VHIR offers a vacant position for a Postdoctoral researcher at the Clinical Biochemistry, Drug Delivery & Therapy group.

The candidate will be hired within the European project CancerScan project to assist in its development. Our group is experienced in developing and testing in pre-clinical models a spectrum of nanomedicines. Within the CancerScan project pancreatic cancer-derived spheroids will be produced and employed to elucidate the influence of cancer communication mediated by extracellular vesicles (EVs) in response to therapy. The candidate’s main tasks will be to assist in the synthesis of spheroids as well as the further analysis of subsets of secreted EVs, including their monitoring, isolation and characterisation under distinct treatment regimens.

In addition, the candidate will also work with the FVPR/U20 service platform of the group. FVPR/U20 is dedicated to performing customised production and functional assays for the preclinical development of novel diagnostic or therapeutic compounds based on nanotechnology. FVPR/U20 is part of ICTS-Nanbiosis and operates in an ISO9001:2015 certified environment. The candidate will also perform tasks for national and international projects of the CB-DDT group and contribute to the laboratory management.

https://vhir.vallhebron.com/en/research/clinical-biochemistry-drug-delivery-therapy

https://vhir.vallhebron.com/en/research-support/functional-validation-and-preclinical-research

https://www.nanbiosis.es/portfolio/u20-in-vivo-experimental-platform/

Education and qualifications:

Required:

• PhD in Biological Sciences (Biology, Biotechnology, Biomedicine)
• Fluency in English (professional level)

Desired:

• Fluency in Catalan

Experience and knowledge:

Required:

• Extensive training in cell culture, molecular biology and bioproduction processes
• Previous experience working with Extracellular Vesicles and other nanoparticles
• Analytical, organizational and time management skills
• Ability to work independently
• Good computer skills, including MS Office, GraphPad, FlowJo, ImageJ, R.

Desired:

• Knowledge in bioinformatics
• Experience in Quality Management Systems
• We are looking for someone with a hands-on attitude, who is flexible and adaptable. Additionally, the following personal skills are desirable:
  • Teamwork
  • Proactivity
  • Well-organized and responsible person at work

Main responsibilities and duties:

• Cell culture: basic maintenance (subculturing, freezing and storing), functional assays (cell proliferation, apoptosis, etc) of a variety of cultures available in the laboratory.
• Complete molecular biology characterisation of cell cultures after treatment with different chemotherapeutic agents.
• Characterisation and handling of different types of nanomaterials, especially extracellular vesicles.
• Generation of scientific reports and presentations.

Labour conditions:

What can we offer?

• Incorporation to Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), a public sector institution that promotes and develops the biomedical research, innovation and teaching at Vall d'Hebron University Hospital (HUVH), the biggest hospital of Barcelona and the largest of Catalan Institute of Health (ICS).
• A scientific environment of excellence, highly dynamic, where high-end biomedical projects are continuously developed.
• Continuous learning and a wide range of responsibilities within a stimulating work environment.
• Individual training opportunities.
• Flexible working hours.
• 23 days of holidays + 9 personal days.
• Flexible Remuneration Program (including dining checks, health insurance, transportation and more)
• Corporate Benefits: platform through which you can obtain significant discounts on travel, culture, technology, gastronomy, sports... among many others.
• Healthy Offering: choose from a variety of wellbeing focused activities to be the healthiest you.
• International Mobility Support (Welcome Services): We aim to make your arrival in Barcelona smooth and pleasant by providing city information, guidance on required procedures, access to the International Welcome Desk, family recommendations, and support in finding accommodation

Deadline to apply: 11-12-2025

How We Hire:

Pre-selection: Candidates are shortlisted based on their skills, qualifications, and relevant experience as outlined in their CVs.

Interviews: Meetings may be held with Talent Acquisition and/or the hiring manager.

Practical assessment: Depending on the role, candidates may complete a case study, technical task, presentation, or written exercise, on-site or remotely.

Checks: Education, references, and other job-related verifications may be carried out.

Job offer: The selected candidate receives a formal job offer upon successful completion of the process.

VHIR embraces Equality and Diversity. As reflected in our values we work toward ensuring inclusion and equal opportunity in recruitment, hiring, training, and management for all staff within the organization, regardless of gender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, religion, age, functional diversity or ethnicity.