Introduction to the vacant position:
The Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), a cutting-edge research center based in Barcelona, is looking for a Senior Researcher to develop a project on the role of identification and application of bioactive extracellular matrix (ECM) cues to design biomimetic scaffolds for spinal cord repair.
This position is part of the grant CNS2022-135407 funded by MICIU/AEI /10.13039/501100011033 and by the European Union NextGeneration EU/PRTR.”
Main tasks and responsibilities:
The position is within Biosciences and Biotechnology area, and the main tasks include:
- Design and engineering of biomimetic scaffolds incorporating extracellular matrix (ECM) components identified via proteomic analysis of the injured spinal cord.
- Implementation of in vitro human spinal cord injury models in both 2D (iPSC-derived motor neurons) and 3D (vascularized spinal cord organoids and organ-on-chip platforms) to assess scaffold effects on human neural tissue.
- In vivo validation of scaffold efficacy in mouse models of SCI, including evaluation of axonal regeneration, vascular integration, modulation of glial response, and functional recovery.
- Integration of advanced biofabrication techniques, such as 3D bioprinting and microfluidics, for generating physiologically relevant spinal cord models.
- Application of high-resolution imaging, single-cell analysis, and electrophysiology to characterize cell-matrix interactions and scaffold-driven neural maturation.
- Collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, including clinicians and material scientists, to translate biomaterial strategies into therapeutic platforms.
- Contribution to project coordination, manuscript writing, and preparation of competitive grant proposals.
Requirements for candidates:
Essential:
- Ph.D with postdoctoral experience in biomaterials, neural tissue engineering, or regenerative medicine, particularly in the field of spinal cord injury.
- At least six years have passed since the date of obtaining the doctorate. This date will be understood as the date of doctoral thesis defense. For those who hold more than one doctorate, this requirement refers to the first one obtained.
- Demonstrate quality of production and scientific-technological activity:
a) Scientific and technical contributions: Articles published in scientific journals, books or chapters of scientific and technical books, works presented at congresses, patents granted or licensed, and, in general, any other contribution that allows the assessment of the different aspects of research, including technology transfer.
b) Other curricular merits: It will be assessed, among other aspects:
– the management of doctoral theses, final master’s theses and final degree theses,
– obtaining awards, mentions and distinctions,
– dissemination and scientific dissemination activities
– Have postdoctoral experience at Spanish and/or foreign universities or R&D centers other than IBEC. Stays or mobility while providing services to IBEC.
– any other contribution that makes it possible to assess research merits not included in the previous sections
- Knowledge on molecular biology and signalling will be a plus.
- Competencies and skills: Communication, Teamwork and collaboration, Commitment, Proactivity, Integrity, Critical and Analytical thinking.
- High level of English
- Accreditation to work with laboratory animals in accordance with current European/Spanish legislation (e.g., Category B or C, equivalent to RD 53/2013 or FELASA certification).
Advantageous
- Experience with proteomic analysis of CNS tissue, design of functionalized hydrogels (e.g., peptide amphiphiles, PLGA nanoparticles), in vivo mouse models of SCI, and 3D culture systems including spinal cord organoids or organ-on-chip platforms. Experience in leading national or international research projects and collaboration with clinical partners for translational development.
We Offer:
- Number of available positions: 1
- Starting date: August 2025
- Working conditions:
- Full-time, Permanent position. Specific Rate of Replacement for the stabilization of temporary work, requested by the Administration of the Generalitat based on the Law 2/2023, of march 16, and the Law 31/2022, of December 23, on general State budgets for the year 2023, both currently extended.
- Measures to reconcile work and family life (flexible schedule working hours, 23 working days of paid holidays, 9 leave days for personal matters, among others).
- Specific training for the position will be offered. 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.
- 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.
- Stimulating, interdisciplinary research and high-quality international scientific environment.
How to apply:
Until August 4th , 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: SR_JS
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, female 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 female 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
