Senior Spatial Omics Technician (Ref. CF/25/11)

IRB Barcelona is seeking a highly skilled Senior Spatial Omics Technician to support the activities of its newly established Spatial Omics platform. The platform provides IRB researchers with cutting-edge technologies that integrate histological techniques, spatial profiling, and advanced molecular analysis to map gene and protein expression within tissue architecture. Operating as a cross-facility platform, the Spatial Omics service aims to accelerate scientific discovery by offering high-quality sample preparation, rigorous quality control, and expert technical support.

We are looking for a highly motivated individual who is eager to contribute to a service-oriented environment, bringing strong technical and organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively within a dynamic team.

This role represents a great opportunity for an experienced candidate to contribute from the get-go to the success of this rapidly growing area of technology, participate in the development of cutting-edge spatial workflows, and build strong collaborations with multiple scientific platforms across the institute.

Key responsibilities: 

• Perform and oversee sample preparation for spatial omics and other related applications, including tissue handling, embedding, sectioning, and preparation of slides for spatial transcriptomics, spatial proteomics and related workflows.

• Carry out histological and morphological quality control to ensure sample integrity and suitability for downstream spatial approaches.

• Coordinate with partner platforms to streamline sample transfer, workflow scheduling, and project execution.

• Provide technical support, guidance, and troubleshooting to researchers using spatial omics technologies.

• Maintain accurate documentation of sample processing, QC results, and workflow steps.

• Manage consumables, reagents, and equipment associated with spatial workflows to ensure operational readiness.

• Contribute to method optimization and implementation of new spatial technologies as they are adopted by the platform.

• Ensure adherence to good laboratory practices and support general lab organization and administrative tasks.

You have:

• Higher education, preferably University Degree in a relevant scientific field.

• Significant hands-on experience (≥3–5 years) in histology, tissue processing, or spatial omics workflows.

• Proficiency in tissue embedding, cryosectioning, paraffin sectioning, staining, and morphological QC.

• Strong organizational skills, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple ongoing projects.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a service-oriented mindset.

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multi-platform environment.

• Good IT skills (Windows/Office) and familiarity with digital documentation systems.

You might also have:

• Experience with spatial omics platforms such as 10x Visium/Xenium, Nanostring GeoMx/CosMx, Stereo-seq, or MALDI-imaging.

• Experience coordinating multi-step workflows involving multiple core facilities or research teams.

• Knowledge of image-based QC, digital pathology tools, or imaging analysis pipelines.

• Prior experience in multi-user scientific platforms or service units.

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: This position is offered as a 1-year contract, with the possibility of extension based on operational needs.

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: we are home to nearly 500 researchers, technical and support staff from 45 cou