The Research Group “Therapeutics and Innovations in Neuropediatrics” at Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR) is seeking a motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join a translational research project focused on therapy development for LAMA2-related muscular dystrophy (LAMA2-RD). The selected candidate will contribute to preclinical studies aimed at evaluating innovative therapeutic strategies, including cell-based approaches and/or studies in mouse models of disease.

This role offers a defined period of advanced, mentored training, providing the opportunity to deepen expertise, contribute to high-quality research projects, and strengthen scientific independence.

The position is fully focused on research activities, allowing you to dedicate your time to scientific excellence and career progression within a leading research centre.

Main responsibilities and duties:

Education and qualifications:

Required:

• Completed PhD Degree in the corresponding field

• Completed official university qualification from a country of the European Higher Education Area with a minimum of 300 ECTS of official university studies, of which, at least 60, at master’s level, which allow them to access doctoral studies.

• Fluency in English

• Specific training in cell culture and/or preclinical animal models.

Desirable:

Experience and knowledge:

Required:

• Experience:

  • Having conducted the PhD (including wet/dry-lab related work) work for at least 3 years as R1.

  • Previous experience in at least one of the following areas: mammalian cell culture, preclinical studies using mouse models, or molecular and cellular biology techniques.

• Publications:

  • At least 1 first-author original publication in JCR-indexed peer-reviewed journals.

• Competences:

  • Research Expertise: Solid disciplinary knowledge and ability to contribute to high-quality research activities.

  • Research data management: Experience organising and managing research data following FAIR principles.

  • Teamwork and mentoring: Ability to work collaboratively and support junior researchers or students.

  • Analytical thinking: Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills applied to research challenges.

  • Scientific dissemination: Experience contributing to publications and research dissemination activities.

  • Capacity to plan, perform, document and troubleshoot laboratory experiments with a high degree of autonomy.

  • Ability to organise, analyse and interpret experimental data.

  • Strong teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills in a multidisciplinary research environment.

  • Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Note: Applicants will be required to provide evidence of their experience and achievements related to the position requirements during the application process through the ATS.

Desirable:

• Training and Professional Development

  • Commitment to continuous professional development, including participation in training activities aligned with the relevant professional or research training pathways.

• Mobility:

• Short-term stays in other national or international institutions will be highly valued.

• Public Awarness:

  • Engagement in public awarness activities is encouraged.

• Publications:

• Previous publication record in biomedical or translational research, ideally including at least one first-author original publication in a JCR-indexed journal.

• Experience:

• Experience with primary cell cultures, myoblasts, fibroblasts, mesenchymal/stromal cells or adipogenic progenitors.

• Experience with mouse handling, treatment administration, tissue collection and functional assessment.

• Experience with immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, Western blot, qPCR, ELISA, microscopy or image analysis.

• Previous experience in preclinical therapeutic development or neuromuscular disease models.

• Previous publication record in biomedical or translational research, ideally including at least one first-author original publication in a JCR-indexed journal.

DOCUMENTATION TO SUBMIT

In this application, you will be required to provide the following information and documentation:

• Personal data and CV: Applicants must complete their personal details and upload an updated Curriculum Vitae. The name of this document must be: “CV _NameSurname”

• Studies: Applicants must provide an official copy of their doctoral degree certificate, demonstrating that the PhD has been successfully awarded. The name of this document must be: “Studies _NameSurname”

• Experience: Applicants must submit a letter issued by the employing institution(s) certifying their postdoctoral research experience. The letter must clearly state the exact period of time during which the applicant held the postdoctoral position, including start and end dates, and must explicitly indicate that the activities carried out correspond to postdoctoral research tasks or that the position held falls under a recognised postdoctoral professional category. In the case of applicants in their first year of postdoctoral experience, for whom no previous postdoctoral contracts exist, a signed declaration must be provided confirming that the applicant is currently in their first year of postdoctoral activity. The name of this document must be: “Experience _NameSurname”

• Publications: Applicants must download the Publications Excel template provided here and upload the completed document as part of the application. Password to access the file is vhir. For each publication, the following information must be provided: PMID, DOI, Title, Authors, Journal, Year of Publication, Type of Publication, and Quartile. The name of this document must be: “Publications _NameSurname”

Important information

Only applications submitted before the deadline and containing all the required information and documentation will be evaluated. Once the application is submitted, candidates will automatically receive an acknowledgement of receipt.

Labour conditions:

What can we offer?

• Incorporation into the Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), a public sector institution that promotes and develops biomedical research, innovation and teaching at Vall d’Hebron University Hospital (HUVH), the largest hospital in Barcelona and the largest within the Catalan Institute of Health (ICS).

• A dynamic scientific environment of excellence, where cutting-edge biomedical projects are continuously developed.

• Continuous learning and career development pathways.

• Flexible working hours.

• 23 days of annual leave plus 9 personal days.

• Flexible remuneration programme, including meal vouchers, health insurance, transport and more.

• Corporate benefits platform, offering significant discounts on travel, culture, technology, gastronomy, sports and more.

• Healthy offering– “Feel Good, Feel VHIR”: VHIR’s wellbeing programme offers a variety of activities to help staff thrive—physically, mentally, and socially. Through four pillars—Feel Well, Feel Connected, Feel Empowered, Feel Welcomed—it fosters health, growth, and community.

• International mobility support (Welcome Services): we aim to make your arrival in Barcelona smooth and pleasant by providing city information, guidance on required procedures, access to the International Welcome Desk, family support and assistance with finding accommodation.

Deadline to apply: 03-07-2026

How We Hire:

Pre-selection: Candidates are shortlisted based on their skills, qualifications, and relevant experience as outlined in their CVs.

Interviews: Meetings may be held with Talent Acquisition and/or the hiring manager.

Practical assessment: Depending on the role, candidates may complete a case study, technical task, presentation, or written exercise, on-site or remotely.

Checks: Education, references, and other job-related verifications may be carried out.

Job offer: The selected candidate receives a formal job offer upon successful completion of the process.

VHIR embraces Equality and Diversity. As reflected in our values we work toward ensuring inclusion and equal opportunity in recruitment, hiring, training, and management for all staff within the organization, regardless of gender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, religion, age, functional diversity or ethnicity.

Information on Personal Data Protection:
Data Controller: Fundació Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca -VHIR-. Purpose: Personnel selection. Legal Basis: Your consent. Data retention period: One year. If you are selected, as long as the employment relationship is in force and legal responsibilities may arise. Data sharing: Does not occur, except for communications necessary to fulfill the purpose and those required by law to public and private bodies. Rights: You can access, rectify, delete, object to, and limit the processing of data, as well as request data portability where applicable, by contacting lopd@vhir.org. DPO: dpd@ticsalutsocial.cat. More information can be found here.
Data Protection Authority: APDCAT