Postdoctoral Fellow – Brain Disorders Models Research Group

About the employer

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 describe the rights and responsibilities of researchers and their employers, and contributes to the creation of a transparent, attractive and open ecosystem at international level.

Pasqual Maragall Foundation, Pompeu Fabra University and “la Caixa” Foundation are permanent members of the BBRC Board. The center is affiliated 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 3T MR 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 see: www.fpmaragall.org and www.barcelonabeta.org

About the job

BBRC is looking for a Postdoctoral Fellow. This is a full-time position for the Brain Disorders Models Research Group, led by the Dr Sandra Acosta.
The researcher will be identifying novel biomarkers leveraging the use of brain organoids derived from iPSC, based on multiomics analysis. Benchmarking of the novel identified markers will be performed in close collaboration with Dr. Marta del Campo, Head of Fluid Biomarkers Facility and the use of proteomics.

Main Responsibilities

The Postdoctoral Researcher will play an active role in advancing the scientific objectives of the Research Group on Neurological Disease Models, contributing to ongoing projects focused on the study of molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases.

Key responsibilities include:
 

• Experimental research: Design, execute, and analyze in vitro and in vivo experiments related to neurodegenerative disease models, contributing to the development and characterization of new experimental paradigms.
• Data analysis and interpretation: Collect, process, and interpret complex biological data using appropriate statistical and analytical methods.
• Scientific dissemination: Prepare scientific manuscripts, reports, and presentations for internal meetings, conferences, and peer-reviewed publications.
• Collaboration and mentorship: Work closely with other researchers and technicians in the group, fostering an open and collaborative research environment, and provide guidance to junior team members or students when required
• Project management: Contribute to the planning, coordination, and documentation of project activities, ensuring adherence to research timelines and quality standards.
• Compliance and ethics: Ensure that all research activities comply with institutional, ethical, and safety guidelines.
• Innovation and development: Actively participate in the identification of new research directions, methods, or technologies relevant to the group’s strategic objectives.

Qualifications and experience 

• PhD in Neurosciences, Biomedical Sciences, or a related discipline.
• Proven research experience in neurodegenerative disease models, particularly in molecular and/or cellular mechanisms.
• Solid background in cell culture, ideally brain organoids or iPSC derived models, molecular biology techniques, proteomics techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to design, conduct, and analyze experiments independently.
• Experience with data analysis software and statistical tools (e.g. GraphPad Prism, R, Python, or equivalent).
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals relevant to the field.

Personal Skills

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with attention to scientific rigor and detail.
• Excellent organizational and time management abilities.
• Team-oriented attitude, with the ability to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Proactive, adaptable, and capable of working independently while contributing to shared objectives.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to present scientific results clearly (both written and oral).
• Commitment to research integrity, quality, and continuous learning.
• Proficiency in English (both spoken and written); knowledge of Spanish or Catalan will be an advantage.

We offer

•  Starting date: April 2026.     
• Contract: Temporary, one-year appointment
• Full-time position, 38 hours/week.
• Salary will depend on experience and will be in accordance with BBRC’s salary scales.
• The Foundation offers an extended vacation period and the possibility of benefit from flexible working hours.

We offer a unique research opportunity in a highly innovative project in a multidisciplinary institution, promoting a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applicants regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity.     
In the BBRC we also care about developing your professional abilities and career. We evaluate the potential of our team in order to develop the skills necessary to achieve a high level of professional performance.      

Application process

To apply, please submit a single PDF file containing the following:
1)    Cover letter addressed describing research interests and relevant background
2)    CV
3)    The names of up to three individuals who could provide reference letters. All files or inquiries should be submitted electronically to: talent@barcelonabeta.org 

Subject: Postdoctoral Fellow_ Brain Disorders Models Research Group
 

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