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 dutiesConduct high‑quality research aligned with project and lab objectives, including rigorous data collection, analysis, and literature review.Collaborate with senior researchers in designing experiments, developing research protocols, and contributing to publications, reports, and grant proposals.Present research findings within the team and at scientific conferences or seminars.Provide guidance to junior researchers or graduate students and supervise Bachelor’s and Master’s students when applicable.Engage in continuous professional development and work with the technology transfer office to identify potential inventions and understand IP processes.Coordinate and perform preclinical experimental work related to LAMA2‑RD therapy development.Establish, maintain and characterise relevant cell culture models and/or contribute to experimental studies in mouse models.Perform molecular, cellular, histological and protein‑based analyses to assess therapeutic efficacy.Participate in the design, execution, documentation and troubleshooting of experiments.Analyse, interpret and present experimental data in internal meetings and project reports.Collaborate with multidisciplinary clinical, translational and preclinical research team members.Contribute to scientific reports, manuscripts, presentations and project deliverables.Support the supervision and training of Master's and predoctoral students when required.Ensure compliance with ethical, biosafety and good laboratory practice requirements.Conduct high‑quality research aligned with project and lab objectives, including rigorous data collection, analysis, and literature review.Education and qualificationsRequiredCompleted PhD Degree in the corresponding fieldCompleted 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 EnglishSpecific training in cell culture and/or preclinical animal models.DesirableAdditional or specialised training in molecular biology, histology, immunofluorescence, microscopy, protein analysis or image analysis.Specific training and accreditation for experimental animal work.Knowledge of neuromuscular disorders, muscular dystrophies, regenerative medicine, gene/cell therapy or translational research.Fluency in Catalan and/or SpanishExperience and knowledgeRequiredExperienceHaving 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.PublicationsAt least 1 first-author original publication in JCR-indexed peer-reviewed journals.CompetencesResearch 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.DesirableFunding:Experience in contributing to the preparation of competitive funding applications such as postdoctoral fellowships and research grant applications, among others.Supervision and Mentoring:Experience in supervising or mentoring undergraduate students (e.G. research projects or final degree projects).Science Communication and Outreach Activities:Experience attending and presenting results in scientific congresses and preparing manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.Engagement in science communication or outreach activities.Intellectual Property Protection and Knowledge Transfer:Familiarity with intellectual property protection processes and knowledge transfer activitiesExperience attending or participating in workshops on intellectual property and technology transfer.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.Labour conditionsWorking hours: Full-time (37.5 hours per week).Starting date: As soon as possible.Gross annual salary: Remuneration will be determined by experience, skills and responsibilities and aligned with the Collective Agreement pay scale.Contract type: Technical and scientific activities contract linked to project activities.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.Versátil 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 apply19-10-2026How We HirePre-selectionCandidates are shortlisted based on their skills, qualifications, and relevant experience as outlined in their CVs.InterviewsMeetings may be held with Talent Acquisition and/or the hiring manager.Practical assessmentDepending on the role, candidates may complete a case study, technical task, presentation, or written exercise, on‑site or remotely.ChecksEducation, references, and other job‑related verifications may be carried out.Job offerThe 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 ProtectionData 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 [email protected]. DPO: [email protected]. More information can be found here. Data Protection Authority: APDCAT#J-18808-Ljbffr

📌 -I Recognised Researcher (Therapeutics And Innovations In Neuropediatrics) (Madrid)
🏢 Vall d’Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR) - Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca
📍 Madrid