Introduction to the vacant position:
The Biomaterials for Neural Regeneration Group at the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) is offering a fully funded PhD position within the framework of the ERC Consolidator Grant SPINECRAFT. The project focuses on the engineering of a 4D functional human spinal cord construct (hSCC) by integrating advanced biomaterials, extracellular matrix (ECM)–inspired bioinks, high-resolution bioprinting technologies, and human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)–derived neural and vascular populations.
The contract will be developed within the ERC-CoG SPINECRAFT project, whose objective is to establish a next-generation, anatomically accurate human spinal cord model to investigate neural circuit formation, cell–cell interactions, and mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases, with a particular emphasis on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
Main tasks and responsibilities:
- Actively contribute to the generation of cellular components and the fabrication of anatomically and functionally relevant 4D human spinal cord constructs.
- Differentiate hiPSCs into spinal cord–relevant neural and vascular lineages, including neural progenitor cells, motor neurons, interneurons, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia, and endothelial/pericyte populations.
- Participate in the design, optimization, and development of ECM-derived and bioactive biomaterials and bioinks.
- Perform biochemical, mechanical, and structural characterization of hydrogels and bioinks.
- Conduct cell encapsulation experiments, cell viability and maturation assays, and molecular characterization using immunocytochemistry, qPCR, and related techniques.
- Contribute to high-precision droplet-based bioprinting for spatially controlled cell placement within the construct.
- Collaborate closely with team members on advanced imaging (confocal, light-sheet), 3D reconstruction, proteomic and transcriptomic analyses.
- Participate in scientific dissemination, including presentations, progress reports, and preparation of peer-reviewed publications.
Requirements for candidates:
Essential:
- Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Neuroscience, Tissue Engineering, or a closely related field.
- Hands-on experience in mammalian cell culture, preferably including stem cells.
- Basic knowledge of biomaterials, hydrogels, extracellular matrix (ECM) biology, or 3D cell culture systems.
- Strong motivation, curiosity, and willingness to learn new experimental techniques.
- Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary and collaborative research environment.
- High level of written and oral communication skills in English.
- Demonstrated core competencies including Communication, Teamwork and Collaboration, Commitment, Proactivity, Integrity, and Critical and Analytical Thinking.
Advantageous:
- Previous experience with hiPSC culture or differentiation protocols.
- Familiarity with hydrogel characterization techniques, such as rheology or mechanical testing.
- Experience with 3D printing or bioprinting technologies.
- Knowledge of advanced microscopy techniques (confocal, light-sheet) or omics-based analyses (transcriptomics, proteomics).
Competencies and Skills:
We value not only technical expertise but also the demonstration of core competencies such as Communication, Teamwork and Collaboration, Commitment, Proactivity, Integrity, and Critical and Analytical Thinking.
We Offer:
- Number of available positions: 1
- Starting date: 1st of April 2026
- Working conditions:
- Full time 4-year 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 20th of February 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: ERC-CoG-SPINECRAFT-PhD
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 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
