Postdoctoral researcher at the Smart NanoBioDevices Research Group

Somma; Barcelona; Presencial; EUR 42.000 - 54.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Full-time contract

Flexible schedule

Paid holidays

Diversity and inclusion

Descripción de la vacante

IBEC in Barcelona is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to lead the design and application of enzyme-powered nanomotors for osteoarthritis therapies. The role focuses on creating active, targeted nanoparticle carriers, characterizing motor dynamics, and evaluating delivery in joint disease models.

The position demands a PhD with postdoctoral experience in nanoparticles and drug delivery, a strong publication record, and excellent English.

Formación

• A PhD with postdoctoral or doctoral experience in design, synthesis, and characterization of nanoparticles and drug delivery systems.
• Expertise in enzyme catalysis and nanomotors is highly desirable.
• Strong publication record in peer‑reviewed journals, first‑author preferred.
• Ability to work independently, manage complex projects, and mentor junior researchers.

Responsabilidades

• Lead experimental design, optimization, and surface functionalization of organic nanoparticles as active therapeutic carriers.
• Oversee biophysical characterization of enzyme-powered nanomotors and quantify their behavior in viscous environments like synovial fluid.
• Design and oversee in vitro and in vivo assays to evaluate nanobot distribution and efficacy in joint disease models.
• Drive translation of the nanomotor platform toward clinical application.
• Analyze data, publish findings, and present at international conferences.
• Supervise PhD and Master’s students and manage project milestones and technical reporting.

Conocimientos

English proficiency

Independent work

Mentorship

Educación

Master's and PhD in chemistry, materials science, biology, nanotechnology, biomedical engineering, or related fields

Descripción del empleo

Overview

The Smart Nano-Bio-Devices Group is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to lead a project on the design and application of enzyme-powered nanomotors for the treatment of osteoarthritis and joint-related diseases.

Responsibilities

• Project Leadership & Design: Drive the experimental design, optimization, and advanced surface functionalization of organic-based nanoparticles to serve as active, targeted therapeutic carriers.
• Advanced Biophysical Characterization: Lead the investigation into the enzyme-powered motion dynamics of the nanobots, developing methods to quantify their ability to penetrate and actively modify highly viscous biological environments like synovial fluid.
• Preclinical Evaluation: Design and oversee advanced in vitro and in vivo biological assays to evaluate nanobot internalization pathways, dynamic tissue distribution, and therapeutic efficacy in joint disease models.
• Technology Translation: Drive the translation of the nanomotor platform from preclinical research toward clinical application.
• Data Analysis & Scientific Output: Independently analyze complex datasets, prepare high-impact scientific publications, and present research findings at international conferences.
• Mentorship & Project Management: Supervise and mentor PhD and Master’s students within the research group, while overseeing project milestones and preparing technical reports.

Qualifications

• Essential:
• Degree (Master and PhD) in chemistry, materials science, biology, nanotechnology, biomedical engineering, or related fields.
• Proven postdoctoral or doctoral experience in the design, synthesis, and characterization of nanoparticles and drug delivery systems; specific expertise in enzyme catalysis and nanomotors is highly desired.
• Proven experience in in vitro models for drug delivery.
• Strong record of first-author publications in peer-reviewed, high-impact journals.
• Ability to work independently and manage complex projects; experience mentoring junior researchers; excellent scientific writing and presentation skills; teamwork, proactivity, and critical/analytical thinking.
• High level of English proficiency.
• Advantageous:
• Experience in nanomedicine, active matter, biomaterials, or 3D cell culture models.
• Experience with in vivo imaging.

Competencies and Skills

We value not only technical expertise but also core competencies such as Communication, Teamwork and Collaboration, Commitment, Proactivity, Integrity, and Critical and Analytical Thinking.

What we Offer

• Number of available positions: 1
• Starting date: Sept-Oct 2026
• Working conditions: Full-time 1-year contract
• Work-life measures: Flexible schedule, paid holidays, and personal leave options.
• Equal opportunity: IBEC is an equal opportunity employer and supports diversity and inclusion.

Notes

How to apply information and application deadlines have been omitted here for brevity and alignment with the job description content. For details on recruitment principles and data privacy, refer to IBEC’s official careers and privacy notices.