This contract is part of the project “PID2023-149471OB-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 Cellular and Molecular Gerontology Laboratory Research Group, the project PID2023-149471OB-I00: “From Fungi to Ageing: Repurposing an Antifungal Compound to Promote Healthy Ageing (#FunAge)” is being developed, for which a Research Assistant is required.

Ref.: AI2025-021-FUNAGE – Research Assistant

Principal Investigator: Dr. Alberto Díaz-Ruiz

Research Line: Drug repurposing in ageing and cancer

Research Group: Cellular and Molecular Gerontology Laboratory

Research Programme: Precision Nutrition and Ageing

The Cellular and Molecular Gerontology Laboratory at the IMDEA Food Institute seeks to incorporate a Research Assistant to support the development of the group’s ongoing projects related to metabolism, ageing, and cancer.

We are looking for a motivated and proactive individual with strong learning ability, capable of ensuring continuity of the current work and contributing to the progress of the laboratory’s research lines.

Furthermore, during the course of the project, the group plans to apply for a training fellowship for PhD studies, so that the selected candidate may continue developing their research career within the group and actively contribute to the achievement of its scientific objectives.

The scientific and technical activities linked to the project “From Fungi to Longevity: Therapeutic Redirection of a Potent Antifungal Compound to Promote Healthy Ageing (#FunAge)” will focus on:

1. Determining the effect of drug repurposing on healthy ageing and liver cancer.

2. Identifying metabolic behaviours and intracellular effectors in response to pharmacological-nutritional treatments.

3. Assessing sex-based differences in response to treatments in preclinical models.

The research assistant will carry out the following scientific and technical activities:

• Experimental development related to the project.

• Cell culture work: maintenance, treatments, proliferation assays.

• Molecular biology techniques: SeaHorse, flow cytometry, RNA/DNA/protein isolation, gene expression analysis by qPCR, protein quantification, Western blotting.

• Implementation and development of induced carcinogenesis experiments in murine animal models.

• Determination of physiological parameters indicative of improved health in aged mice.

• Support in dissemination activities of the group and the institute related to the project.

• Experimental and technical support to the research staff of the group in relation to the project(s).

• Support in the management of purchases and stock supplies (reagents, consumables, etc.).

(Please, see  FULL CALL FOR APPLICATION)

I. Entry requirements:

Education requirements:

• Education level: Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences (Biology, Biochemistry, or similar).
• Research field: Metabolism, Ageing, and Cancer.

II. Evaluation of Merits

Additional training to be assessed (other degrees or knowledge):

• Undergraduate grades above 7.5/10 will be positively valued.
• Master’s degree (completed or in progress) in Health Sciences or related field. Grades above 9/10 will be positively valued.
• Possession of a Certificate to work with experimental animals (functions A, B, and C).

Professional experience to be assessed:

• Previous experience in research laboratories and/or companies related to the project.
• Experience in undergraduate or master’s thesis projects with an experimental component.
• Experience in molecular biology and biochemistry techniques, cell culture, etc.
• Experience in handling murine animal models (e.g., gastric gavage, physical activity tests, glucose and insulin tolerance tests, tumor cell injections, restraint, weighing, necropsies, euthanasia, etc.).
• Experience in scientific outreach activities aimed at the general public.
• Experience in bioinformatic analyses.
• Participation and presentation of communications at scientific conferences in research areas related to the position, as well as scientific publications and their relevance.

Other merits to be assessed:

• Relevant courses and training activities.
• Proficiency in software tools.
• Use of reference management software (Mendeley, Zotero, RefWorks).
• Knowledge of statistical software (R, SPSS).
• Scholarships or awards related to the research field.

Skills and competencies (to be assessed during the interview):

• Motivation and scientific curiosity.
• Teamwork skills.
• Proficiency in English.
• Knowledge of the research area related to the position.
• Organizational and time management skills.
• Flexibility and adaptability to change.
• Ability to prioritize tasks in complex contexts.

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: 0-25*.

II. Experience to be assessed: 0-35*.

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: Part-time position: 30 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

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

Duration: Permanent, subject to project/funding availability (31/08/2028)

Start date: 15/01/2026

Headquarter of the IMDEA Food Insitute, Madrid (SPAIN)