Research Technician (Musculoskeletal tissue engineering)

VHIR offers a position for a Research Technician to join a collaborative project in the context of our group's scientific contribution to the Spanish network: VHIR-BST-IQS a la xarxa RICORS-TERAV+ in Advanced Therapies.

Gene therapy for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) has emerged as one of the most promising strategies to restore or replace the function of the defective dystrophin gene. However, current therapeutic approaches mainly target skeletal muscle, while the cardiac dysfunction associated with DMD remains one of the leading causes of mortality. This project focuses on developing a gene delivery system specifically directed to the heart, capable of transferring therapeutic genetic material efficiently and safely to cardiomyocytes.

The project combines viral and non-viral vectors, exploring the use of polymeric coatings (poly(β-amino esters), pBAEs) to enhance vector specificity, stability, and immune evasion. Functionalization with cardiac-targeting peptides (CTP) will allow selective delivery to cardiac tissue, aiming to improve cardiac function and overall survival in DMD patients.

Education and qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree and MSc in Biology, Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry or related disciplines
• Fluency in Catalan, Spanish and English (CAE C1 Advanced)

Experience and knowledge:

Required:

• Laboratory experience in nanomaterials, polymer synthesis or molecular biology
• Motivation to work in a multidisciplinary and translational research project at the interface of biomaterials, nanomedicine, and gene therapy
• Experience in cell culture, microscopy, or biophysical characterization techniques (DLS, NMR, FTIR)

Desired:

• Good communication skills
• Strong sense of responsibility, initiative, resourcefulness, self-motivation, teamwork and social skills

Main responsibilities and duties:

• The selected candidate will work in close collaboration with the Bioengineering and Materials Engineering Group (GEMAT) at the Institut Químic de Sarrià (IQS), Universitat Ramon Llull, supporting the research line on nanomedicine and gene therapy for rare diseases.
• The successful candidate will:
  • Participate in the design, synthesis and physicochemical characterization of polymeric coatings for viral and non-viral gene vectors.
  • Perform DLS, NMR, FTIR and microscopy analyses to determine nanoparticle size, stability, and morphology.
  • Assist in cell culture experiments (human cardiomyocytes and primary cardiac cells) for in vitro transfection and toxicity studies.
  • Support the evaluation of vector biodistribution and efficiency in 3D cardiac tissue models and animal models.
  • Collaborate closely with researchers, PhD students, and external partners to ensure smooth project execution and data collection.

Labour conditions:

• Full-time position: 40h/week
• Starting date: 7th January, 2025
• Gross annual salary: 22.823,22 euros (Salary ranges are consistent with our Collective Agreement pay scale)
• Contract: Technical and scientific activities contract linked to the project activities

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.
• International Mobility Support (Welcome Services): We aim to make your arrival in Barcelona smooth and pleasant by providing city information, guidance on required procedures, access to the International Welcome Desk, family recommendations, and support in finding accommodation

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