Phd student position in the Population Neuroscience Group at the Barcelonaβeta Brain Research Center

Context

The Barcelonaβeta Brain Research Center (BBRC) is a research center dedicated to the prevention of Alzheimer's disease and the study of cognitive functions affected in healthy and pathological aging. It was created in 2012 by the Pasqual Maragall Foundation, with the support of the Pompeu Fabra University.

The mission of the BBRC is to provide innovative solutions to decipher and prevent biological changes and cognitive dysfunction associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Due to the aging of the world population, these diseases constitute a global challenge, since for example, dementia can reach epidemic levels in 2050, with a forecast of more than 150 million people affected, if is not found a way to prevent its appearance and development.

The BBRC received the HR Excellence in Research award (HRS4R) granted by the European Commission; a recognition that shows its adherence to the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Research Staff. The center offers a stimulating and favorable working environment in accordance with the Charter and Code, which describes the rights and responsibilities of researchers and their employers, and contributes to the creation of a transparent, attractive and open ecosystem at an international level.

Pasqual Maragall Foundation, Pompeu Fabra University and “la Caixa” Foundation are permanent members of the BBRC Board. The center is affiliated with and located in the Ciutadella Campus of the Pompeu Fabra University of Barcelona, in a building inaugurated in 2016. The BBRC headquarters has excellent technical facilities, including a 3TMR scanner dedicated to research, and spaces for conducting Clinical Trials and EEG. State-of-the-art scientific facilities, effective management and continuous high-standard peer-review evaluation are the BBRC core proceedings to ensure achieving world-class research results.

BBRC is also part of the Barcelona Biomedical Research Park (PRBB), a large research facility that hosts other seven different research institutions related to biomedical research, including the Center for Genomic Regulation (CRG), the Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), the Department of Experimental and Health Sciences of the Pompeu Fabra University (CEXS-UPF), the Institute of Evolutionary Biology (IBE CSIC-UPF), the Barcelona Institute of Global Health (ISGlobal) and the Barcelona site of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), among others, in a multidisciplinary, collaborative and stimulating international environment in close contact with a clinical setting, thus conducive to translational research. 

For more information, visit our web pages: www.fpmaragall.org i www.barcelonabeta.org

About the project

The successful candidate will join the Population Neuroscience Group, led by Dr. Tomas Paus and Dr. Zdenka Pausova, whose research focuses on understanding the mechanisms underlying vulnerability and resilience to adversity with regard to brain health.

The group integrates neuroimaging, epidemiology and genetics to investigate how genetic and environmental factors influence brain development, maturation and healthy ageing.

The PhD project offers the opportunity to contribute to innovative research within an international, multidisciplinary environment at the Barcelonaβeta Brain Research Center.

About the job

BBRC is looking for a full-time PhD Student to participate in studies aimed at uncovering mechanisms underlying vulnerability and resilience to adversity with regard to brain health.

The successful candidate will join the Population Neuroscience Group and will contribute to ongoing research projects combining neuroimaging, epidemiology and genetics, while developing their doctoral research within a highly collaborative scientific environment.

Responsibilities

The responsibilities for this position include:

Participate in the acquisition, analysis, writing and publication of research results.
Contribute to ongoing and new research projects by providing scientific and/or clinical support.
Prepare internal project reports, scientific presentations and manuscripts for publication.
Present research findings at scientific meetings and conferences.
Participate in regular internal meetings and external collaborations.
Collaborate with other members of the research group in the development of scientific activities.

Required qualifications, competences and technical skills

MSc degree in Neuroscience, Epidemiology, Genetics or a related discipline.
Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
Ability to work collaboratively while maintaining a high degree of autonomy.
Highly motivated, organized and proactive attitude.
Interest in brain development and/or healthy ageing.
Previous experience in neuroimaging, epidemiology or genetics research.
Interest in multidisciplinary research environments.

Personal skills

• Team player.
• Proactive attitude.
• Flexibility to work within a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to work independently and communicate effectively.
• Interest in joining a non-profit organization with a mission of high social impact.

We offer

• Contract duration: Contract linked to the award of a doctorate.
• Estimated annual gross salary: Salary will depend on experience and will be in accordance with BBRC salary scales.
• Starting date: ASAP.
• Full-time position (38 hours/week) with flexible working hours.
• Hybrid work model (on-site + teleworking), subject to the Foundation's internal regulations.

We provide a unique research opportunity in a highly innovative project in a multidisciplinary institution and highly stimulating environment with state-of-the-art infrastructures and unique professional career development opportunities.

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

The BBRC is committed to reconciling work and family life for its employees and offers an extended holiday period together with the possibility to benefit from a hybrid working model and flexible working hours.

In the Foundation we also care about developing your professional career. You will participate in internal and job-specific training, have access to promotion opportunities and benefit from continuous professional development. We evaluate the potential of our team in order to foster the skills needed to achieve a high level of professional performance.

Selection Process
Pre-selection

The pre-selection process will be based on the qualifications, expertise and motivation reflected in the candidate's CV and cover letter. It will be merit-based.

Interview

Pre-selected candidates will be interviewed by the Principal Investigators of the Population Neuroscience Group together with members of the research team and the Human Resources Department.

Offer Letter

Once the successful candidate has been identified, the Human Resources Department will send a formal Offer Letter including the proposed starting date, salary and employment conditions.

Application procedure

To apply, please submit a single PDF file containing the following:

• Cover letter describing your research interests and relevant background.
• Curriculum Vitae.
• The names of up to three individuals who could provide reference letters.

All applications and enquiries should be submitted electronically to: talent@barcelonabeta.org

Subject: PhD Student – Population Neuroscience

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