Laboratory Technician at the Nanoprobes and Nanoswitches Research Group

Somma; Barcelona; On-site; EUR 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Parental leave

Flexible working hours

23 paid holidays

Access to training catalogue

Mentoring program

Job summary

Somma is seeking a Laboratory Technician to join the Nanoprobes and Nanoswitches Group at the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia in Barcelona. This full-time position involves conducting fiber photometry research in mice under supervision. Key duties include performing surgeries and analyzing brain tissue.

Qualified candidates should hold a relevant degree and demonstrate a passion for neuroscience research. Benefits include a competitive salary, parental leave, and support for work-life balance.

Qualifications

• Degree in a relevant field is essential.
• Commitment to pursuing a PhD in neuroscience or related field.
• Research integrity and independent problem-solving attitude required.

Responsibilities

• Perform animal surgery for AAV delivery.
• Conduct fiber photometry recordings in freely-moving mice.
• Simultaneous recordings of brain signaling molecules.

Skills

Passion for neuroscience research

Excellent communication skills

Teamwork skills

Critical thinking

Fluent in English

Education

Degree in Biology, Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering or related field

Accreditation to perform experiments in laboratory mice

Tools

Matlab

Python

Job description

Introduction to the vacant position. The Nanoprobes and Nanoswitches Group at the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) is looking for a Laboratory Technician to join an international and dynamic lab under the supervision of Silvia Pittolo. This role is part of a neuroscience research project using fiber photometry in freely‑moving mice to study how antidepressant treatment alters brain neuromodulatory signals. Starting date will be 01/09/2026.

Responsibilities

• Perform animal surgery for AAV delivery
• Conduct fiber photometry recordings and behaviour in freely‑moving mice
• Simultaneous recordings of brain signalling molecules via fluorescent biosensors
• Perform histological analysis of brain tissue
• Analyse and interpret data
• Communicate results

Qualifications

Essential:

• Degree in Biology, Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field
• Passion for neuroscience research focusing on psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders
• Committed to pursuing a PhD in Neuroscience, Biomedicine, or a related field by applying for private and public fellowships
• Independent, critical‑thinking and problem‑solving attitude
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• Research integrity
• Fluent in English

Desirable:

• Accreditation to perform experiments in laboratory mice (FELASA or similar)
• Experience with mouse surgeries and manipulation
• Experience in brain histology (intracardial perfusion, IHC and smFISH)
• Coding experience in Matlab or Python

Benefits

• Full‑time position (37.5 hours per week) with a 1‑year initial contract, renewable to an open‑ended contract linked to project budget
• Competitive salary
• Measures to reconcile work and family life, including parental leave, flexible working hours, 23 paid holidays, and 9 leave days for personal matters
• Full access to IBEC’s training catalogue for technical and transferable skills, including grant writing and transition to industry
• Participation in a mentoring programme for pre‑doctoral researchers
• Induction programme and support for foreigners to obtain visa and settlement in Barcelona

Equal Opportunity and Diversity

IBEC is an equal‑opportunity employer and is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We support employees irrespective of gender, nationality, religion, disabilities, age, sexual identity or cultural and socioeconomic background. IBEC will encourage gender balance and will give preference to qualified women candidates in cases of equal merit, in accordance with the European Commission Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers and the Open, Transparent and Merit‑based Recruitment principles.

Job Reference: LT‑SP.