Biology Lab Research Support Technician

The Institute of Photonic Sciences (ICFO); Castelldefels; On-site; EUR 28,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

ICFO – The Institute of Photonic Sciences in Castelldefels is seeking a Biology Lab Research Support Technician to join its Biology Lab. The role focuses on operating and organizing laboratory spaces while providing essential support to researchers.

You will manage inventories, assist in purchasing and safety training, prepare media and reagents, and help maintain cell lines, model organisms and samples for high‑level biology work in an international environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences required.
• Official credential to work with living animals (RD 53/2013) required.
• Minimum 2+ years of experience in a similar position, preferably in an international research/academic environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist in registration, control and maintenance of the inventory of biological samples (mammalian cells, microorganisms, worms, model organisms, antibodies, etc.).
• Assist in purchasing process, registration, supervision and maintenance of the inventory of laboratory consumables, media, reagents and chemicals, safeguarding their correct handling and storage.
• Organization and service of laboratory equipment as well as glassware and plastic items.
• Handling and management of biological and chemical waste generated in the Unit.
• Assist with ongoing safety and biosafety training for Biology Lab users.
• Assist with training on the use of equipment, handling of biological samples and chemicals.
• Development and implementation of routine protocols for correct handling and disposal of waste.
• Perform routine culture and maintenance of mammalian cell lines, microorganisms and model organisms.
• Perform routine breeding tasks and basic research procedures involving living animals.
• Prepare samples for high-resolution microscopy and nanoscopy techniques.
• Perform routine tasks related to culture, handling and storage of C. elegans and other model organisms.

Skills

Lab techniques

Animal handling

Cell culture

Microscopy

Biochemical methods

Molecular biology

Biosafety

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences

Official credential to work with experimental living animals (RD 53/2013)

Job description

ICFO – The Institute of Photonic Sciences is a world-leading research center devoted to advancing the science and technologies of light. Based in Castelldefels, Barcelona, ICFO combines frontier research, education, innovation and technology transfer to generate scientific and societal impact.

Over the past two decades, ICFO has established itself as an internationally recognized center of excellence and a global reference in photonics. Today, with a highly international community of around 500 employees representing more than 70 nationalities, ICFO continues its institutional development aimed at strengthening scientific excellence, organizational effectiveness and long‑term impact.

As a public research institution, ICFO is governed by a Board of Trustees and led by an Executive Leadership comprising the Director and the Managing Director, who are responsible for the scientific, strategic and operational development of the Institute.

ICFO is seeking a Biology Lab Research Support Technician to join its Biology Lab.

Position Overview

The main responsibilities of the Biology Lab Technician will have two components:

• operation and organization of the Laboratories and common areas of the Unit, and
  
• provide support to the research activity of Lab users.

Key Responsibilities

The main responsibilities for this position include (but are not limited to) the following:

1. Supporting tasks in the management of the Facility:

• Assist in the registration, control and maintenance of the inventory of biological samples (mammalian cells, microorganisms, worms, model organisms, antibodies, etc.) of the Unit.
  
• Assist in the purchasing process, registration, supervision and maintenance of the inventory of laboratory consumables, media, reagents and chemicals, safeguarding their correct handling and storage.
  
• Organization and service of laboratory equipment as well as the glassware and plastic items.
  
• Handling and management of the biological and chemical waste generated in the Unit.
  
• Assist with the permanent training activities to Biology Lab users regarding safety and biosafety regulations.
  
• Assist with the permanent training activities regarding the use of equipment, handling of biological samples and chemicals,
  
• Development, implementation and vigilance of routine protocols oriented to ensuring the correct handling and disposal of biological and chemical waste generated in the Lab.
• Perform routine culture and maintenance of mammalian cell lines, microorganisms and other model organisms.
  
• Perform routine breeding tasks and basic research procedures involving living animals.
  
• Assist in tasks related to the preparation and sterilization of culture media, buffers, reagents and additives.
  
• Perform routine protocols of classic and last generation biochemistry and molecular biology techniques for cloning, extraction, purification and characterization of DNA and proteins.
  
• Preparation of samples for high-resolution microscopy and nanoscopy techniques.
  
• Perform routine tasks related to the culture, handling and storage of C. elegans and other model organisms.

Essential Qualifications

• Minimum bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences (Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology or similar).
  
• Updated official credential to work with experimental living animals (Projects and Procedures Design Function. RD 53/2013).
  
• Minimum 2+ year experience in a similar position, preferably in an international research and/or academic environment.

Desired Qualifications

• Hands‑on experience in classical and last generation biochemistry and molecular biology techniques.
  
• Hands‑on experience in microorganisms and mammalian cell culture techniques.
  
• Hands‑on experience in model organisms (mainly C. elegans) culture and handling.
  
• Hands‑on experience in preparation of biological samples for microscopy and nanoscopy techniques.
  
• Experience in breeding and handling living animals, as well as experience in performing basic procedures involving living animals (euthanasia, surgery, dissection, etc.)

The successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Service orientation, initiative, proactivity, attention to detail, organizational commitment, and teamwork mentality.
  
• Strong organizational, planning and problem‑solving skills.
  
• Ability to work in a fast‑evolving international research environment.