Postdoctoral Researcher in African Swine Fever Immunology

We are looking for a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher in African Swine Fever Immunology to join the Animal Health Program (Barcelona, Spain). The successful candidate will participate in an innovative translational research project aimed at developing a novel immunomodulatory technology based on trained immunity for the prevention of infectious diseases in livestock. The project builds upon recent proof-of-concept studies demonstrating that intranasal administration of heat-inactivated Rothia nasimurium induces trained immunity in porcine alveolar macrophages, reduces susceptibility to viral infection and enhances adaptive immune responses. During the next two years, the project will focus on increasing the technology readiness level (TRL) of this platform through optimization studies and validation in collaboration with industrial partners. Tasks and

Responsibilities:
• Coordinate experimental activities related to the development of a trained immunity-based immunomodulatory platform.
• Optimize dosing regimens and administration strategies to improve field applicability.
• Evaluate durability of trained immunity responses in vivo.
• Develop potency assays and quality-control methodologies required for future technology transfer.
• Assess the capacity of HI-Rothia treatment to enhance vaccine-induced immune responses against PRRSV.
• Explore proof-of-concept applications in additional livestock species, including poultry.
• Analyze immunological data, prepare scientific publications and present results at international meetings.
• Participate in interactions with industrial collaborators and technology-transfer activities. Required qualifications and experience
• PhD in Immunology, Veterinary Medicine, Microbiology, Virology or related disciplines.
• Hands-on experience in immunology techniques, including flow cytometry and cell culture.
• Experience working with animal infection models and/or veterinary pathogens.
• Experience in experimental design and data analysis.
• Proven experience in translational research and technology development.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Ability to work independently while integrating within multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Strong teamwork skills and a focus on professional growth and development. Desirable requirements
• Previous experience in trained immunity or innate immune memory.
• Experience with porcine immunology.
• Experience in respiratory viral infections or vaccinology.
• Knowledge of molecular biology and transcriptomic analyses.
• Experience working under biosafety conditions.
• Good understanding of intellectual property (IP) principles
• Experience interacting with industrial partners.
• Languages (Catalan and Spanish) Advantages of joining our team:
• Contract: Permanent contract for scientific and technical activities linked to the ROTHIA project.
• 37.5 hour workweek, with Friday afternoons off
• Intensive work schedule from 15/06 to 15/09
• 23 vacation days
• 3 days of family & work conciliation
• 45 hours of personal days
• Remote work 6 workdays per month
• Flexible Schedule for a good work-life balance.
• Continuous training and professional growth opportunities. Please know that if you are the chosen candidate and you are from a country which does not belong to the UE, IRTA’s People Department will support you to get the residence and working permits. Instructions to Apply If you wish to be considered for this position and believe you meet the requirements, please submit your application through the form available at the bottom of this page. Equal treatment and equal opportunities are guaranteed for all candidates in the selection process, avoiding stereotypes, bias or barriers linked to gender, sexual orientation, origin, age, ideology, or any other potentially discriminatory condition. The organization also ensures inclusion commitment toward vulnerable groups, and the first round of the selection process is reserved for candidates with functional diversity. Selection Process: Curricular assessment: The candidate’s qualifications and merits will be evaluated according to the criteria established in the job offer. Interview(s): These will be conducted by a Selection Committee to assess the candidate’s suitability in terms of professional experience and competencies. Additional tests (if applicable): Depending on the position profile and the needs of the process, specific competency-based tests and/or a psychometric test may be included in order to more accurately assess the suitability of the candidates. Start of contract: November 2026 (approximately)