Introduction to the vacant position:
The Nanobioengineering Research Group at IBEC is looking for a highly skilled Laboratory Technician to support computational modeling and experimental activities within the project:
“A Human-Relevant Model for Real-Time Monitoring of MYCN-Driven Neuroblastoma Spreading and Drug Testing” within the Developmental Cancer Engineering Research line.
This position is strongly focused on COMSOL Multiphysics–based modeling applied to microfluidic tumor-on-chip systems. The selected candidate will play a key role in advancing ongoing projects, experimental design, and data interpretation in close interaction with experimental researchers.
Main tasks and responsibilities:
Computational modeling (core responsibility):
- Develop, run, and refine COMSOL Multiphysics models for microfluidic systems, including:
- Transport of diluted species (growth factor gradients, nutrients, drugs)
- Diffusion and reaction in hydrogels
- Fluid flow in microchannels and porous media
- Time-dependent and parametric simulations
- Use computational modeling as a design and optimization tool to guide experimental conditions and device geometry.
- Support data generation for scientific publications
- Experimental and technical support (secondary but relevant):
- Support fabrication and validation of PDMS microfluidic devices (soft lithography).
- Assist with experimental workflows related to microfluidic chips and biosensors.
- Coordinate with facility staff and senior researchers for fabrication and testing.
- Organize and curate simulation and experimental datasets for the PI.
Project support:
- Contribute to scientific discussions, project planning, and internal meetings.
- Assist with preparation of figures and technical sections for manuscripts and reports.
Requirements for candidates:
Essential
- Proven hands-on expertise in COMSOL Multiphysics applied to:
- Mass transport
- Fluid dynamics
- Reaction–diffusion systems
- Microfluidic or bioengineered platforms
- Ability to work independently on computational modeling tasks.
- Background in bioengineering, biomedical engineering, applied physics, chemical engineering, or related fields.
- Good organizational skills and ability to manage parallel tasks.
High level of written and spoken English.
Advantageous (not mandatory)
- Experience with fabricating microfluidics or organ-on-chip systems.
- Familiarity with hydrogels or porous media modeling.
- Experience in confocal microscopy and image-based data analysis.
- Previous involvement in interdisciplinary experimental–computational projects.
A PhD degree is not required. Strong technical expertise and demonstrated problem-solving capacity in COMSOL will be prioritized over formal academic title.
We Offer:
- Integration in a highly interdisciplinary research group combining biofabrication, microfluidics, biosensing, and computational modeling.
- A technically demanding role with real impact on ongoing publications and funded projects.
- Access to state-of-the-art facilities and close interaction with experimental and engineerin teams
- Number of available positions: 1
- Starting date: 01/03/2026
- Working conditions:
- Full-time 6-month contract.
- Measures to reconcile work and family life (flexible work hours, teleworking, among others).
- IBEC ensures equal access to professional development opportunities irrespective of employment status, length at IBEC, or other factors. The IBEC’s yearly training catalog offers a wide range of technical and transferable skills training.
- Stimulating, interdisciplinary research and a high-quality international scientific environment.
- Induction program 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 February 3rd an online application form is available through IBEC dedicated site: https://careers.ibecbarcelona.eu/
Reference: LT-AV
Only those applications submitted before the deadline will be evaluated.
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 (Postdoctoral and GL 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 13 Mio€; 3.800 square meters of facilities; 21 research groups and a team of researchers and support services of 350 people from 30 different countries. www.ibecbarcelona.eu
