Opportunity to develop a PhD project in Cellular and Synaptic Neuroscience

Institute of Neurosciences; España; On-site; EUR 22,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

The Institute of Neurosciences at the University of Barcelona invites applications for a highly motivated researcher to join a project on membrane trafficking and Ca2+ signaling in neuronal communication. The role offers training across primary neuronal cultures, mouse models, advanced fluorescence imaging, biosensors and electrophysiology.

The position is ideal for candidates aiming to pursue a PhD in cellular and synaptic neuroscience and to develop an independent research project while

Qualifications

• Master degree or equivalent in a relevant field (Biology/Neurosciences/Biomed).
• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience, Biotechnology, Biochemistry or related field.
• Master’s degree candidates are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Join a multidisciplinary research project studying synaptic plasticity and neuronal communication.
• Receive training in cellular and synaptic neuroscience techniques.
• Develop scientific independence and contribute to experimental design and interpretation.

Skills

Research motivation

Laboratory experience

Neuronal neuroscience

Organizational skills

Independent work

English proficiency

Neuronal assays

Education

Master degree or equivalent

Bachelor’s in Biology/Neuroscience/Biomedical sciences

Encouraged Master’s enrollment

Tools

Fluorescence microscopy

Electrophysiology

Mouse models

Job description

Department of Physiological Sciences. Schoolof Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona

Organisation/Company Institute of Neurosciences Department Department of Physiological Sciences. Schoolof Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona Research Field Neurosciences » Neurobiology Biological sciences Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 19 Oct 2026 - 23:55 (Europe/Madrid) Country Spain Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Other EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The research group “Membrane Trafficking & Ion Homeostasis in Neuronal Communication” at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, is seeking a highly motivated candidate to join a research project focused on understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms that enable synapses to adapt to changing levels of neuronal activity.

Our laboratory investigates how membrane trafficking, ion homeostasis and intracellular Ca²⁺ signalling contribute to neuronal communication and synaptic plasticity, with a particular interest in the role of intracellular Ca²⁺ stores in the regulation of synaptic function. We are also interested in understanding how disruption of these mechanisms may contribute to neurological disorders.

The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary research environment and receive training in complementary experimental approaches in cellular and synaptic neuroscience. The project combines primary neuronal cultures, mouse models, advanced fluorescence imaging, genetically encoded biosensors and electrophysiology, providing the opportunity to investigate synaptic function from cellular and molecular mechanisms to neuronal circuits.

The position is particularly suited to candidates interested in pursuing a PhD in cellular and synaptic neuroscience and developing a career in research. The candidate will be encouraged to progressively develop scientific independence, contribute to the design and interpretation of experiments, and apply for competitive predoctoral fellowships.

Requirements

Research Field Neurosciences » Neurobiology Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

Research Field: Biological Sciences / Neurosciences / Biomedical Sciences

Academic background: Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, or a related discipline. Candidates holding or currently completing a relevant Master’s degree are also encouraged to apply.

Specific Requirements

Appreciated Skills:

• Strong motivation to pursue research in cellular and synaptic neuroscience.
• Previous research laboratory experience.
• Interest in neuronal communication, synaptic function and cellular mechanisms of brain function.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Motivation to learn new experimental approaches and progressively develop an independent research project.
• Good command of English.
• Previous experience with neuronal/cell cultures, fluorescence microscopy, image analysis, electrophysiology and/or mouse models will be positively valued but is not essential.
• Candidates interested in developing a future PhD thesis and applying for competitive predoctoral funding are particularly encouraged to apply.

Languages ENGLISH Level Good

Additional Information

Selection process

We value and actively promote diversity within our team.
We strongly believe that diverse perspectives enrich scientific research and innovation.
Our group is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every team member can reach their full potential.

Additional comments

Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute University of Barcelona - Campus Bellvitge Country Spain State/Province Barcelona City Hospitalet de Llobregat Postal Code 08907 Street Feixa Llarga s/n Geofield