Offer Description
We are seeking a highly motivated an outstanding Postdoctoral Researcher with demonstrated expertise in aptamer identification by SELEX and an excellent scientific track record to apply for competitive national and international postdoctoral programs: Juan de la Cierva 2026 (opening autumn 2026, example call 2025) or EMBO postdoctoral (closing February 2027).
The research project involves the discovery of first-in-class therapeutic molecules for cardiac disease using aptamers as both active pathway modulators and targeted delivery vehicles. The work leverages functional screening in advanced human in vitro models, including heart-on-chip platforms.
The research will be conducted at the Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A) at the University of Zaragoza in Spain in the laboratories of Drs Laura Ordovás and Jesús Ciriza. I3A is a leading multidisciplinary research institute providing state-of-the-art infrastructure at the intersection of engineering, biomedical technologies, and translational science.
Where to apply
E-mail: lordovas@unizar.es
Requirements
Research Field: Biological sciences » Biological engineering
Education Level: PhD or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
- Education: PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Biomedicine, or related fields.
- CV Excellence: Strong publication record (preferably high-impact first-author papers) and scientific trajectory required to compete successfully in the mentioned calls.
- Proficiency: High level of written and spoken English.
Specific Requirements
Required Technical Expertise: Demonstrated, hands-on experience in SELEX methodologies (e.g. cell-SELEX and/or in vivo SELEX) for aptamer selection and characterization.
Languages: ENGLISH
Level: Excellent
Years of Research Experience: 4 - 10
Additional Information
Benefits
We Offer
- Full institutional support and close co-preparation of competitive applications for the proposed programmes.
- Integration into a young, multidisciplinary and highly motivated research team, bringing together expertise in molecular biology, stem cell-based tissue engineering, advanced in vitro models and translational research.
- Access to organ-on-chip platforms and advanced human in vitro models, together with molecular and cellular biology facilities at I3A.
- Scientific independence and support to develop an individual research line, with opportunities to contribute to grant applications and future funding proposals.
- Opportunities to supervise students and junior researchers and to develop experience in research leadership and mentoring.
- A collaborative and supportive environment with opportunities to interact with researchers from different disciplines and institutions.
Eligibility criteria
- Juan de la Cierva: obtention of the doctoral degree between 1/1/2025-31/12/2026,
- EMBO post-doctoral program: hold a PhD degree at the start of the fellowship (not necessarily at application). At application submission: (i) if holding a PhD, degree obtention maximum within the two years preceding 22/01/2027 (ii) at least one first (or joint first) author primary research paper (iii) international mobility (allowed maximum six months in Spain during the previous 18 months)
Selection process
Interested candidates should send their CV (including publication metrics), a Motivation Letter, and Contact Info for 2 References to lordovas@unizar.es or jeciriza@unizar.es