This contract is part of action CNS2023-143960, funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and the European Union “Next Generation EU”/PRTR. The reference for this action corresponds to the reference stated in the grant resolution. MCIN stands for the Ministry of Science and Innovation, AEI refers to the State Research Agency, 10.13039/501100011033 is the Digital Object Identifier (DOI) of the Agency, and PRTR stands for the Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan.

IMDEA Food is part of the Network of Madrid Institutes for Advanced Studies, promoted by the Community of Madrid with the aim of developing research that is both useful to society and of international scientific excellence.

Within this framework, the research project "Research Consolidation" is being carried out under the research line "Regulation of Metabolic Diseases by RNA-Binding Proteins" (reference CNS2023-143960) at IMDEA Food Institute, funded by MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and the European Union NextGenerationEU/PRTR. To ensure the proper development of this project, support research personnel is required.

Reference: AI2025/013-K-KIOB - Research Assistant
Principal Investigator: Dr. Cristina M. Ramirez Hidalgo
Research Group: Post-Transcriptional Regulation of Metabolic Diseases
Research Program: Precision Nutrition and Aging

Job Description:

The Post-Transcriptional Regulation of Metabolic Diseases Research Group, within the IMDEA Food Institute, is looking to recruit a highly motivated Research Assistant to carry out experimental work related to the research line, within the framework of a Research Consolidation project funded by the Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities.

The position aims to support the development of the research project "Post-transcriptional control of metabolism by the hnrnpk protein: A novel role in type 2 diabetes and obesity" (reference CNS2023-143960).

Main Responsibilities:

• Support the experimental laboratory work related to the research group's focus, employing general molecular and cellular biology techniques and murine models of human diseases.
• Assist in the preparation of scientific reports, texts, and communication materials. Collaborate in maintaining the organization and operational functioning of the laboratory where the project is being conducted (preparing and managing common reagents, maintaining inventories, etc.).
• Manage procurement and supply of laboratory stock (reagents, consumable materials, etc.).

I. Entry requirements:

Required Education:

Education Level: Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, Food Science and Technology, Pharmacy, or related fields (Biosciences).

Research Field: Biomedicine.

II. Merit Evaluation

Additional Training (Other Degrees and Knowledge Considered Valuable)

• A Master’s degree is desirable, preferably in Biosciences, Medical Research, Neurosciences, or related fields.
• Previous experience as a scholarship holder will be valued. Certification in the handling of laboratory animals for experimental research is desirable.

Professional Experience Considered Valuable

• Previous experience in other laboratories and research centers at the national level will be valued.
• Experience in science communication, as well as writing scientific and research papers, will be considered an asset.

Other Merits Considered Valuable

• Knowledge of biosafety, working with viruses, genotyping techniques, general molecular biology techniques, histology, and experience in handling laboratory animals is required.
• Computer skills are necessary.
• A track record of publications in scientific journals will be highly valued.

Skills and Competencies (To Be Assessed During the Interview)

• Strong communication and organizational skills, result-oriented mindset, proactivity, keen observation skills, and attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively in a team.
• Theoretical and technical knowledge related to the research group's line of investigation.
• Suitability for the position.
• Proficiency in English.

Language proficiency must be demonstrated through an official certificate or, alternatively, by passing a written and/or oral language assessment during the selection process.

Note: To verify professional experience, candidates must submit at least a social security work history report or employment contract. Recommendation letters from previous employers detailing specific responsibilities performed will also be considered.

The selection of candidates will be carried out in accordance with the principles of equality, merit, capacity and publicity, as well as objectivity, independence and professional rigor, respecting the confidentiality of the participants' personal data, by means of a merit-based competition.

Once the deadline for the submission of applications has expired, and once the fulfilment of the requirements listed in the second base has been verified, the Selection Committee will proceed to assess the merits included in the curricula vitae related to the post and to select the candidates who best meet the established requirements,  and will then open a second selection phase consisting of a personal interview.

The personal interview will consist of a face-to-face or videoconference interview which will focus solely on the merits put forward by the candidates in the competition phase and will be aimed at assessing the candidate's suitability for the post. The interview will last a maximum of 45 minutes.

Scale - selection criteria:

The selection process will be conducted based on the following criteria:

Scoring Criteria:

I. Additional Training: 0–10*
II. Experience: 0–30*
III. Other Merits: 0–30*
IV. Interview: 0–30*

Contract Type: Temporary fixed-term contract linked to programs funded by NextGeneration EU for the implementation of the Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan, with a probation period as established by law.

Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week, split-shift schedule from Monday to Friday. The hired personnel must be exclusively dedicated to the project.

Gross Annual Salary: €20,517, distributed over 12 monthly payments.

Duration: Until the end of the project (June 30, 2026).

Incorporation: Immediately.

Headquarter of the IMDEA Food Insitute, Madrid (SPAIN)