Postdoctoral Fellow (Ref. PD/26/12) at IRB Barcelona · Barcelona

IRB Barcelona seeks an enthusiastic Postdoctoral Fellow to join our Molecular Modelling and Bioinformatics.

Our research focuses on the study of molecular recognition processes of biological significance from methodological and application points of view. The main subjects addressed are the structure of non-standard nucleic acids, the dynamic properties of macromolecules, and protein-ligand and protein-protein recognition.

This position is funded by the European Union under the Horizon Europe programme through the project MD4SB - Molecular Dynamics for Structure-based Biology (Grant Agreement No. 101292906) https://doi.org/10.3030/101292906

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

We are looking for a candidate to work on coarse-grained simulations of disordered proteins (IDPs) and large nucleic acid structures, as well as on the development of trajectory compression techniques using deep learning methods.

YOU HAVE

• PhD in Chemistry, Biotechnology, Structural Biology, or a related field.
• Experience in molecular modelling, molecular dynamics simulations, and biomolecular data analysis.
• Proficiency with Molecular dynamics simulations packages (AMBER, GROMACS)
• Experience working in Linux-based high-performance computing environments.
• Proficiency in scientific programming and scripting languages, particularly Python and Bash.
• Demonstrated ability to design and conduct computational and experimental research independently.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and data interpretation skills.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
• Scientific writing experience, including peer-reviewed publications and grant applications.
• Proficiency in English and ability to work independently in a demanding research environment.

YOU MIGHT ALSO HAVE

• Structural bioinformatics AI tools (AlphaFold2 and related).
• High-performance computing (HPC) environments.
• Experience with Machine learning and/or Deep learning methods.
• Experience with proteins with disordered regions (IDPs).
• Hands-on experience in molecular biology, protein expression and purification, NMR spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography.

WHAT WE OFFER:

To be a part a part of something meaningful: We are a biomedical research centre 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: 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.

Competitive salary: commensurate with experience and qualifications.

International Environment: Nearly 90 Postdoctoral researchers (more than a half non-Spanish nationals) are currently working at IRB Barcelona.

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

Training and Career: Postdoctoral researchers joining IRB Barcelona gain access to the Institute’s advanced research training and career development opportunities, all within in a competitive international environment. Courses and workshops on themes of particular interest to postdocs are offered regularly by the Institute.

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, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, nationality, ethnic origin or disability.

HOW TO APPLY & SELECTION PROCESS:

• Deadline for applications: 01/09/2026 (If no suitable candidate is found, the deadline will be extended)

• Number of positions available: 1

• Selection process:

  • Pre-selection: Will be based on CV, motivation letter & experience.

  • Interviews: Short-listed candidates will be interviewed.

  • Job offer: Will be sent to the successful candidate after the interview.

IRB BARCELONA endorses the Requirements and Principles of the European Charter for Researchers, the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers, and Open, Transparent, Merit-based recruitment promoted by the European Commission and follows Equal Opportunities policies.

On 9 December, 2014, IRB Barcelona was awarded the "HR Excellence in Research" logo. This recognition reflects the commitment of the Institute to the continuous improvement of its human resources policies in line with the Charter & Code. The Institute works to ensure fair and transparent recruitment and appraisal procedures.

Please check our Recruitment Policy.

Note: The strengths and weaknesses of the applications will be provided upon request.

ABOUT IRB BARCELONA,

Created in 2005 by the Generalitat de Catalunya (Government of Catalonia) and the University of Barcelona, IRB Barcelona is a Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence—a seal that was awarded in 2011.

The institute is devoted to conducting research of excellence in biomedicine and to transferring results to clinical practice, thus improving people’s quality of life, while simultaneously promoting the training of outstanding researchers, technology transfer, and public communication of science. Its 27 laboratories and 9 core facilities address basic questions in biology and are orientated to diseases such as cancer, metastasis, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and rare conditions.

IRB Barcelona is an international centre that hosts 500 members and 45 nationalities. It is located in the Barcelona Science Park. IRB Barcelona forms part of the Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST) and the “Xarxa de Centres de Recerca de Catalunya” (CERCA).