Summary
The Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona) is inviting applications from motivated early-stage scientists for a full-time Predoctoral Researcher (PhD Candidate) position. The successful candidate will join the Innate Immune Biology laboratory, led by Dr. Stefanie Wculek, to investigate the immunometabolism of neutrophils in health, obesity, and metabolic diseases using state-of-the-art biological and bioinformatic approaches.
Predoctoral Researcher Position at IRB Barcelona (IRB Barcelona) Spain
Key Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Position Title | Predoctoral Researcher |
| Reference Code | PRE/26/02 |
| Host Institution | IRB Barcelona |
| Laboratory / PI | Innate Immune Biology Lab (Dr. Stefanie Wculek) |
| Location | Barcelona, Spain |
| Contract Type | Full-time Predoctoral Contract (Spanish Social Security Benefits) |
| Application Deadline | August 31, 2026 |
Designation
- Predoctoral Researcher / PhD Candidate
Research Area
- Innate Immune Biology & Immunometabolism
- Focus on neutrophil function, obesity, metabolic diseases, transcriptomics, proteomics, epigenetics, and metabolomics.
Location
- Barcelona, Spain (Barcelona Science Park)
Eligibility / Qualification
Required Criteria
- Education (Completed by September 30, 2026):
- Official university degree from Spain (or European Higher Education Area) in Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedicine, Biotechnology, Immunology, or related fields comprising 300 ECTS (at least 60 ECTS at the Master’s level). OR
- Equivalent non-EHEA university degree granting formal access to doctoral studies in Spain in related fields.
- Knowledge & Skills:
- Background in biomedicine, biosciences, and/or immunology.
- Prior research environment experience.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Strong teamwork, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Desirable Qualifications
- Familiarity with innate immunity and immunometabolism.
- Experience in bioinformatic analysis of OMIC datasets.
- Hands-on experience with mouse models of disease.
- Technical experience in flow cytometry/sorting, multiplex immunohistochemistry, molecular biology (cloning, CRISPR), or metabolic assays.
Job Description & Responsibilities
- Research Development: Plan, perform, record, and interpret cutting-edge experiments under the direct supervision of the PI.
- Advanced Techniques: Utilize multi-color flow cytometry, cell sorting, multiplex microscopy, spatial tissue analyses, and metabolic assays.
- Data Analysis: Analyze and interpret transcriptomic, proteomic, epigenetic, and metabolomic datasets in collaboration with the bioinformatics unit.
- Scientific Communication: Present research findings at scientific meetings, seminars, and conferences; assist in drafting reports and deliverables.
- Lab Support: Contribute to laboratory protocols, resource maintenance, and collaborative projects within the team.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online directly through the official IRB Barcelona Career Site.
Selection Steps:
- Pre-selection: Review of application materials (CV, motivation letter, and relevant experience).
- Interviews: Shortlisted candidates will participate in an interview process.
- Job Offer: Extended to the selected candidate following successful interviews.
Last Date to Apply
- August 31, 2026 (Note: If no suitable candidate is selected by this date, the deadline may be extended).
