The Clinical Neuroimmunology Group searches for a laboratory technician to work on a project entitled “Search for compounds that block the action of chitinase 3-like 1 on neurons as therapy for patients with multiple sclerosis”, which is currently funded by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disorder characterized by a neurodegenerative component that is responsible for the permanent neurological disability observed in an important proportion of patients. Our group proposed for the first time in the disease the protein chitinase 3-like 1 (CHI3L1) as a prognostic biomarker in MS. Additional studies have confirmed that CHI3L1 is neurotoxic in human neurons differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells of MS patients and hence CHI3L1 can be considered as a therapeutic target in the disease. These experiments constitute the rationale for the study, which aims in a first phase to identify an intracellular mediator or pathway that can be used as a readout of CHI3L1 action on neurons, and also to identify a neuronal receptor that mediates the neurotoxic effect of CHI3L1. Building on this information on the neuronal intracellular mediator and the receptor, in a second phase of the study we aim to identify approved drugs and/or small molecules that neutralise the action of CHI3L1 or prevent its binding to the receptor, and have the potential to be tested in clinical trials and become new therapies in the near future to prevent disease progression in MS patients.

Education and qualifications:

Required:

• Vocational training (FP) or Higher

• Fluency in Catalan, Spanish and English (business level)

Experience and knowledge:

Required:

• Experience in maintaining cell cultures: passaging and freezing/thawing procedures

Desired:

• Experience with induced pluripotent stem cell cultures

Main responsibilities and duties:

• Maintaining and differentiating induced pluripotent stem cells from patients with multiple sclerosis into glial progenitors, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes.

• Occasional assistance in the generation of human glial chimeric mice and in vitro and in vivo analysis of glial cells.

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: 28-12-2025

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.