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

- Conduct 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 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

- Additional 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 Spanish

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 multidisc

📌 -I Recognised Researcher (Barcelona)
🏢 Vall d’Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR) - Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca
📍 Barcelona