The main line of research deals with the study of ageing-related molecular alterations and the search for safe compounds capable of intervening on ageing and ageing-related diseases, including cancer. To this end, a multidisciplinary approach including molecular and cell biology, medicinal chemistry, structural biology, structure-function relationship analyses and animal models (mouse, zebrafish), among others, will be used to study the activity of bioactive natural products on ageing processes and ageing-related diseases (cancer, specifically melanoma) and their possible use as candidates for products of pharmacological interest.

More specifically, the employment contract linked to this call, which is conditional upon obtaining the required legal authorisations, it will address:

The study of antitumour properties and molecular mechanisms induced by animal venoms with potential use on melanoma.
The study of the senolytic and antifibrotic properties and mechanisms of action of animal venoms and their potential effect on cancer, ageing and other ageing-related diseases.
The identification of new compounds derived from venoms as possible candidates for pharmacological products and the structural study of these molecules by means of structure-function analysis methodologies, with special emphasis on their effect on melanoma and BRAF mutations.
The study of the activity of new compounds derived from animal venoms, on their own or in combination with other drugs, dietary modifications, etc. aimed at increasing the therapeutic efficacy and safety of treatments for cancer, ageing and other age-related diseases.
The development of a high-throughput screening to identify and characterise effective animal bioactive products (venoms) with anticancer and senolytic properties with potential use in cancer therapy and other ageing-related pathologies.
The creation and exploitation of a biobank of venoms as a tool of high interest, allowing the identification of new bioactive compounds with potential use in cancer, ageing and other ageing-related diseases, especially melanoma.
The generation of a platform for the discovery of poisons of natural origin and/or from animal secretions with potential pharmacological activity, thanks to which to characterise, validate and optimise new bioactive compounds with possible application in the treatment of cancer and other diseases related to ageing.

Ph Degree in Biomedicine or related Area.

Compliance with the quality requirements of production and scientific-technological activity that imply an outstanding research career, in accordance with the provisions of Annex II of the Resolution of July 20, 2005 of the Secretary of State for Universities and Research, which establishes the evaluation criteria in the Incentive Program for the Incorporation and Intensification of Activity Researcher (R3 Program), or other criteria that replace them in the event that this resolution is repealed.

Have a postdoctoral experience with a postdoctoral contract, not less than 10 years in public or private R&D&i centers or Spanish or foreign universities.

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

Once the deadline for submitting applications has expired, and once the fulfilment of the requirements listed in the second admission basis for this procedure has been verified, the Selection Committee will proceed to assess the merits included in the CVs and select the candidates who best meet the established requirements, in order to 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 claimed by candidates in the second stage and will be designed to assess the candidate's suitability for the post and knowledge of English. The interview will last a maximum of 45 minutes and will be conducted in both English and Spanish.

Scale - selection criteria:

The evaluation process will be carried out according to the following criteria:

I. Curricular merits: 0-50*.
II. Other merits: 0-20*.
III. Interview: 0-30*.

Curricular merits of the candidate to be assessed.

Additional training to be assessed (other qualifications):

Demonstrable command of English.

Proficient in English: demonstrable spoken and written.

Professional experience to be assessed:

a) Scientific contribution and relevance of this contribution:

Main author in peer-reviewed scientific publications (indexed in international databases), especially as first author or corresponding author. Index h, at least 15.

Relevance of the research lines developed.

Contribution to book chapters or in the publication of scientific books.

Co-author of communications to scientific conferences and congresses, especially in the form of oral presentations.

Invitations to participate in international conferences, invitations to plenary conferences, participation in congresses and specialised scientific workshops or training courses.

Participation in national and international R&D&I activities and in particular in projects and programmes, including European COST actions, other national competitive R&D programmes or those of other public or private agencies or entities. Participation as a PI will be particularly valued.

International mobility (pre-doctoral and/or post-doctoral experience in foreign research centres).

b) Other scientific activities:

Attraction of resources as Principal Investigator in competitive funding calls.

Attraction of economic resources for research through agreements, contracts, agreements, etc.

Development of activities aimed at generating patents. Co-inventor of patents and participation in other technology transfer activities.

Development of scientific dissemination activities.

Participation in science management activities.

Capacity to attract economic resources.

Relations with organisations of recognised national/international prestige related to the research area covered by the contract.

Collaboration actions with the industrial sector.

Principal author of patents.

c) Other merits:

Mentoring and/or supervision of research staff, both at national and international level.

Supervision of Master's and/or doctoral theses.

Prizes, mentions and distinctions.

d) Scientific leadership (to be assessed in the interview):

Relevance of professional and scientific development.

Demonstrated ability to lead a line of research, both nationally and (and/or) internationally.

Independence in the work.

Management of research groups.

Activity as Principal Investigator or ‘corresponding author’ in publications or scientific work.

Coordination of laboratory work.

Leadership, direction, team management, motivation and negotiation skills.

Type of contract: employment contract for scientific-technical activities (art. 23 bis Science Act) in accordance with current legislation with a probationary period established by law, subject to the mandatory authorisations of the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees of the IMDEA Food Foundation and the General Directorate of Human Resources of the Ministry of Economy, Finance and Employment of the Community of Madrid.

Dedication: full time (37 h/week) from Monday to Friday.

Gross Annual Salary: according to the merits and worth of the candidate.

Duration: indeterminate.

Incorporation: immediate, after the corresponding selection process.

Headquarter of the IMDEA Food Insitute, Madrid (SPAIN)