2026_135_phd Position

The Heart Failure and Cardiac Regeneration Research Group (ICREC) is offering a 3-year predoctoral position associated with the research project SCPP2500C XV0 , entitled “Next-generation decellularized and re-endothelialized human vascular grafts for arterial bypass (VasCraft 2.0 Project)”.
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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.

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.

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.

• 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, co