Predoctoral Researcher (FPI) - J.Selent (FIMIM3348-SELENT)

Hospital del Mar Research Institute; España; On-site; EUR 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Access to HPC resources

Professional development

Conference participation

Collaborative lab environment

Job summary

Hospital del Mar Research Institute in Barcelona invites applications for a Predoctoral Researcher to join the GPCR Drug Discovery Laboratory at PRBB. The project focuses on cancer-related GPCR mutations, combining simulations, structure-based drug discovery and data analysis to identify selective compounds.

Successful candidates hold a Master's in bioinformatics or related fields, are admitted to a PhD programme, and have experience with GPCR biology, MD simulations, Python, and HPC

Qualifications

• Strong background in GPCR biology and structural biology.
• Experience with molecular dynamics simulations and molecular modelling.
• Familiarity with Python programming for large molecular datasets.

Skills

GPCR biology

Molecular modelling

Molecular dynamics

Python programming

Data analysis

HPC environments

Structural biology

Education

Master's degree in Bioinformatics for Health Sciences

Admission to accredited PhD programme

Tools

ACEMD

OpenMM

GROMACS

Job description

Organisation/Company Hospital del Mar Research Institute Research Field Medical sciences » Health sciences Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 15 Nov 2026 - 23:59 (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 Institute of the Hospital del Mar is looking for a Predoctoral Researcher (FPI) to join the Research
Group in the discovery of drugs based on receptors coupled to G proteins, led by JANA SELENT -, located at the
Biomedical Research Park (PRBB) in Barcelona.

These PhD research project focuses on understanding how cancer-associated mutations alter the structure, dynamics,
and pharmacological properties of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). These mutations can modify receptor
conformational landscapes, influencing receptor stability, signaling pathways, and ligand recognition. The project
aims to identify compounds capable of selectively targeting oncogenic GPCR variants and restoring dysfunctional
receptor states. By combining molecular dynamics simulations, structural bioinformatics, ensemble-based virtual
screening, and ligand–receptor interaction analysis, the research will contribute to the development of precision
therapeutic strategies for different cancer types.

Academic background

• Master's degree in Bioinformatics for Health Sciences.
• Admission to an accredited PhD programme at the time of recruitment, followed by formal proof of enrolment.

Technical skills and knowledge

• Strong background in structural biology, structural bioinformatics and G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) biology.
• Experience in molecular modelling and molecular dynamics simulations.
• Familiarity with molecular simulation software such as ACEMD, OpenMM or GROMACS.
• Knowledge of protein-ligand interactions, molecular recognition and structure-based drug discovery.
• Knowledge of Python programming and the analysis of large molecular datasets.
• Experience with computational workflows and scientific data analysis.

Specific Requirements

Additional assets

• Experimental experience in structural biology, particularly involving GPCRs.
• Previous research experience in computational drug discovery or molecular pharmacology.
• Familiarity with virtual screening and high-performance computing (HPC) environments.

Personal competencies

• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Motivation to pursue a career in scientific research.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Strong communication, organisational and scientific reporting skills.

Employment terms and benefits

• Full-time employment contract.
• Predoctoral employment contract, subject to applicable funding and employment regulations.
• Integration into the GPCR Drug Discovery Laboratory at the Hospital del Mar Research Institute, located within the Barcelona Biomedical Research Park (PRBB).
• Access to advanced scientific infrastructure, computational resources and state-of-the-art research platforms.
• Opportunities for scientific training, professional development and participation in national and international conferences.
• A supportive working environment that fosters scientific independence, teamwork and professional growth.

Eligibility criteria

Selection Criteria

Criterion 1. Academic and/or scientific-technical track record of the candidate (up to 50 points).
Subcriterion 1.a): Scientific and technical contributions (up to 45 points). The candidate’s academic record and other curriculum vitae merits will be assessed, as well as their suitability for the tasks to be carried out in light of the candidate’s education and professional experience.
Subcriterion 1.b): Mobility and internationalisation (up to 5 points). The relevance and impact of the candidate’s research stays at national and international institutions and/or in the industrial sector on their research career will be assessed, taking into account the reputation of the host institution and the activities carried out during the stay.
Criterion 2. Suitability of the candidate for the research activities to be carried out (up to 50 points).
The candidate’s suitability for the programme, project or research activities to be carried out will be assessed in light of their previous education and experience. This assessment will take into account the added value that carrying out the project will bring to the candidate’s research career, as well as the value contributed to the host institution and research team.
Conditions of incorporation

Additional comments

The formalisation of the employment contract is subject to a favourable resolution of the FPI grant application. The selected candidate may only take up the position on the first day of a month.

Projecte PID2025-168330OB-I00 / PREP2025-003895