Research Assistant (ref. LAB/24/08)

Your Role & Our Team

The Amino Acid Transporters and Disease laboratory, led by Professor Manuel Palacín is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Research Assistant.

The successful candidate will participate in the translational project called "Development of a new biological drug that sequesters the uptake of essential amino acids to specifically deliver cytotoxic payloads in the treatment of colorectal cancer" financed by the Plan Estatal de Investigación Científica, Técnica y de Innovación-PROYECTO DE COLABORACIÓN PÚBLICO PRIVADA for 3 years (2025-7).


DUTIES:

- Conduct experimental research related to amino acid transporters, including transport activity, reconstitution, expression, purification and structure determination.

- Assist in data collection, analysis, and interpretation.

- Collaborate with senior researchers on project development.

- Maintain laboratory equipment and manage lab organization.

EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS:

Must Have – Required:

Knowledge: Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, Biomedicine, Biotechnology or a related field.

Skills:
- Strong organizational and multitasking skills.
- Attention to detail and accuracy.
- Highly motivated and collaborative person.
- Willing to keep on learning.
- Ability to work independently in a demanding research environment.

Languages: Fluent in English

Desirable:
- Master’s degree in a relevant field or 1-2 years of laboratory research experience.
- Experience in molecular biology techniques, cell culture, protein expression and purification and/or protein analysis.
- Experience in membrane proteins.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.

WORKING CONDITIONS & ENTITLEMENTS:

- Deep training in membrane proteins including functional and protein structure determination.

- Collaborating closely with pharmaceutical companies in a multidisciplinary team to drive cutting-edge research and innovation.

- To be a part a part of something meaningful: We are a biomedical research center that tirelessly works to achieve a society free of diseases. Our mission is to carry out research of excellence to cure cancer and other diseases linked to ageing.

- Good Working conditions: Temporary contract linked to a research project. Employed in compliance with Spanish legislation and regulations under a full-time contract. Employees receive the benefits of the Spanish Social Security system covering sickness, maternity/paternity leave and injuries at work.

- Estimated annual gross salary: Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.

- International Environment: we are home to nearly 500 researchers, technical and support staff from 45 countries.

- Multidisciplinary Research: Research of excellence at the unique interface between biology, chemistry, and structural and computational biology.

- Continuous Training: Transversal and general training is offered to our community (examples include research seminars, conferences, training in time management, scientific integrity, gender equality, health and safety, languages courses and emotional wellbeing).

- Relocation & Visa Assistance: Trained staff provides support on visa paperwork, administrative requirements, and practical information on living and working in Barcelona, etc.

- Social Life: We like to have fun. We promote several activities, like a Football League, an annual skiing trip, a Mountaineering Club, a Running Club and "Cool-off sessions", where members meet informally for drinks, snacks and scientific discussions.

- Fairness: Our recruitment is open, transparent and merit-based, and all applicants compete on the same terms. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, nationality, ethnic origin or disability.