IMDEA Nutrition is part of the Network of Madrid Institutes for Advanced Studies, promoted by the Community of Madrid, with the aim of conducting research that is useful to society and of international scientific excellence. Within this framework, and within the research group of the Laboratory of Epigenetics of Lipid Metabolism, the following research project is being carried out: “From plants to patients: development of a clinically viable bioactive delivery system using food-derived exosomes (PDC2025-166706-I00),” for which a postdoctoral researcher is required.

Multidisciplinary research focused on: (i) circulating RNAs in cardiovascular disease and their modulation by environmental factors; (ii) extracellular vesicles carrying dietary bioactive compounds and microRNAs; and (iii) nanoplastics in foods, integrating these areas to elucidate their combined biological effects and interactions with diet.

Isolation, search and validation of circulating RNAs in pathophysiological conditions of cardiovascular disease.

Influence of environmental factors (e.g. diet, physical exercise) on the modulation of non-coding RNAs.

Study circulating (secreted) miRNAs in response to postprandial lipaemia.

Develop protocols to isolate plasma exosomes and identify miRNAs transported by them.

Deepen knowledge of how circulating miRNAs can be modified by diet.

Analyze secreted miRNAs that are therapeutically modulated by diet.

Test the therapeutic usefulness of exosomes and extracellular vesicles as carriers of exogenous RNAs.

Provide technical and scientific support in the experimental development of the research line: organization, fine-tuning of methods, and processing of experimental samples.

Experimental development in: isolation of extracellular vesicles using different techniques (ultracentrifugation, tangential filtration, polymer precipitation, etc.), characterization of exosomes (protein analysis, NTA, Western Blot, electron microscopy, flow cytometry), cell cultures, gene expression analysis (RNA isolation, DNA, qPCR, PCR-Digital), and purification of exosomes.

Investigate the effects of nanoplastics and their possible mechanisms of action.

Processing and analysis of data from project experiments, as well as preparation and presentation of reports on these experiments.

Preparation of research projects for competitive calls.

Participation in teaching, outreach, or scientific collaboration activities.

Measurement and analysis of clinical parameters related to cardiovascular, vascular, or similar health.

I. Entry requirements:

Education requirements:

* Education Level (Undergraduate, Bachelor Degree, Master Degree, PhD):

PhD in Biomedical Sciences, Biology, Biotechnology, Pharmacy, Food Science and Technology, Nutrition, Biochemistry, Biomedicine, or other related disciplines.

Research Field: Biochemistry and Cell Biology.

II. Evaluation of merits:

Other Education to evaluate:

*  Additional training in nutrigenetics and/or nutrigenomics will be considered an asset.  

*  An official master's degree in areas related to biomedicine will be considered an asset.  

* An additional official master's degree in social and health research or similar will be considered an asset.

* Additional training in flow cytometry will be considered an asset.

Professional experience & expertise to evaluate:

* Co-authorship in high-impact scientific publications (indexed in international databases), including several as first author on topics such as epigenetics, non-coding RNAs, extracellular vesicles, exosomes, or diet.

* Proven experience in a biomedical reserch laboratory, including, among other things, experience in cell culture, protein analysis by Western blot, and RNA analysis using RT-qPCR.

*  Experience in flow cytometry.

*  Experience in the development of gastrointestinal digestions and bioavailability studies.

*  Experience in the isolation, characterization, and handling of exosomes and/or extracellular vesicles.

*  Experience in NTA analysis (Nanoparticle tracking analysis).  

*  Experience in cardiovascular, vascular, or related research associated with diet.

Other merits to evaluate:

* Pre-doctoral competitive scholarships and/or grants.

* Co-authorship in scientific conferences.  

* Teaching at public or private universities

* Supervision or co-supervision of bachelor's and master's theses.

* National or international presentations/seminars.

* Experience in cross-disciplinary activities (scientific dissemination).

Capabilities & Skills (to evaluate in the interview):

*  Suitability for the position.

*  High motivation to learn new methodologies/technologies.

*  Ability to work independently, but with a willingness to work as part of a team/collaboratively.

*  Ability to develop new research protocols based on scientific literature.

*  Organizational skills, good communication skills, decisive, highly proactive, initiative and responsibility.

*  Knowledge of English.

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 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

Type of contract:  employment contract for scientific-technical activities (art. 23 bis  Spanish Science Law) in accordance with current legislation, with a probationary period established by law.

Dedication: full time (37,5 hours per week), flexible split day, from Monday to Friday.

Gross Annual Salary: Competitive remuneration based on the candidate’s merits and qualifications.

Duration:Indefinite, Open-ended, until the completion of the project(s).

Incorporation: immediately.

Headquarter of the IMDEA Food Insitute, Madrid (SPAIN)