Postdoctoral Fellow - Population Neuroscience 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, and the selected candidate will join the Population Neuroscience Group. 
This Group, co-directed by Drs. Paus and Pausova, works on genetic and environmental factors shaping the human brain across the lifespan. Ultimately, we wish to identify key processes necessary for building resilience to brain disease. We use a combination of approaches applied to large datasets, including neuroimaging (multi-modal MRI), multi-omics (e.g., genomics and metabolomics), and geospatial mapping of area-level environment. To facilitate the neurobiological interpretation of MRI-based metrics, we employ virtual histology (spatial correlation between gene expression and cortical phenotypes). To validate findings obtained in cohort studies, we use ex vivo (e.g., brain organoids) and in vivo (e.g., mice) experimental models. Our Group collaborates with colleagues based in two international consortia: CHARGE and ENIGMA. Our research takes place in both Barcelona, Spain and Montreal, Canada – with a dedicated team of students and fellows at both locations, and opportunities for reciprocal visits between the two sites.

Main Responsibilities

•  Conduct research on genetic, molecular and neuroimaging factors shaping the human cerebral cortex across the lifespan.
• Analyse large population datasets (e.g., CHARGE, ENIGMA), integrating multimodal MRI with genomic and transcriptomic data.
• Lead projects on neuronal cytoskeleton and cortical atrophy and on cannabis use and the aging brain.
• Apply virtual histology approaches to link MRI phenotypes with spatial gene-expression patterns.
•  Contribute to multi-omics analyses related to the endocannabinoid system in development and aging.
• Collaborate with colleagues in Barcelona and Montreal and with international consortia.
• Support the interpretation and validation of findings (e.g., organoids, mouse models, with collaborators).
•  Prepare scientific manuscripts and present results in meetings and conferences.
• Contribute to group activities and mentor junior team members.
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Qualifications and experience

•  PhD in Neuroscience, Biomedical Sciences, Genetics, Bioinformatics or a related field.
• Experience analysing genomic and/or transcriptomic data, ideally in human brain research.
• Knowledge of neuroimaging methods (e.g., multimodal MRI) and basic neuroanatomy.
• Familiarity with the endocannabinoid system and its role in brain development or aging (preferred).
• Experience working with large population cohorts or international consortia (e.g., CHARGE, ENIGMA) is an advantage.
• Solid publication record and experience presenting scientific results.
• Previous work in multidisciplinary or multi-site research teams is an asset.

Personal Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Capacity to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines
• Clear and effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proactive attitude, scientific curiosity, and willingness to learn new methods.
• Ability to work in an international, multicultural research setting.

We offer

●    Starting date: Immediately.     
●    1-year position, renewable up to 3 years depending on performance and funding availability
●    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. 
●    Hybrid work model (on-site + teleworking)     

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: Population Neuroscience Data Scientist

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