Posdoctoral Researcher - Nanobioelectronics and Biosensors Group (MICROB-PREDICT)

As a flagship research center in nanoscience and nanotechnology, our mission is to open and explore new frontiers of knowledge at the nanoscale, and bring value to society in the form of new understanding, capabilities and innovation, while inspiring and providing broad training to the next generations of researchers. Our values are Commitment, Collaboration and Transformation.

Our research lines focus on the newly-discovered physical and chemical properties that arise from the behaviour of matter at the nanoscale. ICN2 has been awarded with the Severo Ochoa Center of Excellence distinction for three consecutive periods (2014-2018 and 2018-2022 and 2023-2026). ICN2 comprises 19 Research Groups, 7 Technical Development and Support Units and Facilities, and 2 Research Platforms, covering different areas of nanoscience and nanotechnology.

Job Title: Posdoctoral Researcher

Research area or group: Nanobioelectronics and Biosensors Group

Description of Group/Project:

The Nanobioelectronics and Biosensors carries out research on the integration of nanotechnology methods, tools and materials into low cost, user friendly and efficient sensors and biosensors. The main objective of Merkoçi group is to design nanotech devices that can be used even by non professional people for fast diagnostic at home or doctor's office, control of food quality, safety and security applications where either an emergency exists or an alternative method toward the sophisticated and expensive laboratory instrumentation is being required. The MICROB-PREDICT aims to develop personalised, microbiome-based treatment strategies to prevent and treat decompensated cirrhosis and acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) and reduce mortality by investigating the human gut microbiome. The goal is to identify predictors and mechanisms associated with the development of decompensated cirrhosis and its progression to ACLF as well as develop cutting edge diagnostic platforms for its prevention and monitoring.

Main Tasks and responsibilities:

The focus of this position will be on development of electrochemical biosensors for biomarkers related to Acute Chronic Liver Failure (ACLF) using aptamers or relevant bioreceptors. The candidate will engage in device fabrication and preparation, using techniques such as inkjet printing, and biosensor assembly and calibration, using a variety of electroanalitycal techniques. The research will involve field-application with clinical partners and validation of the platform. The candidate will contribute to the project management by ensuring timely delivery of project milestones and deliverables and following team meeting and participating to annual project meetings. The candidate will provide guidance and support to MSc and PhD students, assisting in the supervision and training of junior researchers in areas such as device fabrication, biosensor assembly, and characterization techniques.

Requirements:

• Education: PhD in Biotechnology or related disciplines
• Knowledge:

Hands on experience in the following areas: electrode/device fabrication using inkjet printing including rheolgy characterization, physicochemical characterization of nanomaterial, using techniques such as SEM, TEM, DLS, XPS.

Solid experience with electroanalytical techniques for characterization of the electrochemical transducers.

Knowledge on the basis of electrochemical aptamer-based sensing and DNA-sensing.

The candidate should hold a PhD title, and have worked in areas relevant to the group description and it is exepected to be familiar with the research area of optical and electrochemical biosensors.

Excellent interpersonal skills in order to interact with co-workers and clinical partners promptly and professionally, project management skills and support to other team members.

Excellent oral and written communication skills. Previous experience in delivering oral technical presentations to scientific audiences as well as preparind project deliverables and presentations.

Summary of conditions:

• Full time work (37,5h/week)
• Contract Length: Temporary
• Location: Bellaterra (Barcelona)
• Salary will depend on qualifications and demonstrated experience.
• Support to the relocation issues.
• Life Insurance.
• Work-Life Balance and Flexibility with flexible work schedules
• 28 holidays per year
• Flexible compensation plan: tax advantages contracting some products (health insurance, childcare, training, among others.)
• Training activities: languages, mentoring programme, wellbeing programme.
• International environment

Estimated Incorporation date: July 2025

This contract has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 825694 - MICROB-PREDICT

How to apply:

All applications must be made via the ICN2 website and include the following:

Deadline for applications: 01/07/2025

Equal opportunities:

ICN2 is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion of people with disabilities.

ICN2 is following the procedure for contract of people with disabilities according with article 59 of the Royal Decree 1/2015, of 30 of October.