This contract is part of the PROJECT PID2023-150146OA-I00, funded by MICIU/AEI /10.13039/501100011033 and by FEDER, EU.

IMDEA Food is part of the Network of Madrid Institutes for Advanced Studies (IMDEA), promoted by the Regional Government of Madrid with the aim of developing research that is both socially valuable and of international scientific excellence.

Within this framework, and as part of the Computational Biology Research Group, the project PID2023-150146OA-I00 is being developed: "Exploring the impact of the triad composed of the gut microbiome, plant-based diets, and health to promote the adoption of more sustainable diets in the Spanish population (GutPlantHealth)", which requires the recruitment of a Research Assistant.

Ref. AI2025-019-GUTPLANTHEALTH – Research Assistant
Principal Investigator: Dr. Laura Judith Marcos Zambrano
Research Line: Host–Microbiome Interactions
Research Group: Computational Biology
Research Program: Precision Nutrition and Cancer.

Job description/ Functions to be carried out:

The tasks to be performed are part of the activities within the research line on host-microbiome interactions in the Computational Biology group.

Specific Functions:

1. Setup and operation of the Human Emulation System (Emulate Inc., Boston, MA, USA).

2.  Preparation and maintenance of intestinal chips on S-1 platforms (Emulate Inc.) following the manufacturer's protocols.

3.  Preparation of microbial communities and/or metabolites under appropriate conditions for co-culture with intestinal chips.

4.  Detection and quantification of microorganisms by qPCR.

5.  Performing apparent permeability measurements using FITC-dextran (FD4).

6.  Quantification of cytokine secretion (IL-6, IL-1, TNFa) by ELISA in apical and basolateral effluents.

7.  Analysis of gene expression of markers related to intestinal barrier integrity using quantitative RT-PCR.

Transversal responsibilities:

1. Participation in group meetings.

2. Preparation of reports and presentations.

3. Participation in seminars, courses, and workshops specific to the topic.

4. Engagement in outreach activities organized by the institute.

Please, see  FULL CALL FOR APPLICATION)

I. Entry requirements:

Education requirements:

• Education level: Advanced Vocational Training (Técnico Superior) in Clinical and Biomedical Laboratory, Microbiology, Clinical Analysis, Environmental Health, or another health-related field; or a Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, or other health science-related areas.
• Research field: Biology, Health Sciences, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology.

II. Evaluation of merits:

 Other Education to evaluate:

Having completed or currently pursuing studies in Microbiology, Health Biology, Molecular Biology or similar fields will be positively evaluated.

Knowledge of English

Other Professional experience & expertise to evaluate:

Internships or professional experience in companies or research laboratories will be positively valued.

Experience in cell culture handling.

Experience in microbiology.

Experience working with organoids and/or organ-on-a-chip systems.

Proficiency in molecular biology techniques: qPCR, RT-qPCR, ELISA, and gene expression analysis.

Other merits to evaluate:

Participation in communication and outreach activities will be positively evaluated.

Participation in research projects.

Capabilities & Skills (to evaluate in the interview):

Competencies: Results-oriented, highly proactive, task management, problem-solving, responsible.

Skills: Organizational skills. Ability to integrate into multidisciplinary teams. Teamwork skills with strong interpersonal abilities.

The selection of candidates shall be carried out in accordance with the principles of equality, merit, ability and publicity, as well as objectivity, independence and professional rigour, respecting the confidentiality of the personal data of the participants, 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 evaluation process will be carried out according to the following criteria:

I. Additional training to be assessed: 0-30*.

II. Experience to be assessed: 0-30*.

III. Other merits to be assessed: 0-10*.

IV. Interview: 0-30

Contract type: Permanent employment contract for scientific-technical project activities (Art. 23 bis of the Spanish Science Act), in accordance with current legislation, including the legally established trial period.

Working hours: 37.5 hours/week on a split schedule, Monday to Friday

Gross annual salary: Highly competitive remuneration based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience

Duration: Permanent, subject to project/funding availability
Start date: Immediate incorporation

Headquarter of the IMDEA Food Insitute, Madrid (SPAIN)