This contract will be funded with resources from the State Public Employment Service (SEPE), managed by the Community of Madrid, within the framework of the "Young Researchers Program." Ref. Number: 09-PIN1-00014.8/2024.

IMDEA Food 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 both socially useful and of international scientific excellence. Within this framework, the IMDEA Food Institute seeks to strengthen its research groups working in strategic areas of interest to the Community of Madrid. This involves integrating support research staff into these groups, enabling researchers to dedicate more time to their scientific work while benefiting from the assistance of this staff. Simultaneously, this initiative supports the incorporation of young professionals into the productive system, helping them to start their careers in the R&D&I environment.

Job description:

The purpose of this contract is to carry out scientific and technical activities related to the research line "Host-Microbiome Interactions" within the Computational Biology Research Group. These activities will be developed within the following research project:

As part of the project PID2023-150146OA-I00: “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)”, the activities will focus on analyzing the impact of different dietary patterns on the gut microbiome and intestinal barrier integrity.

Main functions to be developed:

The functions to be performed are part of the research activities within the "Host-Microbiome Interactions" line of the Computational Biology Group.

- Specific Functions:

1. Determination, using bioinformatics and systems biology methods, of a "core" microbial community associated with different plant-based dietary patterns.
2. Assessment of the metabolic potential of the microbial community linked to different plant-based dietary patterns.
3. Configuration and operation of the Human Emulation System (Emulate Inc., Boston, MA, USA) and co-culture of intestinal chips with in silico established microbial communities.
4. Evaluation of the effect of the microbial community on intestinal barrier integrity.
5. Analysis and interpretation of results.

- Cross-Functional Tasks:

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 THE FULL CALL FOR APPLICATION)

I. Entry requirements:

Required Qualifications

* Education Level: Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Medicine, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Food Science and Technology, or related fields.

Research Area: Biology, Health Sciences, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, Biotechnology.

II. Merit Evaluation

Additional Training (Other Qualifications or Knowledge):

* Master’s degree in life sciences, with a specialization in biological sciences, microbiology, bioinformatics, or data science.

* Completed or ongoing studies in microbiology, infectious diseases, health biology, or similar fields will be positively evaluated.

* Completed or ongoing studies in statistics, bioinformatics, and computational biology or similar fields will be positively evaluated.

* Knowledge of English. English level must be evidenced by presenting the relevant certification or, alternatively, by passing a written and/or oral test during the selection process.

Professional Experience:

* Internships or work experience in companies and laboratories will be positively evaluated.

* Bachelor’s or master’s thesis in the field of microbiology or molecular biology will be positively evaluated.

* Bachelor’s or master’s thesis in the field of statistics, bioinformatics, or computational biology will be positively evaluated.

* Experience with R, Linux, Python, SQL, and SPSS will be positively evaluated.

* Experience with artificial intelligence methods will be positively evaluated.

Other Merits:

* Participation in communication and outreach activities will be positively evaluated.

Skills and Abilities (To be assessed during the Interview):

* Competencies: Results-oriented, highly proactive, task management, problem-solving skills, and responsibility.

* Capabilities: Organizational skills, ability to integrate into a multidisciplinary team.

* Teamwork: Strong teamwork skills and interpersonal relationship abilities.

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 carried out taking into account the following criteria:
(a) Best fit between the academic background and the research program.
(b) Specific studies related to the subject to be developed.

Scoring Criteria:

I. Additional training to be assessed: 0-40*.

II. Experience to be assessed: 0-20*.

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

IV. Interview: 0-30*

In any case, young people who have had an employment relationship with the same entity, company, or group of companies within the six months immediately preceding the hiring date cannot be contracted.

​​​​​Contract Type: Employment contract for scientific-technical activities (Article 23 bis of the Spanish Science Law) in accordance with current legislation, including a probationary period as established by law. 

Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week, split-shift schedule, Monday to Friday.

Annual Gross Salary: Competitive remuneration based on the candidate's qualifications and experience.

Duration: Permanent, contingent upon funding from the grant regulated by the ORDER of September 12, 2024, from the Counseling of Economy, Finance, and Employment (12 months).

Incorporation: Immediately.

Headquarter of the IMDEA Food Insitute, Madrid (SPAIN)