Predoctoral Researcher – Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Fundació Sant Joan de Déu; España; On-site; EUR 26,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Fundació Sant Joan de Déu in Spain seeks a researcher to develop a PhD project focusing on modeling KDM6B-associated neurodevelopmental syndrome, from patient fibroblasts to genome-edited induced pluripotent stem cell lines. The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary team and advance understanding of disease mechanisms.

Responsibilities include reprogramming fibroblasts, performing CRISPR/Cas9 edits, differentiating iPSCs into neuronal models, and contributing to multi-omics analyses

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Biological Sciences (Biology, Biomedicine, Biochemistry, Genetics or related field).
• Solid background in molecular biology.
• Experience with eukaryotic cell culture; iPSC or iPSC-derived models valued.
• Willingness to learn scripting in R or Python; collaborate with a bioinformatician.

Responsibilities

• Generate and characterize patient-derived fibroblasts.
• Reprogram fibroblasts into iPSCs.
• Perform CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing of iPSC lines.
• Differentiate iPSCs into neuronal models.
• Conduct multi-omics analyses and integrate data.

Skills

English fluency

Teamwork

Autonomy

Scripting (R, Python)

Biology knowledge

Education

Master's degree in Biological Sciences

Tools

R

Python

CRISPR/Cas9

Job description

Organisation/Company Fundació Sant Joan de Déu Research Field Neurosciences Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 27 Nov 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Madrid) Country Spain Type of Contract To be defined Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

THE PROJECT TO BE DEVELOPED:

Develop a PhD research project focused on modeling KDM6B-associated neurodevelopmental syndrome, contributing to the generation and characterization of cellular disease models, from patient-derived fibroblasts to genome-edited induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines. The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary research team and contribute to advancing the understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the disease, with the ultimate goal of supporting the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Generate and perform the initial characterization of patient-derived fibroblasts.
• Reprogram fibroblasts into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).
• Perform CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing of iPSC lines.
• Differentiate iPSC lines into neuronal cell models.
• Conduct multi-omics analyses and integrate experimental data.
• Perform targeted functional assays to validate research findings.
• Contribute to data analysis, scientific manuscript preparation, and the dissemination of results through conferences and peer-reviewed publications.
• Master's degree in Biological Sciences (Biology, Biomedicine, Biochemistry, Genetics or related field).
• Solid background in molecular biology.
• Experience in eukaryotic cell culture is valued, particularly with iPSCs or iPSC-derived models.
• Basic computer literacy required, together with willingness and ability to learn basic scripting in R or Python; the candidate will work closely with a bioinformatician and must be able to follow and engage with the analyses performed.
• Strong teamwork skills, able to work collaboratively as well as autonomously when required; well organized.
• Fluent English (spoken and written) is essential, given the international scope of the project

Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent

Additional Information

• A predoctoral contract with salary in line with Hospital Sant Joan de Déu (HSJD) salary scales (according to category and year), including a salary increase in the last two years, equivalent to competitive predoctoral fellowships.
• Solid training within the PhD Programme in Genetics at the University of Barcelona (UB), including PhD tuition fees (covered by the project).
• Attendance at national and international conferences, depending on the year and results obtained.
• Participation in Journal Club, PhD Day, and other group/institutional dissemination and outreach activities.
• SJD T-Cuida Programme, offering initiatives and benefits to promote the physical, emotional, social and professional well-being of our teams.
• Annual gross salary between €26,000 and €30,000, according to the candidate's experience and the applicable salary scale.