2026_135_PHD POSITION

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Heart Failure and Cardiac Regeneration Research Group (ICREC) is offering a 3-year predoctoral position associated with the research project SCPP2500C012173XV0, entitled “Next-generation decellularized and re-endothelialized human vascular grafts for arterial bypass (VasCraft 2.0 Project)”.
The project focuses on the development of small-calibre human vascular grafts using tissue engineering strategies, with the aim of advancing their application in coronary and peripheral arterial revascularization.
The project is coordinated by the ICREC Research Group at the Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), in collaboration with the Banc de Sang i Teixits (BST) and the Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery Departments of the Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital.
The successful candidate will develop a PhD thesis under the supervision of Dr Carolina Gálvez Montón, Principal Investigator of the project, and will be integrated into the research activities and scientific environment of the ICREC Research Group.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

The main responsibilities of the successful candidate will include:

• Performing laboratory techniques and protocols related to cell culture, tissue engineering, decellularization and re-endothelialization, flow cytometry, histology, immunohistochemistry and molecular biology.
• Participating in the development and optimization of re-endothelialization protocols and vascular graft conditioning using bioreactor systems.
• Supporting experimental procedures in large animal models (porcine and ovine), including vascular graft implantation, angiographic/echocardiographic follow-up, and sample collection and processing.
• Statistical analysis, processing and interpretation of experimental data, including participation in omics data analysis.
• Writing and reviewing scientific manuscripts, conference communications and research projects, as well as participating in other scientific dissemination activities related to the project and the research lines of the group.
• Collaborating with ICREC researchers in activities required for the development of the different research lines of the group.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

a) Education

• University degree, preferably in Veterinary Medicine or Medicine. Degrees in Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Biomedicine or other related biomedical sciences will also be considered.
• A Master’s degree providing access to a PhD programme.

b) Languages

• Good command of English, both written and spoken.

c) Specific knowledge and experience

• Training required to work with laboratory animals (Category C or equivalent accreditation).
• Experience with large animal models, particularly porcine and/or ovine models, as well as experience in cardiovascular surgical procedures, will be highly valued.
• Previous experience in cell culture, tissue engineering, tissue decellularization and recellularization, histology, immunohistochemistry, molecular biology and flow cytometry will be valued.
• Knowledge of statistical analysis and experimental data processing will be valued, as well as experience or interest in omics data analysis, including single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics.

d) Personal skills

• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
• Proactivity, autonomy, organizational skills, scientific rigor and willingness to learn.

e) Additional requirements

• Strong motivation to develop a PhD thesis in cardiovascular research, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Type of contract and working hours: Fixed-term, full-time employment contract (Predoctoral contract under the Spanish Science Law / Ley de la Ciencia).
• Expected starting date: November 2026.
• The gross annual remuneration associated with this position will be established according to the applicable conditions and distributed in 12 monthly payments: €23,700 gross/year in the first year, €24,500 gross/year in the second year and €26,000 gross/year in the third year.
• Flexible compensation (childcare vouchers).
• 23 days of annual leave + 5 personal days per year.
• Access to training activities and programmes aimed at scientific and professional development.
• The opportunity to join a multidisciplinary biomedical research institute, accredited as a Health Research Institute by the ISCIII and holding the HR Excellence in Research (HRS4R) distinction, committed to the professional development of researchers.
• The position is based at the Can Ruti Campus, a biomedical and translational research envi