Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Protein Design & Synthetic Biology for Brain Delivery

Further Details

This postdoctoral research position focuses on the critical area of Protein Design and Synthetic Biology, with a specific emphasis on advancing brain delivery mechanisms for therapeutics. Candidates will contribute to the development of next-generation biomedical tools and targeted therapies for neurological diseases, particularly brain cancers, at the prestigious Institut Quimic Sarria (IQS) - Universitat Ramon Llull. The role involves leveraging interdisciplinary approaches, including computational protein design, bioinformatics, and synthetic biology, to address the significant challenge of delivering molecules effectively across the blood-brain barrier and ensuring tumor-specific activation. The project is situated within the innovative ChemSynBio research group, which receives robust support from prestigious entities like the European Research Council (ERC) and Fundació “la Caixa”. This environment fosters scientific creativity and offers significant training opportunities, including international conference participation and the potential to mentor emerging talent. Successful candidates will benefit from these Biomedical Researcher jobs in Barcelona. The initial two-year funding provides a strong foundation, with active support provided for applying for prestigious postdoctoral fellowships, setting the stage for a successful independent research career.

Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Protein Design & Synthetic Biology

Institut Quimic Sarria (IQS) – Universitat Ramon Llull is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join their advanced ChemSynBio team in Barcelona, Spain. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in protein design and synthetic biology, with a specific focus on developing innovative solutions for brain delivery of therapeutics. The role is integral to developing next-generation biomedical tools and targeted therapies designed to combat complex neurological diseases, including aggressive brain cancers. By integrating computational protein design, bioinformatics, chemical biology, and synthetic biology, the researcher will work towards overcoming the persistent challenge of the blood-brain barrier and enhancing the selectivity of treatments for diseased tissues.

Supported by significant funding from leading research bodies such as the European Research Council (ERC) and Fundació “la Caixa”, this position offers an exceptionally stimulating and collaborative research environment. The fellowship is initially funded for two years, with comprehensive support and active mentoring provided to assist the candidate in securing prestigious postdoctoral fellowships. Beyond research, the role encourages creativity, provides extensive training opportunities, including international conference attendance, and offers the rewarding possibility of supervising PhD and MSc students, fostering leadership skills.

• Job Title: Postdoctoral Research Fellow
• Field: Protein Design & Synthetic Biology for Brain Delivery
• Location: Barcelona, Spain
• Employer: Institut Quimic Sarria (IQS) – Universitat Ramon Llull
• Key Focus: Overcoming blood-brain barrier challenges and developing targeted therapies.
• Funding: Initial 2-year funding with support for fellowship applications.
• Support: Mentorship, training, international conference attendance, student supervision.
• Required Qualification: PhD in a relevant life sciences discipline.
• Valuable Skills: Bioinformatics, protein design/engineering, chemical biology, synthetic biology, cell biology, animal handling.
• Essential Attributes: Proactivity, creativity, motivation, strong teamwork, excellent English communication, publication record, international mobility.

Skills

• PhD degree in a life sciences-related field
• Proactivity, creativity, and strong motivation for high-impact research
• Excellent teamwork and English communication abilities
• Strong publication record and international mobility
• Valuable experience in bioinformatics
• Valuable experience in protein design
• Valuable experience in protein engineering
• Valuable experience in chemical biology
• Valuable experience in synthetic biology
• Valuable experience in cell biology
• Valuable experience in animal handling

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop individual research projects
• Contribute to ongoing laboratory projects
• Collaborate closely with fellow researchers
• Foster an inspiring research atmosphere and engage in team activities
• Supervise students and contribute to scientific publications
• Prepare competitive applications for postdoctoral fellowships
• Actively pursue and publish high-impact research

How to apply

• Application Process: Applicants are invited to submit their documentation for the Postdoctoral Research Fellow position at Institut Quimic Sarria (IQS) – Universitat Ramon Llull.
• Required Documents: A compelling motivation letter detailing your suitability for the role and team alignment, alongside contact details for two professional referees or two reference letters.
• Selection Stages: The selection process involves three key phases: initial shortlisting based on submitted documentation, followed by an interview with the Principal Investigator (PI), and concluding with a final interview conducted by the Selection Committee.
• Deadline for Applications: Ensure your application is submitted by the closing date of 18 December 2026.
• Apply Now: Prospective candidates can initiate their application via the provided link: https://eurojobs.com/jobs/36953348/apply
• Equal Opportunity: IQS is committed to fostering equality and inclusion. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected characteristics. Applications from female candidates, currently under-represented in this field at this level, are particularly welcomed.