Postdoc in Aptamer Discovery for Cardiac Therapeutics

Aragon Institute for Engineering Research (I3A); España; Presencial; EUR 28.000 - 36.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

Aragón Institute for Engineering Research (I3A) at the University of Zaragoza in Spain seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher with expertise in aptamer identification by SELEX to join a project on first-in-class therapeutic molecules for cardiac disease using advanced human in vitro models.

The selected candidate will develop SELEX-based aptamer discovery, contribute to competitive fellowship applications (Juan de la Cierva 2026, EMBO), and collaborate with Drs Laura Ordovás and Jesús Ciriza in a

Formación

• PhD required in molecular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, biomedicine, or related field.
• Strong publication record, preferably first-author papers, to compete for prestigious calls.
• High level of written and spoken English.

Responsabilidades

• Apply for national/international postdoctoral programs (Juan de la Cierva 2026, EMBO).
• Carry out aptamer discovery and characterization using SELEX.
• Work on first-in-class therapeutic molecules for cardiac disease using heart-on-chip models.
• Collaborate with Drs Laura Ordovás and Jesús Ciriza in a multidisciplinary team and contribute to grant applications.

Conocimientos

SELEX experience

Aptamer identification

Publication record

English proficiency

Educación

PhD in Molecular Biology,Biochemistry,Biotechnology,Biomedicine,or related fields

Herramientas

SELEX methodologies

Descripción del empleo

Aragon Institute for Engineering Research (I3A)

Organisation/Company Aragon Institute for Engineering Research (I3A) Department University of Zaragoza Research Field Biological sciences » Biological engineering Technology » Biotechnology Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions Postdoc Positions Application Deadline 31 Jan 2027 - 00:00 (Europe/Madrid) Country Spain Type of Contract Not Applicable 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

We are seeking a highly motivated an outstanding Postdoctoral Researcher with demonstrated expertise in aptamer identification by SELEXand an excellent scientific track record to apply for competitive national and international postdoctoral programs: Juan de la Cierva 2026 (deadline end November 2026) or EMBO postdoctoral (closing February 2027).

The research project involves the discovery of first-in-class therapeutic molecules for cardiac disease using aptamers as both active pathway modulators and targeted delivery vehicles. The work leverages functional screening in advanced human in vitro models, including heart-on-chip platforms.

The research will be conducted at the Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A) at the University of Zaragoza in Spain in the laboratories of Drs Laura Ordovás and Jesús Ciriza. I3A is a leading multidisciplinary research institute providing state-of-the-art infrastructure at the intersection of engineering, biomedical technologies, and translational science.

Where to apply

E-mail [e-mail]

Requirements

Research Field Biological sciences » Biological engineering Education Level PhD or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

• Education: PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Biomedicine, or related fields.
• CV Excellence: Strong publication record (preferably high-impact first-author papers) and scientific trajectory required to compete successfully in the mentioned calls.
• Proficiency: High level of written and spoken English.

Specific Requirements

Required Technical Expertise: Demonstrated, hands-on experience in SELEX methodologies (e.g. cell-SELEX and/or in vivo SELEX) for aptamer selection and characterization.

Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent

Years of Research Experience 4 - 10

Additional Information

We Offer

• Full institutional support and close co-preparation of competitive applications for the proposed programmes.
• Integration into a young, multidisciplinary and highly motivated research team, bringing together expertise in molecular biology, stem cell-based tissue engineering, advanced in vitro models and translational research.
• Access to organ-on-chip platforms and advanced human in vitro models, together with molecular and cellular biology facilities at I3A.
• Scientific independence and support to develop an individual research line, with opportunities to contribute to grant applications and future funding proposals.
• Opportunities to supervise students and junior researchers and to develop experience in research leadership and mentoring.
• A collaborative and supportive environment with opportunities to interact with researchers from different disciplines and institutions.

Eligibility criteria

• Juan de la Cierva: obtention of the doctoral degree between 1/1/2024 - 31/12/2026
• EMBO post-doctoral program: hold a PhD degree at the start of the fellowship (not necessarily at application). At application submission: (i) if holding a PhD, degree obtention maximum within the two years preceding 22/01/2027 (ii) at least one first (or joint first) author primary research paper (iii) international mobility (allowed maximum six months in Spain during the previous 18 months)