Research Officer for Functional Genomics

The Functional Genomics Core Facility at IRB Barcelona is a cutting-edge research service dedicated to advancing genomics technologies and providing high-quality support to researchers. With a focus on innovation and collaboration, we aim to accelerate impactful discoveries in personalized medicine and biomedicine.

We are seeking a dedicated Research Officer to strengthen our core operations and drive automation initiatives. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work in a dynamic environment, optimize high-throughput workflows, and contribute to our shared groundbreaking research projects.

Key responsibilities

• Lead high-throughput workflows, including the coordination of sample registration, quality controls and reporting, RNA/DNA extraction, NGS library preparation, single-cell transcriptomics experiments, and sequencing plans.
• Manage projects in the queue to ensure timely delivery while troubleshooting technical challenges.
• Collaborate within cross-functional teams to implement automated procedures and develop internal scripts for automation of laboratory processes using state-of-the-art systems (e.g., liquid handlers).
• Provide bioinformatics technical support (e.g. data organization, server access management, file integrity verifications, etc).
• Contribute to optimizing team-wide workflows.
• Support the users with troubleshooting.

You have

• Bachelor's degree in life sciences or related fields or equivalent experience.
• Experience of 3+ years in a laboratory setting.
  • Demonstrable experience in advanced NGS methods and laboratory automation systems.
  • Familiarity with basic scripting tools for data management tasks.
  • Experience with Good Documentation Practices and ability to maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes.
    • Strong organizational and multitasking skills.
    • Attention to detail and accuracy.
    • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
    • Highly motivated and collaborative person.
    • Willing to keep on learning.
    • Ability to work independently in a demanding research environment.

You might also have

• A PhD. Degree in Molecular Biology, Genetics, or another related field
• Proficiency in English (both written and spoken).

What we offer:

To be a part a part of something meaningful: We are a biomedical research centre that tirelessly works to achieve a society free of diseases. Our mission is to carry out research of excellence to cure cancer and other diseases linked to ageing.

Good Working conditions: Permanent contract linked to an institutional project. 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 leave and injuries at work.

Competitive salary: commensurate with experience and qualifications.

International Environment: we are home to nearly 500 researchers, technical and support staff from 45 countries.

To be a member of our State-of-the-Art Core Facilities: Scientists at IRB Barcelona thrive with unparalleled support from our extensive Core Facilities, equipped with the latest technologies and scientific services. These essential resources drive our research excellence, delivering cutting-edge innovations rapidly to our team.

Continuous Training: Transversal and general training is offered to our community (examples include research seminars, conferences, training in time management, scientific integrity, gender equality, health and safety, languages courses and emotional wellbeing).

Relocation & Visa Assistance: Trained staff provides support on visa paperwork, administrative requirements, and practical information on living and working in Barcelona, etc.

Social Life: We like to have fun. We promote several activities, like a Football League, an annual skiing trip, a Mountaineering Club, a Running Club and "Cool-off sessions", where members meet informally for drinks, snacks and scientific discussions.

Fairness: Our recruitment is open, transparent and merit-based, and all applicants compete on the same terms. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, nationality, ethnic origin or disability.

How to Apply

Applications should include a Full CV and Motivation letter.

• Deadline for applications: 27/05/2025

The deadline can be extended.

• Number of positions available: 1

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.

About us, the institute

Created in 2005 by the Generalitat de Catalunya (Government of Catalonia) and the University of Barcelona, IRB Barcelona, a Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence since the first call in 2011, has received the accreditation four consecutive times.

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 oriented towards diseases such as cancer, metastasis, Alzheimer's, diabetes, and rare conditions.

IRB Barcelona is an international centre that hosts 500 members from 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).