Predoctoral researcher (Therapeutics and innovations in neuropediatrics and other paediatric rare diseases (tin-rd) group)

The group aim is to promote the implementation of advanced therapies and innovative therapies of high technological complexity in pediatric rare diseases, specifically in Neurological ultra-rare diseases that impact the motor development of children and adolescents.
The group aims to promote precision diagnosis and precision medicine in children with severe impairment in motor development in order to improve quality of life from early life. We focus our research in three main objectives: (1) to perform a precise genetic diagnosis of ultra-rare diseases causing disorders of motor development in childhood and adolescence; (2) to develop programs for a personalized medicine according to the clinical phenotype and genetic background of our patients; (3) to analyze digital and imaging biomarkers that predict best outcomes and select best candidates for the different therapies offered by the group.
In this call, we offer a PhD Student position to study the molecular basis of SGCE myoclonus dystonia. Our group has been collecting a cohort of patients affected by this disorder and we have developed a mice model for the disease. The project will focus on studying the molecular mechanisms underlying the disease through analyzing expression, methylation and location of SGCE in different tissues of mice and human. Also, clinical research will be done in order to study genotype-phenotype correlations and treatment response variability.

Education and qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree and Master in Biosciences related field
• Good academic records
• Good communication skills in English and Spanish
• Animal Testing and Research certification

Desired:

• Experience in clinical and/or basic research in biomedicine.
• Experience in neurosciences

Experience and knowledge:

Required:

• Experience working in common molecular techniques
• Experience working with disease mice models

• Experience in genetic analysis
• Experience in handling human biological samples

Desired:

• Strong training or hand-on experience in biostatistics and/or data mining
• Experience in management of databases

• Experience in cell culture

 

Main responsibilities and duties:

• Management of SCGE mice model colony.
• Handling, processing and storage of biological samples and associated data.
• Routine and non-routine experiments which will include molecular analysis utilizing standard techniques (DNA and RNA extraction, PCR, methylation assays), and histology and cell culture experiments.
• Collaborate with administrative and laboratory management tasks.

 

Labour conditions:

• Full-time position: 40 hours per week.
• Starting date: April 2025
• Gross annual salary: 19.479,01€ 
• 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.

Deadline to apply: 04-03-2025

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.