Introduction to the vacant position:
The Molecular Imaging for Precision Medicine (MIPMED) group is looking for a highly motivated PhD student to contribute to the research activities within the framework of the Q-AID project (“Quantum-Enhanced and AI-Powered Metabolic Diagnostics”), co-funded by the European Union. The selected candidate will support the development of advanced metabolic imaging tools, focusing on the integration of hyperpolarized NMR/MRSI with 3D cell models and microfluidic platforms.
The ideal candidate should have a background in engineering sciences, biotechnology, or a related field, with significant experience in: Organ-on-chip technologies and microfluidics, development and maintenance of 2D and 3D cell culture models and biological applications of metabolic imaging techniques. This role requires strong organizational and communication skills, the ability to work in multidisciplinary and international teams, and a commitment to supporting cutting-edge scientific research.
At MIPMED, we develop hyperpolarized NMR/MRSI tools to study cellular metabolism in vitro and in vivo, with a particular focus on organ-on-chip platforms and microfluidic systems. The PhD candidate will play a key role in advancing these technologies to enhance metabolic diagnostics through quantum and AI-powered approaches.
Main tasks and responsibilities:
As part of the Q-AID project, the PhD student will contribute to cutting-edge research in metabolic imaging at the MIPMED group. The selected candidate will be responsible for:
1. Research & Development
- Designing, fabricating, and optimizing organ-on-chip and microfluidic platforms for metabolic studies.
- Developing and maintaining 2D and 3D cell culture models, ensuring their viability and reproducibility.
- Integrating hyperpolarized NMR/MRSI techniques with advanced in vitro models to study cellular metabolism.
- Assisting in the development of quantum-enhanced and AI-powered metabolic diagnostic tools.
- Conducting biological assays to validate metabolic changes observed through imaging.
2. Experimental Work & Lab Management
- Performing in vitro metabolic studies using hyperpolarized NMR/MRSI.
- Preparing and handling biological samples for imaging and biochemical analysis.
- Troubleshooting and optimizing microfluidic device performance.
- Managing laboratory materials, reagents, and consumables relevant to the project.
3. Data Analysis & Scientific Contribution
- Processing and analyzing metabolic imaging data using advanced computational tools.
- Interpreting results and correlating metabolic changes with biological outcomes.
- Preparing scientific reports, publications, and presentations for conferences and project meetings.
4. Collaboration & Project Management
- Engaging in multidisciplinary teamwork with physicists, engineers, and biologists.
- Participating in project meetings and contributing to discussions on experimental design and progress.
- Assisting in grant reporting and documentation related to project milestones.
5. Training & Dissemination
- Attending relevant workshops, conferences, and training sessions to enhance technical and scientific skills.
- Contributing to the mentorship of junior researchers and students in the lab.
- Supporting outreach activities, including the dissemination of research findings to both scientific and non-scientific audiences.
The PhD student will play a key role in advancing metabolic imaging technologies, helping to bridge the gap between quantum technologies, AI, and biomedical applications for the future of precision medicine
Requirements for candidates:
Essential:
- Completed BSc and MSc in Bioengineering fields, Biotechnology or a related discipline
- Previous experience working in a laboratory environment
- Competencies and skills: Communication, Teamwork and collaboration, Commitment, Proactivity, Integrity, Critical and Analytical thinking, organizational and problem-solving skills
- High level of English
Advantageous:
- Knowledge in designing, fabrication and application of Organ-on-a-chip & microfluidic devices
- International experience
- Knowledge on spectroscopic techniques (specifically on NMR) will be a plus.
- B2 level of Spanish
We Offer:
- Number of available positions: 1
- Starting date: 5/5/2025
- Working conditions:
- Full time 2-year contract.
- Very competitive salary.
- 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 25/04/2025 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-IM.
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
