Predoctoral researcher (PhD studentship) at the Molecular Bionics Research Group

We are a multidisciplinary group whose general objective is to design and characterize bionic units that mimic specific biological functions and/or introduce operations that do not exist in Nature. We apply a constructionist approach where we mimic biological complexity in the form of design principles to produce functional units from simple building blocks and their interactions. We called this Molecular Bionics. Such an effort involves inputs from Chemistry, Physics, and Cell and Molecular Biology. Please, visit our external web site for more information: https://www.molecularbionics.org

One of the focus of our research is the development of synthetic lipid molecules which self-assemble into vesicles for applications in nanomedicine. We aim to study how synthetic vesicles formed under out of equilibrium conditions can act as adaptive drug delivery system for targeted therapy.

We are looking for a graduate in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related field to perform synthesis and self-assembly investigation of specially designed lipid molecules and their ability to encapsulate and deliver drug molecules on demand.

Main tasks and responsibilities / The successful candidate will develop research involving:

• Synthesis of lipid molecules and their self-assembly into vesicles.

• Kinetic analysis of vesicle formation, encapsulation-release profile of drugs.

• Investigation of developed vesicles for targeted drug delivery.

Requirements for candidates:

• Degree and Master in any field of chemistry/chemical engineering.

• Experience or interest in organic chemistry and soft nanomaterial is desirable.

• Ability to work on a multidisciplinary project involving chemistry and nanomedicine.

• Competencies and skills: Communication, Teamwork and collaboration, Commitment, Proactivity, Integrity, Critical and Analytical thinking.

• High level of English for daily use in oral and written form.

We Offer: 

• Number of available positions: 1

• Starting date: 01/09/2021

Working conditions:

• Full time 3-year contract

• Measures to reconcile work and family life (maternity and paternity leave, flexible schedule working hours, teleworking, 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.

• 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 July 15th 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: PhD_MK

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).

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.”

 Protection of personal data: 

IBEC ensures that applicants’ personal data are processed as required by EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Spanish Law 3/2018 on Data Protection.

Personal data shall thus be processed solely for the purpose of the selection procedure.

 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