Postdoctoral Fellow (Ref. PD/26/19)

About the Position

IRB Barcelona is seeking a highly motivated and talented Postdoctoral Fellow to participate in the cutting-edge research line of the Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics led by Dr. Xavier Salvatella. This position is co-funded by the pHACE transitions research project, funded by the BBVA Foundation.

Responsibilities

• Independently design and test biological hypotheses.
• Plan, perform, and interpret experiments.
• 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 analytical results, participate in scientific discussions, and prepare diverse forms of scientific communication (seminars and conferences).
• Participate in the project activities: meetings, presentations, visits to other labs, collaboration, exchange of data sets, preparing project reports/deliverables.
• Perform excellent research according to the high standards of the lab and the IRB Barcelona.
• Carry out experiments in vitro and in cells to investigate how mutations modify the conformation, phase separation properties, and biological activity of the intrinsically disordered regions of transcription factors.

Requirements

• A PhD in biochemistry, chemistry, biotechnology, or a related field.
• Published work as the first author in peer-reviewed journals in the field of biophysics of intrinsically disordered proteins.
• Experience in conceptual and technical aspects of intrinsically disordered regions.
• Experience in conceptual and technical aspects of phase transitions of multivalent proteins.
• Demonstrated ability to design and conduct experiments independently.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively.
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proficiency in English (both written and spoken).
• Highly motivated, enthusiastic, and collaborative person.
• Willing to keep on learning.
• Ability to work independently in a demanding research environment.

Nice to Have

• Familiarity with microscopy, biophysical techniques.
• Familiarity with basic cell biology.
• Good communication and teamwork abilities.
• Experience with data analysis software.
• Skills: Independence, self-learning abilities, goal-oriented.

We Offer

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Permanent Científico Técnico Contract linked to the pHACE transitions research project, funded by the BBVA Foundation.
• Good 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 leave, and injuries at work.
• International Environment: Nearly 90 Postdoctoral researchers (more than a half non-Spanish nationals) are currently working at IRB Barcelona.
• Multidisciplinary Research: Research of excellence at the unique interface between biology, chemistry, and structural and computational biology.
• Training and Career: Postdoctoral researchers joining IRB Barcelona gain access to the Institute’s advanced research training and career development opportunities, all within a competitive international environment. Courses and workshops on themes of particular interest to postdocs are offered regularly by the Institute.
• 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 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, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, nationality, ethnic origin, or disability.

About the Company

IRB Barcelona, created in 2005 by the Generalitat de Catalunya (Government of Catalonia) and the University of Barcelona, is a Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence. 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 orientated to diseases such as cancer, metastasis, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and rare conditions.

IRB Barcelona is an international center that hosts 500 members and 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).

How to Apply & Selection Process

• Deadline for applications: 02/11/2026 (If no suitable candidate is found, the deadline will be extended)
• Number of positions available: 1
• Selection process:
  • Pre-selection: Will be based on CV, motivation letter, and experience.
  • Interviews: Short-listed candidates will be interviewed.
  • Job offer: Will be sent to the successful candidate after the interview.

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.