Job Description
The selected candidate will join the Grup de Recerca Neuromuscular de Badalona (GRENBA), an interdisciplinary team at the IGTP. GRENBA combines clinical, experimental, and computational approaches to advance research on rare neuromuscular diseases, with a particular focus on myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1). The fellow will contribute to our research program analyzing biological samples from DM1 patients enrolled in the DM1-Hub, Spain's national patient registry. At GRENBA, we apply long‑read sequencing technologies to investigate the repetitive region associated with DM1, and we use bioinformatics and biostatistics to refine patient stratification and deepen understanding of disease pathophysiology. In addition, the candidate will design and implement innovative transcriptomic and metabolomic methodologies and multi‑omics integration approaches to uncover novel mechanisms underlying DM1 and related neuromuscular disorders.
Responsibilities
* Study patient samples through long‑read sequencing, focusing on characterization of the DMPK region (expansion, variants, epigenetics, mosaicism).
* Integrate multi‑omics data, including transcriptomic and metabolomic datasets, to investigate disease mechanisms and identify potential biomarkers.
* Develop proteomic protocols through ELISA and Western Blot for biomarker validation.
* Develop cell lines from patient samples for biomarker validation and preclinical drug testing.
* Maintain accurate experimental records and document results in a reproducible format.
* Collaborate with clinical and experimental teams to ensure translational relevance of the findings.
* Prepare scientific publications, conference presentations, and reports derived from the project outcome.
Qualifications
* MSc (or equivalent) in Genetics, Biotechnology, Biomedicine, Biochemistry, Biology, Health Sciences, or closely related field.
* Minimum average grade of the undergraduate studies or equivalent degree equal to or greater than 8.5 (scale 0‑10).
* Competencies and skills: Communication, teamwork and collaboration, commitment, proactivity, integrity, critical and analytical thinking.
* High level of Spanish and English, written and spoken. Catalan is a plus.
Additional qualifications (Advantageous)
* Hands‑on experience with wet laboratory techniques, long‑read sequencing, NGS, PCR, genomics, proteomics, and/or transcriptomics.
* Experience in cell and tissue culture, aseptic techniques and sterile laboratory practices.
* Scientific writing and presentation skills, as evidenced by peer‑reviewed publications and conference contributions.
* International experience.
Benefits
* Pre‑doctoral contract with FPU‑2026, FI‑AGAUR‑2026 or similar grant.
* Full‑time contract (1628 h/year).
* Flexible payment (child‑minding vouchers + restaurant ticket).
* 23 days holiday and 5 days for personal matters plus 2 days for Easter and 2 days for Christmas (pro‑rated based on contract).
* Training capsules by the company.
* Be part of an excellent multidisciplinary research centre with the HRS4R badge.
* Location on the Can Ruti Campus, a first‑class translational research environment in the Barcelona area, with a supportive, friendly and collaborative ecosystem.
How to apply
* Compliance with the FPU 2026 and FI‑AGAUR Pre‑doctoral Fellowships 2026 eligibility criteria set by the calls: hold a bachelor’s or university degree with at least 300 ECTS credits and a university master’s degree, or an equivalent qualification, completed at the time of application.
* At the time of applying, candidates may not have received in previous calls any aid for recruitment of predoctoral research personnel in training (FI or FPU) or any grant for recruitment of predoctoral research staff in the departments of universities of the Catalonia university system.
* Nationality: Any.
* Attachment requirements: motivation letter, updated CV, contact of 2‑3 references.
* Application will be evaluated: curricular evaluation of the CV, personal interview, and compliance with the selection criteria. Applications not meeting the requirements will not be considered.
About Us
The Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP) is a public research centre located in Badalona. Its main objective is to increase scientific knowledge in order to transform it into solutions to improve health and medical care of patients and the community.
The Institute is associated with the Germans Trias i Pujol Hospital and is part of the Can Ruti biomedical campus. IGTP is a CERCA centre and is accredited as a centre of excellence by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III. IGTP coordinates scientific strategy of the campus, working closely with other centres.
IGTP conducts research within nine areas:
* Cancer
* Cardiovascular and Respiratory Diseases
* Diseases of the Liver and Digestive Tract
* Endocrine and Diseases of the Metabolism, Bones and Kidneys
* Immunology and Inflammation
* Infectious Diseases
* Neuroscience
* Science of Behaviour and Substance Abuse
Scientists publish an average of over 900 papers a year and contribute to patents and spin‑off companies. The IGTP offers a supportive, friendly and collaborative ecosystem to promote professional development.
In its commitment to equal opportunities, the IGTP guarantees equal treatment between candidates and persons with a degree of disability equal to or greater than 33 per 100, as accredited by the Spanish Autonomous Regions or the State Administration, or who have been declared to have a total permanent disability, while retaining functional capacity for the completion of the tasks of the post will be positively considered.
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