Postdoctoral Fellow in Pathogenic Yeast Genomics and Evolution (ref. PD/24/10)

Created in 2005 by the Generalitat de Catalunya (Government of Catalonia) and the University of Barcelona, IRB Barcelona is a Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence—a seal that was awarded in 2011.

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 29 laboratories and seven 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 centre 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).

IRB Barcelona is seeking two experimental Postdoctoral Researchers in pathogenic yeast genomics and evolution to join the Comparative Genomics group, led by ICREA professor Toni Gabaldón.

The Comparative Genomics group (http://cgenomics.org), which is jointly affiliated to the Barcelona Supercomputing Centre (BSC-CNS), is involved in multiple projects covering a wide range of topics including evolutionary and comparative genomics, phylogenomics, and metagenomics. Gabaldón group is also affiliated to the Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CIBER) of infectious diseases.

The selected candidates will work in the context of comparative genomics and phylogenomics of microbial pathogens, focusing on understanding adaptation in emerging fungal pathogens, some of which are hybrids. The work will be mostly experimental and will include phenotypic assays, genetic manipulation, as well as experimental evolution, among others, and will involve close collaboration with bioinformaticians, given the multi-disciplinary nature of the project.

These positions are funded by the project “LactAs: desarrollo de un bioterapéutico vivo recombinante para el tratamiento del asma grave” (CPP2021-008552), financed by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, the Spanish Research Agency and the European Union (MCIN/ AEI /10.13039/501100011033/ por la Unión Europea NextGenerationEU/ PRTR).

DUTIES:

• Plan, perform and interpret experiments in the framework of the project.
• 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 in preparation of diverse forms of scientific communication.

EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS:

Must Have – Required:

• Experience: Microbiology, preferentially with yeasts or other fungal organisms. Genomics.
• Knowledge: Microbial evolution, genome evolution.
• Skills: Microbial and Molecular biology techniques.

Desirable:

• Experience: Previous experience with fungal or other pathogens. Previous experience with hybrid organisms.
• Skills: Genetic manipulation.

WORKING CONDITIONS & ENTITLEMENTS:

• Working conditions: Permanent contract (científico técnico) linked to the project “LactAs: desarrollo de un bioterapéutico vivo recombinante para el tratamiento del asma grave (CPP2021-008552)”. 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 leaves and injuries at work.
• 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.
• Estimated annual gross salary: Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• International environment: Nearly 90 Postdoctoral researchers (more than a half non-Spanish nationals) are currently working at IRB Barcelona.

HOW TO APPLY & SELECTION PROCESS:

• Number of positions available: 2
• Selection process:
  • Pre-selection: Will be based on CV, motivation letter & experience.
  • Interviews: Short-listed candidates will be interviewed.
  • Job offer: Will be sent to the successful candidate after the interview.

Note: The strengths and weaknesses of the applications will be provided upon request.