Researcher in Training for the Priority Research Area in Tissue Regeneration and Transformation

IRIS-CC’s mission is to generate scientific knowledge in life and health sciences, focused on people’s needs and improving their quality of life, and to create an innovative ecosystem that fosters regional development and delivers the products and services society requires.

In August 2024, the Foundation Institute for Research and Innovation in Life and Health Sciences in Central Catalonia (IRIS-CC) received the ‘HR Excellence in Research’ award from the European Commission. The Human Resources Strategy for Researchers is based on the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers. Implementing HRS4R provides a quality seal showing that a research centre’s HR policy meets European standards.

Beyond the technical skills required to join IRIS-CC’s expert team, applicants must demonstrate a set of value-added transferable skills, including proactivity, versatility, communication skills, a high level of commitment and confidentiality, problem-solving ability, a service-oriented approach, organisational and management skills, and emotional management, among others.

We offer and promote a diverse and inclusive environment and welcome applicants regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation.

Position: Researcher in Training for the Priority Research Area in Tissue Regeneration and Transformation at the Foundation Institute for Research and Innovation in Life and Health Sciences in Central Catalonia (IRIS-CC). Employment contract for approximately 1 year and 6 months, linked to the funding received and the implementation period of the project “Unlocking DCIS lesions progression to prevent women overtreatment and improving their sexual and reproductive health impact”, funded by the Fundació La Marató de TV3 (file 103/U/2024). During this period, support will be provided for preparing and submitting applications for competitive predoctoral fellowships to ensure the continuation of the doctoral thesis.

We are seeking a person with experience in molecular and cellular biology, preferably in cancer, and knowledge of omics data analysis.

Reporting line: Principal Investigator of the research project

The successful candidate will report to the Principal Investigator of the research project and work in collaboration with the rest of the research team.

We are seeking a motivated and committed predoctoral researcher to participate in a national and international research project focused on the progression of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), the most common pre-invasive form of breast cancer. The aim is to prevent patient overtreatment and improve well-being, including sexual and reproductive health.

In this project, we will identify a transcriptional signature and study the mechanisms driving the transition from DCIS to invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). The project is co-led by:

• Institute for Research and Innovation in Life and Health Sciences in Central Catalonia (IRIS-CC)
• Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR)
• Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP)

We also collaborate nationally and internationally with other centres such as Oslo University Hospital, the Institute of Photonic Sciences (ICFO), and the University of Barcelona. You will join a multidisciplinary team of experts in radiotherapy, molecular and cellular biology, biomedical physics, pathology and oncology.

Duties:

• 2D and 3D cell cultures.
• Work with animal models.
• Modulation of gene expression in human tumour cells.
• Functional assessment of tumour cells.
• Immunodetection techniques and image quantification.
• Spatial and targeted transcriptomic data analysis.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Biomedicine, Biotechnology or a related field.
• Master’s degree in Biomedicine, Biotechnology or a related field.
• Experience in molecular and cellular biology, preferably in cancer and its microenvironment.
• Basic level of Catalan and/or Spanish.
• Basic knowledge of omics data analysis.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
• Upper-intermediate level of English.

The following will be valued:

• Advanced level of Catalan and Spanish.
• Previous research laboratory experience relevant to the required profile
• Experience in omics data analysis
• Strong academic record
• English language certification
• Certification authorising work with laboratory animals
• Experience in science communication (Bachelor’s thesis, Master’s thesis, conference presentations, etc.).
• Other merits: distinctions, recognitions and awards

Transferable skills:

• Planning and results orientation
• Interpersonal and communication skills
• Collaborative working
• Proactivity and autonomy
• Commitment to quality and service

Working conditions:

• 37.5 hours per week
• Contract lasting approximately 1 year and 6 months, linked to the project funding period. During this period, applications for competitive predoctoral fellowships and other funding sources will be encouraged to ensure continuation of the doctoral thesis.
• Researcher-in-training category under the FUBalmes collective bargaining agreement

Deadlines:

• Application deadline: 9 October 2026
• Expected start date: October 2026

Documents to be submitted by the applicant:

• CV
• Motivation letter
• Letter(s) of recommendation (at least one letter)
• Degree certificate confirming the minimum required qualification.

Submit the documentation by the stated deadline to info@iris-cc.cat, quoting the job reference (REF.MARATÓ).