Introduction to the vacant position:
The Biomaterials for Neural Regeneration Group at the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), led by Dr. Zaida Álvarez, is offering a Researcher in Training position within the ERC Consolidator Grant SPINECRAFT. The project aims to engineer the first 4D functional human spinal cord construct (hSCC) by integrating advanced biomaterials, high-resolution bioprinting, and hiPSC-derived neural and vascular populations.
We are seeking a Researcher in Training with strong interest in biomaterials, stem cell technologies, and neuroengineering to join a multidisciplinary environment at the forefront of CNS modelling.
SPINECRAFT develops a next-generation human spinal cord model by combining:
- Differentiation of hiPSCs into multiple spinal cord–relevant neural and vascular subtypes
- ECM-driven biomaterial and bioink engineering
- Advanced 3D bioprinting (volumetric and droplet-based)
- Integration of multimodal readouts (imaging, proteomics, transcriptomics, electrophysiology)
- Application of the construct to model human ALS
The Researcher in Training candidate will be heavily involved in cell generation, biomaterial/bioink development, and high-precision bioprinting, contributing directly to the fabrication of anatomically accurate hSCCs.
Main tasks and responsibilities:
- Support cell culture activities, including maintenance of mammalian cells under supervision.
- Assist in basic laboratory work related to biomaterials and hydrogel preparation.
- Help in sample preparation and basic characterization of biomaterials.
- Provide support in ongoing experiments, including assisting in bioprinting activities when required.
- Collaborate with team members and contribute to general lab organization.
- Maintain accurate records of experimental procedures and results.
Requirements for candidates:
Essential:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering, Biotechnology, Biology, or a related field.
- Basic knowledge or initial experience in cell culture
- Interest in biomaterials, tissue engineering, or neuroscience.
- Motivation to learn and develop laboratory skills.
- Ability to work in a team and in a multidisciplinary environment.
- Good communication skills in English.
We Offer:
- Number of available positions: 2
- Starting date: March- April 2026
- Working conditions:
- Full time Temporary contract
- 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 6/04/2026 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: RT-ZA
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, diversity, and Inclusion:
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.
Visit our devoted webpage on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
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.
In categories where women are underrepresented, such as Group Leader positions, and with the aim of ensuring gender balance in recruitment processes, women candidates must represent at least 50% of those interviewed for Junior-level positions and 40% for Senior-level positions, provided they have CVs comparable to those of male candidates. At the end of the evaluation process, in cases of equal merit, preference will be given to women candidates.
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 UPC Besós Campus, with an annual budget of 21 Mio€; 4.400 square meters of facilities; 25 research groups and a team of researchers and support services of 450 people from 40 different countries. www.ibecbarcelona.eu
