Introduction to the vacant position:
Research project: The proposed research is in the framework of a EU consortium project (Q-AID) and funded by the Severo Ochoa (CEX2023- 001282-S funded by MICIU/AEI /10.13039/501100011033), The Q-AID project leverages groundbreaking advancements in hyperpolarized magnetic resonance imaging (HP-MRI) and artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionize metabolic diagnostics in oncology and neurology. HP-MRI, enhanced through quantum-based parahydrogen-induced polarization (PHIP) or dissolution dynamic nuclear polarisation, offers unprecedented sensitivity and specificity for in vivo imaging of metabolic processes at the cellular level without the need for ionizing radiation, as required in PET imaging.
This project aims to address two major challenges in HP-MRI: improving the spatial resolution of 13C images through deep learning-based super-resolution models and enhancing the interpretation of metabolic data using machine learning frameworks for semantic segmentation and disease classification. At IBEC, these advancements will be validated in preclinical models of glioblastoma and ovarian cancer.
Research group: Within IBEC, the “Molecular Imaging for Precision Medicine” group headed by Dr. Irene Marco-Rius works at the forefront of molecular imaging using HP-MR tools to increases the signal of magnetic resonance imaging more than 50.000 times. The group develops MR molecular imaging methods to study the biochemical pathways in bioengineered systems (microfluidic devices for 3D cell cultures) and in vivo.
Main tasks and responsibilities:
- Develop HP-MR methods to study changes induced by cancer and its treatment in in vitro cell models in microfluidic devices (organ-on-chips) and in in vivo mouse models.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate imaging, molecular, and clinical datasets for early prediction of treatment responses in cancer.
- Conduct experimental validation of AI-driven models using preclinical data from cancer models.
- Contribute to the development of standardized acquisition and processing protocols for HP-MRI data in multicenter studies.
- Participate in the creation of a shared data repository.
- Publish findings in high-impact journals and present at international conferences.
Requirements for candidates:
Essential:
- A master’s degree in physics, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
- Strong programming skills, with experience in machine learning (e.g., Python, TensorFlow, PyTorch) and data analysis.
- Knowledge of MRI techniques, spectroscopy, or related imaging modalities.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work in multidisciplinary and international teams.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with deep learning applied to medical imaging.
- Familiarity with hyperpolarised MRI or other advanced imaging techniques.
- Proven ability to publish and present research findings.
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.
In any case, persons who already hold a PhD degree from any Spanish or foreign university, or those who have received a grant for pre-doctoral training within the framework of the State Plan for Research, Development and Technological Innovation or any of the previous National Plans, may not be recruited.
We Offer:
- Number of available positions: 1
- Starting date: October 2025
- 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).
- A highly collaborative, interdisciplinary research environment with access to state-of-the-art facilities.
- Opportunity to work on a flagship European project with significant scientific and clinical impact.
- IBEC ensures equal 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 30/05/2025 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”.
Visit our devoted webpage on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
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
