Head of the Fluid Biomarkers Facility (Interim 9-12 months)
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 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 see: www.fpmaragall.org and www.barcelonabeta.org
About the project
The Fluid Biomarkers Facility offers fluid biomarkers measurements and research support, in collaboration with the “Fluid Biomarkers and Translational Neurology Research Group” (Group Leader: Marc Suárez-Calvet), to researchers at the PRBB, other academic or research institutions, health centers and industry. We promote intense collaborations with all relevant stakeholders, both international and local, public and private, to accelerate research in AD and neurodegeneration.
The facility performs existing biomarkers assays in cerebrospinal fluid and blood, but also investigates other matrices from human fluids (e.g., saliva, urine) and experimental models (e.g., cell supernatant, cell lysates). Blood biomarkers is a priority of the facility as BBRC has the goal to become a reference lab in blood biomarkers for AD and other neurological diseases.
The Biomarkers Facility works also towards the development, validation and implementation of novel fluid biomarkers that improve the diagnosis of AD and other age-related neurodegenerative diseases in their earliest stages, detecting susceptible subjects, determining their prognosis, monitoring disease progression and treatment effectiveness, or using them as surrogate markers in clinical trials. The Biomarkers Facility thus addresses the whole biomarker development workflow, from identification of candidate biomarkers to assay development, to clinical implementation. We envision producing a better understanding of neurodegenerative disease but also providing biomarkers that are relevant for clinical purposes.
The Facility is equipped with the most advanced ultrasensitive biomarker platforms. It also aims to incorporate cutting-edge technologies to perform high-multiplex, high-throughput protein biomarker measurements (e.g., OLink).
About the job
The Barcelonaβeta Brain Research Center (BBRC) seeks a Biomarkers Facility Head to cover a maternity leave for a period of 9-12 months.
The Facility Head supervises the optimal running of the facility following established quality control measures and guaranteeing optimal performance of biomarker projects. The Facility Head also seeks and implements novel technologies that can improve any stage of the fluid biomarker workflow; and develops a sustainable financial model of the facility, based on user fees, grants, and other income.
The Facility Head is a faculty member, and so the Head is expected to carry out his/her own research projects, with the requirement of them being related to the facility and its development. As a researcher, the Facility Head benefits from established lines of research and technical capacities and their training in biochemistry allow us to further exploit the biosamples in our biobanks.
Required qualifications and experience
- Degree in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Biology, Pharmacy, Neuroscience or related degrees. PhD preferred.
- Research experience in Biomarkers.
- Research experience in Neurodegenerative diseases.
- Experience in Human samples handling and processing.
- Proficiency required in a range of protein assays, including Western blots, immunoassays, and protein preparations.
- Proficiency in ultrasensitive platforms (e.g., Simoa, MSD).
- Experience managing a team of professionals.
Desirable experience and skills
- Experience in high-multiplex, high-throughput protein biomarker measurements (e.g., OLink, SOMAscan).
- Experience in mass spectrometry
- Background in data science, biostatistics and/or bioinformatics.
- Knowledge in the regulatory aspects of biomarkers.
- Experience in the design of clinical trials.
- Experience in coordination of scientific consortium.
We offer
- Starting date: Immediately
- Part-time position 70% dedication: 26,6 hours weekly.
- Salary will depend on experience and will be in accordance to BBRC’s salary scales
- Hybrid working model (on-site + teleworking).
- The Foundation offers an extended vacation period and the possibility of benefit from flexible working hours.
- Join a team of highly specialized staff and a fully equipped facility.
We offer and promote a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applicants regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity.
In the foundation we also care about developing your professional career so you will participate in internal and specific training for your job, promotion opportunities and development of your professional career.
Application process
To apply, please submit a single PDF file containing the following:
- Cover letter addressed describing research interests and relevant background
- CV
- The names of up to three individuals who could provide reference letters. All files or inquiries should be submitted electronically to: talent@barcelonabeta.org
