Predoctoral Researcher (Ref. PRE/26/02)

Your Role & Our Team

IRB Barcelona is offering a Predoctoral Position for an early stage scientist from the national and international community who wishes to join the Innate Immune Biology laboratory led by Dr. Stefanie Wculek.

We are looking for wet, or hybrid‑lab PhD candidates who are curiosity-driven and responsible team players to develop their research under direct supervision of the PI on a project investigating the immunometabolism of neutrophils in health, obesity and metabolic diseases.

Successful candidates are expected to learn how to analyze and interpret transcriptomic, proteomic, epigenetic and metabolomic datasets (in collaboration with our bioinformatics unit) as well as apply advanced approaches and cutting‑edge techniques for analysis of neutrophil function, mouse models of diseases, primary tissue culture and human samples; including multicolor flow cytometry and cell sorting, several OMIC analyses, multiplex microscopy and spatial analyses of tissues, epigenetic analyses and various metabolic assays.

We provide a stimulating, interactive, challenging and equal opportunity team‑working environment in a modern research institute, with innovative research infrastructures and core facilities. Moreover, we offer training in hard and soft skills with world‑class support at the group‑and institute‑level to maximize professional career development.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop a research project in collaboration with other team members.
• Perform excellent research according to the high standards of the lab and the IRB Barcelona under supervision of the PI.
• Design and test biological hypotheses to advance your research project.
• Plan, perform, record and interpret experiments informed by the current state‑of‑the‑art.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary research team, tapping into the expertise of fellow researchers and external collaborators.
• Contribute to a culture of scientific excellence, efficiency, and teamwork.
• Contribute to other lab projects and to the maintenance of protocols and laboratory resources in the group.
• Critically analyze results, participate in scientific discussions and in preparation of diverse forms of scientific communication (seminars and conferences).
• Participate in the project activities: meetings, presentations, visits to other labs, attend and present at conferences, collaboration, exchange of data sets, preparing project reports/deliverables.

YOU HAVE

• Education (completed one of the following options by 30/09/2026)
  • Studies that lead to an official Spanish (or from another country of the European Higher Education Area) university degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedicine, Biotechnology, Immunology or related fields and that have 300 credits (ECTS), of which at least 60 must correspond to master level.
  • A degree in a non‑Spanish university not adapted to the European Higher Education Area and that gives access to doctoral studies in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmacy, Physics, Medicine, Chemistry or related fields in Spain.
• Knowledge in biomedicine, biosciences and/or immunology.
• Previous experience in research environments.
• Creativity, motivation and enthusiasm to work in a demanding research environment.
• Excellent teamwork abilities, communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively.
• Strong organizational, problem‑solving and multitasking skills, attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proficiency in English (both written and spoken).

YOU MIGHT ALSO HAVE

• Knowledge on innate immunity and immunometabolism.
• Expertise in bioinformatic analysis and interpretation of OMIC data sets.
• Experience in working with laboratory mouse models of disease.
• Previous training in flow cytometry and sorting, multiplex immunohistochemistry, molecular biology techniques including cloning and CRISPR, analysis of cellular/systemic metabolism.

WHAT WE OFFER:

To be a part a part of something meaningful:

We are a biomedical research centre that tirelessly works to achieve a society free of diseases. Our mission is to carry out research of excellence to cure cancer and other diseases linked to ageing.

Good Working conditions:

Predoctoral Contract. Employed in compliance with Spanish legislation and regulations under a full‑time contract. Employees receive the benefits of the Spanish Social Security system covering sickness, maternity/paternity leave and injuries at work.

Competitive salary:

commensurate with experience and qualifications.

International Environment:

we are home to nearly 500 researchers, technical and support staff from 45 countries.

Multidisciplinary Research:

Research of excellence at the unique interface between biology, chemistry, and structural and computational biology.

Continuous Training:

Transversal and general training is offered to our community (examples include research seminars, conferences, training in time management, scientific integrity, gender equality, health and safety, languages courses and emotional wellbeing).

Relocation & Visa Assistance:

Trained staff provides support on visa paperwork, administrative requirements, and practical information on living and working in Barcelona, etc.

Social Life:

We like to have fun. We promote several activities, like a Football League, an annual skiing trip, a Mountaineering Club, a Running Club and "Cool-off sessions", where members meet informally for drinks, snacks and scientific discussions.

Fairness:

Our recruitment is open, transparent and merit-based, and all applicants compete on the same terms. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, nationality, ethnic origin or disability.

IRB BARCELONA endorses the Requirements and Principles of the European Charter for Researchers, the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers, and Open, Transparent, Merit‑based recruitment promoted by the European Commission and follows Equal Opportunities policies.

On 9 December, 2014, IRB Barcelona was awarded the "HR Excellence in Research" logo. This recognition reflects the commitment of the Institute to the continuous improvement of its human resources policies in line with the Charter & Code. The Institute works to ensure fair and transparent recruitment and appraisal procedures.

Please check our Recruitment Policy.

Note: The strengths and weaknesses of the applications will be provided upon request.

ABOUT IRB BARCELONA,

Created in 2005 by the Generalitat de Catalunya (Government of Catalonia) and the University of Barcelona, IRB Barcelona, a Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence since the first call in 2011, has received the accreditation four consecutive times.

The institute is devoted to conducting research of excellence in biomedicine and to transferring results to clinical practice, thus improving people’s quality of life, while simultaneously promoting the training of outstanding researchers, technology transfer, and public communication of science. Its 27 laboratories and 9 core facilities address basic questions in biology and are oriented towards diseases such as cancer, metastasis, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and rare conditions.

IRB Barcelona is an international centre that hosts 500 members from 45 nationalities. It is located in the Barcelona Science Park. IRB Barcelona forms part of the Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST) and the “Xarxa de Centres de Recerca de Catalunya” (CERCA).