Computational Biology Systems Researcher (R2)
Job title: Computational Biology Systems Researcher (R2)
About BSC
The Barcelona Supercomputing Center - Centro Nacional de Supercomputación (BSC-CNS) is the leading supercomputing center in Spain. It houses MareNostrum, one of the most powerful supercomputers in Europe, was a founding and hosting member of the former European HPC infrastructure PRACE (Partnership for Advanced Computing in Europe), and is now hosting entity for EuroHPC JU, the Joint Undertaking that leads large-scale investments and HPC provision in Europe. The mission of BSC is to research, develop and manage information technologies in order to facilitate scientific progress. BSC combines HPC service provision and R&D into both computer and computational science (life, earth and engineering sciences) under one roof, and currently has over 1000 staff from 60 countries.
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We are particularly interested for this role in the strengths and lived experiences of women and underrepresented groups to help us avoid perpetuating biases and oversights in science and IT research. In instances of equal merit, the incorporation of the under-represented sex will be favoured.
We promote Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, fostering an environment where each and every one of us is appreciated for who we are, regardless of our differences.
If you consider that you do not meet all the requirements, we encourage you to continue applying for the job offer. We value diversity of experiences and skills, and you could bring unique perspectives to our team.
Context And Mission
In the Life Sciences area, we are looking for a Researcher to work in the computational systems biology approaches to simulate biological models at different time-scales in the context oft the development of the PhysiCell/PhysiBoSS modelling systems(Ponce-de-Leon et al., 2023). In particular, we are interested in the development of new approaches to the simulation of different molecular networks and of different type of cells, with emphasis on genome-scale metabolic models, Boolean regulatory models and physical agent-based models, as well as the integrations of omic information to validate model predictions and developed in the context of the HPC environments at the BSC and at other HPC centres in Europe.
The Researcher will work in the construction and simulation of context-specific cell-decisions multi-scale models for predictive analysis in projects developed in collaboration with experimental groups. The specific tasks involve the development and application of bioinformatics and computational methods to integrate (epi)genomic, proteomic and transcriptomic data into predictive models powered byAI and agentic AI approaches, with an emphasis on context-specific intracellular models for personalised medicine.
The candidate will be working in close collaboration with all the different groups and departments in the context of the BSC’s Severo Ochoa which aims to boost BSC capacities to codesign hardware and software.
Key Duties
Implement efficient tools to simulate biological processes at different time scales through the integration of different modelling approaches (e.g. kinetic modelling, agent-based modelling, constraint-based modelling).
Integrate multi-omics data in the model and identify actionable patient-specific targets of therapeutic interest.
Collaborate with experimental groups, particularly those working in organoids, in the combination of modelling and experimental validation.
Design, implement and deploy workflows that use agentic AI to accelerate the the construction, prototyping, simulation and analyses of the multiscale models.
Collaborate in the preparation and presentation of scientific projects.
Follow the progress of PhD and MSc students of the department.
Co-organize sessions to disseminate the knowledge, progress, and projects of the LS department, in the shape of workshops and/or seminars.
Requirements
Education
PhD in Computer Science, Bioinformatics, Biology or similar topic, with strong background on computational biology.
Essential Knowledge and Professional Experience
Proved experience on bioinformatics and computational biology.
Strong background on computer simulation of biological processes (constraint-based, Boolean, kinetic or agent-based modelling).
Strong programming skills, in particular on C++ and Python language.
Administration level in Linux/Unix systems.
Experience in HPC.
Additional Knowledge and Professional Experience
Good communication skills (verbal and written) in English, and ability to effectively communicate technical concepts to non-experts.
Competences
Proactive and able to take the initiative when needed.
Creative thinking.
Operate independently but also being part of a collaborative team.
Conditions
The position will be located at BSC within the Life Sciences Department
We offer a full-time contract (37.5h/week), a good working environment, a highly stimulating environment with state-of-the-art infrastructure, flexible working hours, extensive training plan, restaurant tickets, private health insurance, support to the relocation procedures
Duration: Open-ended contract due to technical and scientific activities linked to the project and budget duration
Holidays: 22 days of holidays + 6 personal days + 24th and 31st of December per our collective agreement
Salary: we offer a competitive salary commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the candidate and according to the cost of living in Barcelona
Starting date: 01/05/2026 or later
Applications procedure and process
All applications must be submitted via the BSC website and contain:
A full CV in English including contact details
A cover/motivation letter with a statement of interest in English, clearly specifying for which specific area and topics the applicant wishes to be considered. Additionally, two references for further contacts must be included. Applications without this document will not be considered.
Development of the recruitment process
The selection will be carried out through a competitive examination system ("Concurso-Oposición"). The recruitment process consists of two phases:
Curriculum Analysis: Evaluation of previous experience and/or scientific history, degree, training, and other professional information relevant to the position. - 40 points
Interview phase: The highest-rated candidates at the curriculum level will be invited to the interview phase, conducted by the corresponding department and Human Resources. In this phase, technical competencies, knowledge, skills, and professional experience related to the position, as well as the required personal competencies, will be evaluated. - 60 points. A minimum of 30 points out of 60 must be obtained to be eligible for the position.
The recruitment panel will be composed of at least three people, ensuring at least 25% representation of women.
In accordance with OTM-R principles, a gender-balanced recruitment panel is formed for each vacancy at the beginning of the process. After reviewing the content of the applications, the panel will begin the interviews, with at least one technical and one administrative interview. At a minimum, a personality questionnaire as well as a technical exercise will be conducted during the process.
The panel will make a final decision, and all individuals who participated in the interview phase will receive feedback with details on the acceptance or rejection of their profile.
At BSC, we seek continuous improvement in our recruitment processes. For any suggestions or comments/complaints about our recruitment processes, please contact recruitment@bsc.es.
For more information, please follow this link.
Deadline
The vacancy will remain open until a suitable candidate has been hired. Applications will be regularly reviewed and potential candidates will be contacted.
OTM-R principles for selection processes
BSC-CNS is committed to the principles of the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers of the European Commission and the Open, Transparent and Merit-based Recruitment principles (OTM-R). This is applied for any potential candidate in all our processes, for example by creating gender-balanced recruitment panels and recognizing career breaks etc.
BSC-CNS is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We are pleased to consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or any other basis protected by applicable state or local law.