The Pneumology Research Group at Vall d’Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR) is seeking a Predoctoral Researcher to join its Lung Transplantation Program. The multidisciplinary team is composed of clinicians and scientists whose main objective is to improve long-term survival of lung transplant patients through cutting-edge translational research. The group focuses on identifying non-invasive biomarkers for early detection of chronic allograft dysfunction and developing personalized immunosuppressive strategies that minimize side effects and toxicity. Chronic Lung Allograft Dysfunction (CLAD) is the main barrier to long-term survival in lung transplant recipients.

The selected candidate will work primarily on the research study “Non-Invasive Biomarkers of Chronic Allograft Dysfunction After Lung Transplantation” (CYTOCLAD). The goal of this study is to identify blood-based biomarkers that allow early detection of CLAD. It is hypothesized that biomarker profiles differ between stable patients and those with newly diagnosed or established CLAD, and that these differences persist over time.

Education and qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor´s and master´s degree in Biosciences (Biology, Immunology, Biotechnology, or related disciplines).
  
  

Desired:

• Fluency in Catalan, Spanish, English (business level).
  
  

Experience and knowledge:

Required:

• Previous experience performing cell culture techniques.
• Laboratory experience with flow cytometry.
• Experience in research related to lung transplantation.
• Strong sense of responsibility, initiative, self-motivation and team work abilities.
  
  

Desired:

• Previous experience with miRNA analysis or studies.
• Experience with Excel and data entry in REDCap or other electronic data collection systems.
• Familiarity with FlowJo or similar software for analyzing flow cytometry data.
• Strong ability to work independently and manage projects autonomously.
  
  

Main responsibilities and duties:

• Design, plan, and execute experiments for the CYTOCLAD study.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data.
• Write and submit research papers to peer-reviewed journals.
• Present research findings at conferences.
• Writing and preparing the PhD thesis based on the study results.
• Collaborate with other members of the research team and support additional projects within the research group, as needed.
• Ensure proper handling, storage, and documentation of all biospecimens and maintain laboratory quality standards.
  
  

Labour conditions:

• Full-time position: 40h/week.
• Starting date: 01/10/2025.
• Gross annual salary: 19.000€ (1st year). Salary is consistent with our Collective Agreement pay scale.
• Contract: Predoctoral.
• Duration: Up to September 30, 2029
  
  

What can we offer?

• Incorporation to Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), a public sector institution that promotes and develops the biomedical research, innovation and teaching at Vall d'Hebron University Hospital (HUVH), the biggest hospital of Barcelona and the largest of Catalan Institute of Health (ICS).
• A scientific environment of excellence, highly dynamic, where high-end biomedical projects are continuously developed.
• Continuous learning and a wide range of responsibilities within a stimulating work environment.
• Individual training opportunities.
• Flexible working hours.
• 23 days of holidays + 9 personal days.
• Flexible Remuneration Program (including dining checks, health insurance, transportation and more)
• Corporate Benefits: platform through which you can obtain significant discounts on travel, culture, technology, gastronomy, sports... among many others.
• Healthy Offering: choose from a variety of wellbeing focused activities to be the healthiest you.
  
  

Deadline to apply: 23-09-2025

VHIR embraces Equality and Diversity. As reflected in our values we work toward ensuring inclusion and equal opportunity in recruitment, hiring, training, and management for all staff within the organization, regardless of gender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, religion, age, functional diversity or ethnicity.