation process, in case of equal merit, priority will be given to female candidates.
- For candidates with children that come from outside Barcelona, we offer babysitting services during the interview, so you don’t have to worry about anything else than doing a good interview. Contact us if you are interested in this service.
- IBEC, as a signatory of the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), will consider, especially for early-stage investigators, much more the scientific content of research outputs, than publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which it were published.
Protection of personal data:
IBEC guarantees that candidates’ personal data are processed in accordance with the requirements of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Law 3/2018 on Data Protection.
Personal data will be processed solely for the purposes of the selection process.
Who we are?
The Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia, IBEC is an interdisciplinary research center focused on Bioengineering and Nanomedicine based in Barcelona. IBEC is one of the top research institutions named as a Severo Ochoa Research Centre by the Ministry of Science, Universities, and Innovation, which recognizes excellence at the highest international level in terms of research, training, human resources, outreach and technology transfer.
IBEC’s mission is to develop international high-quality interdisciplinary research that, while creating knowledge, contributes to making a better quality of life, improving health, and creating wealth. A close link with key universities, reference hospitals and corporations, are assets that facilitate achieving the mission.
IBEC was established in 2005 by the Generalitat de Catalunya (Autonomous Government of Catalonia), the University of Barcelona (UB) and the Technical University of Catalonia (UPC).
IBEC is located within the Barcelona Science Park and is managing 3.800 square meters facilities, with an annual budget of 22 Mio€; 4.150 square meters of facilities; 21 research groups and a team of researchers and support services of 400 people from 35 different countries. www.ibecbarcelona.eu
