Graduated Technician (Pneumology)
The Pneumology Research Group at Vall d’Hebron Institute of Research is seeking a highly motivated Graduated Technician to join its Lung Transplantation Program. The multidisciplinary team is composed of clinicians and scientists whose main objective is to improve long-term survival of lung transplant patients through cutting-edge translational research.
The selected candidate will work on the DEFIBER IV project: “Final preclinical steps for the development of new molecules for the treatment of fibrotic diseases” within the Public-Private Collaboration Projects Call 2024 consortium. In particular the candidate will work in Ex vivo characterisation of the effect of GTX-11m on Interstitial Lung Diseases (ILDs), focused on the development and application of human precision-cut lung slices (hPCLS) as an ex vivo translational model to evaluate novel anti-fibrotic therapies. The candidate will work in a multidisciplinary environment involving translational pulmonary research, molecular biology, and human tissue-based experimental models.
Main responsibilities and duties:
Support the execution of the DEFIBER IV project focused on the preclinical evaluation of novel anti-fibrotic therapies using human lung tissue models.
Create, maintain, and update study databases containing clinical, experimental, and laboratory data.
Process, register, store, and manage human biological samples following laboratory and biobank procedures.
Prepare, culture, maintain, and cryopreserve human precision-cut lung slices (hPCLS) derived from fibrotic and non-fibrotic lung tissue.
Perform ex vivo experimental assays in hPCLS under fibrotic and pharmacological stimulation conditions.
Conduct molecular and cellular biology techniques including RNA extraction, RT-qPCR, ELISA, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and histological staining.
Perform quality control procedures and assist in data analysis and interpretation of experimental results.
Assist in tissue imaging and microscopy-based analyses to evaluate fibrosis, inflammation, and endothelial function.
Maintain accurate experimental records and contribute to project documentation and scientific reports.
Participate in routine laboratory maintenance, biosafety, and quality control procedures.
Education and qualifications:
Required:
Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences, Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Pharmacy, Health Sciences, or related disciplines.
Fluency in Spanish and English.
Experience and knowledge:
Required:
Previous experience in a biomedical research laboratory.
Experience handling biological samples and maintaining laboratory organisation.
Knowledge of cell and tissue culture techniques.
Personal skills: well-organised, methodical, proactive, and aptitude for teamwork.
Desirable:
Experience working with ex vivo and advanced tissue culture models, including precision-cut tissue slices, organoids, or other 3D cellular systems.
Experience with histology, immunofluorescence, ELISA, or related experimental approaches.
Hands-on experience in molecular biology techniques, particularly RT-qPCR.
Knowledge of pulmonary biology, fibrosis, or inflammation-related pathways.
Labour conditions:
Working hours: Full-time (37.5 hours per week).
Starting date: July, 2026.
Gross annual salary: 24.000,00€.
Contract type: Technical and scientific activities contract linked to project activities.
What can we offer?
Incorporation into the Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), a public sector institution that promotes and develops biomedical research, innovation and teaching at Vall d’Hebron University Hospital (HUVH), the largest hospital in Barcelona and the largest within the Catalan Institute of Health (ICS).
A dynamic scientific environment of excellence, where cutting-edge biomedical projects are continuously developed.
Continuous learning and career development pathways.
Flexible working hours.
23 days of annual leave plus 9 personal days.
Flexible remuneration programme, including meal vouchers, health insurance, transport and more.
Corporate benefits platform, offering significant discounts on travel, culture, technology, gastronomy, sports and more.
Healthy offering– “Feel Good, Feel VHIR”: VHIR’s wellbeing programme offers a variety of activities to help staff thrive—physically, mentally, and socially. Through four pillars—Feel Well, Feel Connected, Feel Empowered, Feel Welcomed—it fosters health, growth, and community.
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 support and assistance with finding accommodation.
Deadline to apply: 11-06-2026
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.
Information on Personal Data Protection:
Data Controller: Fundació Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca -VHIR-. Purpose: Personnel selection. Legal Basis: Your consent. Data retention period: One year. If you are selected, as long as the employment relationship is in force and legal responsibilities may arise. Data sharing: Does not occur, except for communications necessary to fulfill the purpose and those required by law to public and private bodies. Rights: You can access, rectify, delete, object to, and limit the processing of data, as well as request data portability where applicable, by contacting lopd@vhir.org. DPO: dpd@ticsalutsocial.cat. More information: www.vhir.org
Data Protection Authority: APDCAT
- Department
- RESEARCH AREA_CHRONIC & PREVALENT DISEASES
- Role
- Graduate Technician – Degree Holder
- Locations
- Barcelona
- Employment type
- Full-time