Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), microscopic colitis, gastrointestinal eosinophilic disorders, and other disorders of gut–brain interaction represent a significant proportion of the conditions encountered in gastroenterology practice. These conditions are chronic and recurrent, yet reliable diagnostic biomarkers remain scarce and clinical management remains suboptimal. Intestinal barrier dysfunction, low-grade mucosal inflammation, and immune activation are shared features of several of these disorders and may contribute to symptom onset, persistence, and severity.

Our research group aims to elucidate the genetic, sex-related, immunological, metabolic, cellular, and molecular mechanisms linking environmental factors, particularly stress, to intestinal barrier dysfunction, mucosal inflammation, and immune activation. Our research focuses primarily on IBS and related gastrointestinal disorders, with the overarching goal of understanding the mechanisms underlying their pathophysiology and clinical manifestations.

We pursue an integrated, multidisciplinary, and translational research strategy that combines experimental studies in animal models with investigations in human cohorts. By bridging mechanistic research and clinical practice, we aim to identify novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for improving the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of IBS and related disorders. Our work also incorporates preclinical and clinical studies to facilitate the translation of mechanistic discoveries into clinically relevant advances and improved patient care.

We are seeking a recognised postdoctoral researcher with a completed PhD and a minimum of three years’ postdoctoral experience, who is ready to take the next step in their research career. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to deliver high-quality, rigorous and impactful research with increasing scientific autonomy, while contributing to a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment.

You will be expected to publish in top-tier international journals, secure competitive research funding as Principal Investigator (PI) or Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI) and play an active role in advancing the scientific objectives of the team.

In addition, you will contribute to mentoring and supervising students and early-stage researchers, while supporting innovation activities, including the identification of intellectual property and engagement in research valorisation and commercialisation processes.

Main responsibilities and duties:

• Conduct high‑quality research aligned with project and group objectives, including rigorous data collection, advanced analysis, and comprehensive literature reviews

• Consolidate and translate research outputs into high‑impact, peer‑reviewed publications in top‑tier journals

• Design, develop, and execute research protocols, collaborating closely with senior researchers; contribute to publications, reports, and grant applications

• Present research findings within the team and at scientific conferences and seminars

• Lead collaboration with senior researchers, Principal Investigators, and colleagues from other groups to advance collective research goals.

• Provide mentorship and guidance to undergraduate students, Master’s students, and early‑stage researchers (R1. Predoctoral Researchers); supervise Bachelor’s and Master’s students where applicable.

• Work with the technology transfer office to identify potential inventions, understand IP processes, and support the drafting and filing of patent applications; contribute to initiatives aimed at commercialising research findings

• Engage in continuous professional development, maintaining up‑to‑date knowledge of relevant methodologies, technologies, and field trends

Education and qualifications:

Required:

• Completed PhD Degree in the corresponding field

• English level C1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)

Desirable:

Experience and knowledge:

Required:

• Experience:

  • Minimum of 3 years’ experience as a R2-I or postdoctoral experience.

  • Experience in digestive diseases research, particularly in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and celiac disease.

  • Previous experience in clinical trial sample logistics, including kit management, sample processing and shipment, registration, and tracking.

  • Experience working in protein and gene expression assays (Western blotting, ELISA, qRT-PCR) and histological techniques.

  • Expertise in ex vivo models of inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases, including the development, optimization, and application of experimental models to investigate intestinal inflammation and disease mechanisms.

  • Required expertise in in vitro cell culture techniques, including cell maintenance, culture optimization, and the application of cellular models for biomedical research.

  • Experience in managing research databases, organizing experimental data, and maintaining accurate and traceable research records.

• Publications:

  • At least 2 original publications as first author in a peer-reviewed journal, during the postdoctoral stage.

• Competences:

  • Research Expertise: Solid disciplinary knowledge and ability to contribute to high-quality research activities.

  • Research data management: Experience organising and managing research data following FAIR principles.

  • Teamwork and mentoring: Ability to work collaboratively and support junior researchers or students.

  • Analytical thinking: Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills applied to research challenges.

  • Scientific dissemination: Experience contributing to publications and research dissemination activities.

Note: Applicants will be required to provide evidence of their experience and achievements related to the position requirements during the application process through the ATS.

Desirable:

• Funding:

  • Experience in contributing to the preparation of competitive funding applications such as postdoctoral fellowships and research grant applications, among others.

• Supervision and Mentoring:

  • Experience in supervising or mentoring undergraduate students (e.g. research projects or final degree projects) or students at the master level.

• Science Communication and Outreach Activities

  • Experience attending and presenting results in scientific congresses (desirably 1 per year) and preparing manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.

  • Engagement in science communication or outreach activities.

• Intellectual Property Protection and Knowledge Transfer

  • Familiarity with intellectual property protection processes and knowledge transfer activities

  • Ability to identify and communicate potential inventions and to engage with the Technology Transfer Officer on IP processes.

• Training and Professional Development

  • Commitment to continuous professional development, including participation in training activities aligned with the relevant professional or research training pathways.

• Mobility:

  • Short-term stays in other national or international institutions will be highly valued.

• Teaching and Public Engagement Activites.

  • Experience contributing to teaching or training activities, particularly at undergraduate or postgraduate level.

  • Interest or involvement in public engagement and awareness-raising activities related to science and research.

DOCUMENTATION TO SUBMIT

In this application, you will be required to provide the following information and documentation:

• Personal data and CV: Applicants must complete their personal details and upload an updated Curriculum Vitae. The name of this document must be: “CV _NameSurname”

• Studies: Applicants must provide an official copy of their doctoral degree certificate, demonstrating that the PhD has been successfully awarded. The name of this document must be: “Studies _NameSurname”

• Experience: Applicants must submit a letter issued by the employing institution(s) certifying their postdoctoral research experience. The letter must clearly state the exact period of time during which the applicant held the postdoctoral position, including start and end dates, and must explicitly indicate that the activities carried out correspond to postdoctoral research tasks or that the position held falls under a recognised postdoctoral professional category. The name of this document must be: “Experience _NameSurname”

• Publications: Applicants must download the Publications Excel template provided here and upload the completed document as part of the application. Password to access the file is vhir. For each publication, the following information must be provided: PMID, DOI, Title, Authors, Journal, Year of Publication, Type of Publication, and Quartile. The name of this document must be: “Publications _NameSurname”

Important information

Only applications submitted before the deadline and containing all the required information and documentation will be evaluated. Once the application is submitted, candidates will automatically receive an acknowledgement of receipt.

Labour conditions:

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: 15-11-2026

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. More information can be found here: https://vhir.vallhebron.com/en/personal-data-protection
Data Protection Authority: APDCAT