Research Support Technician

As a flagship research center in nanoscience and nanotechnology, our mission is to open and explore new frontiers of knowledge at the nanoscale, and bring value to society in the form of new understanding, capabilities and innovation, while inspiring and providing broad training to the next generations of researchers. Our values are Commitment, Collaboration and Transformation.

Our research lines focus on the newly‑discovered physical and chemical properties that arise from the behaviour of matter at the nanoscale. ICN2 has been awarded the Severo Ochoa Center of Excellence distinction for three consecutive periods (2014‑2018, 2018‑2022 and 2023‑2026). ICN2 comprises 20 Research Groups, 7 Technical Development and Support Units and Facilities, and 2 Research Platforms, covering different areas of nanoscience and nanotechnology.

Job Title

Research Support Technician

Research Area or Group

Nanomedicine Group

Description of Group/Project

The Nanomedicine Lab aims to generate and disseminate fundamental knowledge in the field of nanomedicine by bringing together nanotechnology, bioengineering, pharmacology and their translation to advanced, clinically‑relevant therapeutics and diagnostics. Our mission is to pioneer the cutting‑edge and emerging discipline of nanomedicine by bringing advanced materials and nanoscale platforms to the clinic.

Main Lines of Research in the Nanomedicine Lab

• Nanomaterials as transport systems for therapeutic and diagnostic applications against cancer and neurodegenerative disease.
• Translation of advanced materials to the clinic.
• Discovery of novel liposome and vesicle systems to be used as components of therapeutics in oncology and neurology.
• Neurotechnology based on flexible, thin‑film technologies for therapeutic applications in oncology and neurology.

The Nanomedicine Lab has been awarded one of the prestigious ERC Synergy Grants titled SKIN2DTRONICS, which aims to develop ultra‑conformable, soft and thin (skin‑like) electronic implantable devices using two‑dimensional materials for brain cancer monitoring and detection of tumor recurrence. This is a collaborative effort with colleagues from Università di Pisa, Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid‑CSIC, and École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne.

The Nanomedicine Lab also has strong collaborative links and projects with the Center for Nanotechnology in Medicine at the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health of The University of Manchester in the United Kingdom.

Key Responsibilities, Accountabilities or Duties

To provide assistance to the Group Leader and the Principal Investigators of specific projects in the Nanomedicine Lab to facilitate, execute and ensure smooth operational capacity at the experimental research level.

General Responsibilities, Accountabilities or Duties

The Nanomedicine Lab is an evolving, dynamic group; therefore, the range of duties set out below is indicative and not fully prescriptive. The appointee will be expected to demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in order to meet the evolving needs of the research group.

• Liaise with the project leads and Nanomedicine Lab researchers to contribute on different research projects and ensure the operational condition of the laboratory.
• Conduct experimental research work as discussed and agreed with the Group Leader and researchers (including molecular, histological and immunological techniques).
• Provide support with the day‑to‑day activities of the research lab toward the ongoing research projects and general housekeeping of the lab.
• Coordinate procurement and stock management of consumables, including ordering of general consumables, and its tracking, and train researchers and students in placement of orders.
• Handle and coordinate material deliveries by courier services (raising courier request, tracking collection and transport and communication with customs).
• Manage function of equipment, including their regular maintenance, calibration and annual verifications.
• Coordinate processes for large equipment quotations, queries and tenders (in collaboration with Procurement and Finance Offices at ICN2).
• Monitor chemicals and equipment with respect to Health & Safety, and ensure all legislative requirements are completed as appropriate (in collaboration with the H&S Officer at ICN2).
• Organise and carry out inductions of incoming (Lab Induction and Health & Safety induction) researchers to the Nanomedicine Lab.
• Provide assistance to academic staff, research staff, postgraduate students and visitors in order to best meet their requirements for research support, either personally or through delegation to appropriate team member.
• Actively participate in Nanomedicine Lab group activities (lab meetings, seminars, project meetings).

Requirements

Essential Knowledge

• Postgraduate research experience in a relevant scientific discipline.
• Previous experience and familiarity with nanomaterials and nanotechnology research.
• Good understanding of scientific data plotting and statistical data analysis IT tools (Origin Pro; Graph Pad Prism).
• Extensive technical knowledge and experience and an ability to understand, interpret and troubleshoot to the technical needs of staff and students.
• Ability to advise and train staff and students in the techniques of the work.
• Demonstrable organisational skills and an appreciation of the need to identify and deliver to appropriate deadlines.
• Well‑developed analytical and problem‑solving ability.
• To have an excellent understanding of health and safety issues related to the area of work and a commitment to ensuring the highest possible standards are maintained.
• Ability to use own initiative where appropriate and be proactive in approach to work.
• Willingness to develop research skills.

Non‑Essential Knowledge

• An MSc or PhD or equivalent in an appropriate scientific discipline, with extensive experience in a similar role.
• Experience and ability to undertake laboratory research using a range of biochemical, biological and molecular techniques including for example: histology and immunostaining, optical and fluorescence microscopy.

Personal Competences

• Teamwork skills
• Fluent English (both spoken and written)

Summary of Conditions

• Full time work (37,5h/week)
• Contract Length: 1 year, with the possibility to extend
• Location: Bellaterra (Barcelona)
• Salary will depend on qualifications and demonstrated experience.
• Support to the relocation issues.
• Life Insurance.
• Work‑Life Balance and Flexibility with flexible work schedules.
• 28 holidays per year.
• Flexible compensation plan: tax advantages contracting some products (health insurance, childcare, training, among others).
• Training activities: languages, mentoring programme, wellbeing programme.
• International environment.
• Estimated Incorporation date: 01/06/2026.

Equal Opportunities

At ICN2 we foster an inclusive and safe work environment, free from any form of discrimination—whether based on gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, origin, culture, religion, disability, or any other personal or social condition. We are committed to ensuring equal treatment and opportunities in all our processes, especially in recruitment, which is based solely on talent, experience, and ability. We implement proactive policies for inclusion and harassment prevention that reinforce our commitment to respect and fairness. If you share these values and are looking to grow in an open and diverse environment, ICN2 is ready to welcome you.