Summary
IRB Barcelona is offering a predoctoral (PhD) position for an early-stage scientist to join the Innate Immune Biology laboratory led by Dr. Stefanie Wculek. The selected researcher will develop a project investigating the immunometabolism of neutrophils in health, obesity, and metabolic diseases, applying state-of-the-art multi-omic, epigenetic, metabolic, and imaging approaches.
Predoctoral Researcher (Ref. PRE/26/02) – IRB Barcelona, Spain
Designation
Predoctoral Researcher (Ref. PRE/26/02)
Overview Table
| Details | Specification |
| Position Title | Predoctoral Researcher (PhD Candidate) |
| Reference Code | PRE/26/02 |
| Institution | Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona) |
| Laboratory / PI | Innate Immune Biology Laboratory (Dr. Stefanie Wculek) |
| Contract Type | Full-time Predoctoral Contract (Spanish Social Security benefits) |
| Location | Barcelona, Spain |
| Application Deadline | August 31, 2026 |
Research Area
- Primary Field: Innate Immunity, Immunometabolism, and Biomedicine.
- Project Focus: Investigating neutrophil function, metabolism, and epigenetics in health, obesity, and metabolic disease conditions using mouse models and human samples.
Location
Barcelona, Spain (Barcelona Science Park)
Eligibility / Qualification
Educational Requirements (Must be completed by 30/09/2026):
- Official Spanish or European Higher Education Area (EHEA) university degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedicine, Biotechnology, Immunology, or related fields totaling 300 ECTS credits (with at least 60 ECTS at the Master’s level). OR
- A degree from a non-EHEA university that grants eligibility for doctoral studies in Spain in Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacy, Medicine, Chemistry, Physics, or related fields.
Required Competencies:
- Strong background in biomedicine, biosciences, or immunology.
- Previous experience in academic or laboratory research environments.
- High motivation, scientific curiosity, and problem-solving skills.
- Proficiency in English (written and spoken).
- Excellent teamwork and communication skills.
Desirable / Preferred Skills:
- Prior knowledge of innate immunity and cellular immunometabolism.
- Familiarity with bioinformatic/OMIC dataset analysis.
- Experience with mouse models of human disease.
- Hands-on experience in flow cytometry, cell sorting, multiplex immunohistochemistry, cloning, CRISPR, or metabolic assays.
Job Description
- Project Development: Design and execute biological hypotheses under the direct supervision of the Principal Investigator.
- Experimental Execution: Perform experiments using flow cytometry, cell sorting, OMIC analysis, multiplex microscopy, spatial tissue analysis, and cellular metabolic assays.
- Data Integration: Collaborate with the bioinformatics unit to analyze transcriptomic, proteomic, epigenetic, and metabolomic datasets.
- Scientific Engagement: Present findings at lab meetings, seminars, and international scientific conferences; contribute to scientific publications and progress reports.
- Lab Support: Help maintain laboratory protocols and contribute to a collaborative, high-standard scientific environment.
How to Apply
- Prepare your Curriculum Vitae (CV), Motivation Letter, and summary of past research experience.
- Submit your application through the official IRB Barcelona Recruitment Portal.
- Selection Workflow: Pre-selection based on application materials $\rightarrow$ Interview with shortlisted candidates $\rightarrow$ Final job offer.
Last Date to Apply
August 31, 2026 (If no suitable candidate is selected, the deadline may be extended)
