Postdoctoral Fellow/Research Associate (ref. PD/22/27)

Created in 2005 by the Generalitat de Catalunya (Government of Catalonia) and the University of Barcelona, IRB Barcelona is a Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence—a seal that was awarded in 2011.

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 28 laboratories and seven core facilities address basic questions in biology and are orientated to diseases such as cancer, metastasis, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and rare conditions.

IRB Barcelona is an international centre that hosts 400 members and 30 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).

IRB Barcelona is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow/Research Associate to join as soon as possible the Growth Control and Metastasis group  (Dr. Roger R. Gomis). The project will involve studying how metastatic cells adapt to changing circumstances under different metastatic circumstances.

The Growth Control and Metastasis group aims at study the ways in which cancer cells evade tumor suppressor mechanisms and engage in metastatic behavior. We focus on a cytostatic program involving the transcriptional activation of cell cycle inhibitors and the transcriptional repression of growth-promoting and anti-differentiation factors. Furthermore, we examine how tumour cells evade these gene responses in order to pursue metastatic behavior. By combining in vivo selection of human metastatic cells, transcriptomic profiling and functional testing, we identify genes that selectively mediate breast metastasis to specific organs. We have a particular interest in understanding how breast tumor cells that successfully colonize bone and form a metastastic tumor have undergone dynamic changes to adapt them to their new environment (bone). Further, we aim to understand changes make them better at colonizing distant organs and creating multi-organ metastases. We now aim to confirm and then characterize why and how the breast-to-bone cancer cells are better at colonizing distinct metastases. To do so, we combine high-throughput bulk, single cell, and spatial genomics and proteomic data with in vivo models. The successful candidate will be involved in the analysis of the data from different projects, but very importantly in contributing to the conceptual development of the project.

EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS:

Must Have – Required: 

- PhD in biomedicine or biosciences, with experience in cell biology and molecular oncology.

- Previous postdoctoral experience (minimum 4 years) in molecular oncology projects.

- Knowledge in ChIP-sequencing analysis, gene expression analysis (RNA-seq, single cell RNA-seq, and optimally in spatial RNA-seq).

- Experience in cell culture.

- Experience in molecular biology (qRT-PCR, mutagenesis, cloning, CRISPR, etc), cell biology (immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, ELISA, etc) and biochemistry (WB, kinase activity assays, etc).

- Experience in recombinant protein expression methods in various systems (mammalian cells, insect cells and/or bacteria) at the levels required for structural/biochemical studies.

- Experience in biochemical characterization and cell biology of proteins.

- Experience with animal models, with special emphasis on genetically modified mouse models, xenografts, drug delivery and in vivo imaging.

- Obtaining, handling and analysis of mouse tissue samples.

- Scientific publications in general and oncology journals.

Skills: Fluent in English. Highly independent, motivated, ambitious, and collaborative person. Good organizational and communication skills.

Computer skills: high level of MS office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), image editing (Photoshop, Image J, IVIS imaging), statistical analysis (SPSS, R Studio, GraphPad).

Accreditation of A, B, C and D functions for animal experimentation.

Desirable:

- Experience in writing and scientific and/or technical management of research projects will be an asset.

- Experience mentoring and directing students will be an asset.

- Knowledge in genetically modified mouse models of breast cancer is an asset.

WORKING CONDITIONS & ENTITLEMENTS:

• Working conditions: 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 leaves and injuries at work.
• Training and Career: Postdoctoral researchers joining IRB Barcelona gain access to the Institute’s advanced research training and career development opportunities, all within in a competitive international environment. Courses and workshops on themes of particular interest to postdocs are offered regularly by the Institute.
• Estimated annual gross salary: Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• International environment: Nearly 90 Postdoctoral researchers (more than a half non-Spanish nationals) are currently working at IRB Barcelona.

HOW TO APPLY & SELECTION PROCESS:

Applications for the above opening should include Full CV and Motivation Letter

If no suitable candidate is found, the deadline will be extended.

• • Deadline for applications: 18/11/2022
  • Number of positions available: 1
  • Pre-selection: Will be based on CV, motivation letter & experience.
  • Interviews: Short-listed candidates will be interviewed.
  • Job Offer: Will be sent to the successful candidate after the interview.

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