The contract is part of Project CPP2023-010803, funded by the Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities, the State Research Agency (AEI), and the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER).

Project CPP2023-010803 is financed by MCIU/AEI / 10.13039/501100011033 / FEDER, EU.

IMDEA Food is part of the Network of Madrid Institutes for Advanced Studies (IMDEA Institutes), promoted by the Community of Madrid, with the objective of developing socially impactful research and achieving international scientific excellence.

Within this framework, the "FEMHEALTH: Precision Nutrition for the Improvement of Menopause-Associated Symptoms" project (Ref. CPP2023-010803) is being developed under the IMDEA Food research line on Clinical Trials in Precision Nutrition and Health within the GENYAL Platform. To ensure its proper execution, the project requires the incorporation of highly qualified technical personnel specializing in genomics.

Reference: TDL2025-010-FEMHEALTH – Senior PhD Laboratory Technician

Principal Investigator: Ricardo Ramos Ruiz

Program/Department: GENYAL Platform

Research Line: Clinical Trials in Precision Nutrition and Health

Job Description:

The PhD Laboratory Technician will be responsible for carrying out scientific and technical activities related to the research group’s work and the development of the following R&D&I project(s):

"FEMHEALTH: Precision Nutrition for the Improvement of Menopause-Associated Symptoms"

Main Responsibilities 

The scientific and technical activities carried out by the laboratory technician will include both instrumental technical tasks and laboratory management. These tasks will involve processing genotyping chips, epigenetic chips, and microbiota chips, for both the descriptive study and the intervention study. The main responsibilities will include:

1) Laboratory Work – Basic and Advanced Molecular Biology Techniques

• DNA, RNA, and microRNA isolation:
•  Quality control measurements for DNA and RNA, including Spectrophotometric and fluorimetric quantification; Integrity analysis via gel electrophoresis and bio-analysis equipment (TapeStation / Bioanalyzer)

• Preparation of DNA/RNA libraries for next-generation sequencing (NGS), including:
  • Genomic Shotgun libraries
  • Transcriptomic libraries (RNA-seq and small RNA-seq)
  • Amplicon libraries for phylogenetic identification (16S/18S/ITS, Cox1, etc.)
• Preparation of high-depth genotyping libraries after enrichment processes (exome, hybridization panels, amplicon libraries)
• NGS library preparation for epigenetic cytosine methylation analysis
• High-throughput genotyping and global promoter methylation analysis using microarray technology
• Preparation of single-cell sequencing libraries (10x Genomics-based or equivalent systems)
• Genotyping and gene expression studies using quantitative PCR/real-time PCR
• Development of digital PCR experiments

2) Preparation of Laboratory Data for Bioinformatics/Statistical Analysis

3) Processing of Biological Samples from Patients (Isolation of serum, plasma, and cellular fractions, among others)

4) Cell Culture and Biochemical/Metabolic Analyses: Use of Seahorse metabolic bioanalyzer, Preparation of cells for organ-on-a-chip experiments, etc.

5) Management and Handling of Biological Sample Databases

6) Preparation of General Use Reagents for the Research Group

7) Maintenance and Care of General Laboratory Equipment within GENYAL

8) Attendance at Weekly Research Group Meetings, Presentation of results and daily follow-up with the supervisor

9) Participation in Seminars, Training Courses, and Selected Conferences

10) Laboratory Organization and Management Support

• Stock and inventory management
• Order processing, tracking, reception, and record-keeping
• Support for student training
• Assistance in the research group's participation in events and activities, including travel logistics
• Support for events and courses, particularly in communication tasks such as generating website content and social media outreach

The PhD Laboratory Technician will be expected to actively participate in research activities, attend meetings, and collaborate with different team members. The candidate should demonstrate problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills within their area of expertise.

I. Entry requirements:

Required Education:

Education Level: PhD in Cellular/Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, or related disciplines.

Research Field: Molecular Biology, Nutrition, Genetics, Genomics

II. Merit Evaluation

Additional Training (Other Degrees and Knowledge Considered Valuable)

Training courses related to the position, particularly practical laboratory courses in areas relevant to the GENYAL Platform and the FEMHEALTH project.

Professional Experience Considered Valuable

• Previous work experience in a research laboratory is highly valued, preferably in a molecular biology or molecular oncology laboratory.
• Strongly preferred: Experience in wet-lab work related to next-generation sequencing (NGS), particularly in:
  • Library preparation for 16S sequencing
  • RNA-seq / microRNA-seq library preparation, which is of particular interest for the FEMHEALTH project.
• Experience using specialized molecular biology equipment, including:
  • TapeStation, Bioanalyzer, fluorimeters, nanoliter-scale spectrophotometers
  • DNA sequencers
  • Real-time PCR (qPCR) equipment for medium- and high-throughput analysis
  • Digital PCR (dPCR) equipment
  • Sample preparation equipment for single-cell analysis
  • Optical microscopes
  • Other genomics and molecular biology scientific instruments
• Experience with manual and automated nucleic acid extraction systems.
• Scientific publications, participation in conferences, congresses, and seminars will be positively considered.

Other Merits Considered Valuable

• A high level of reading, writing, and speaking skills in English will be valued.
• Other Relevant Merits: Any additional qualifications, experience, or skills directly related to the objectives of the FEMHEALTH project will be positively considered.

Skills and Competencies (To Be Assessed During the Interview)

• Motivated individual with enthusiasm and a strong willingness to learn.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, demonstrating organization, a positive attitude, and strong communication skills.
• Results-oriented, highly proactive, responsible, and committed to a strong work ethic.
• Organizational skills with initiative to manage tasks efficiently.
• Strong attention to detail and observational skills.
• Methodical approach to work, ensuring precision and consistency in laboratory tasks.

Note: To verify professional experience, candidates must submit at least a social security work history report or employment contract. Recommendation letters from previous employers detailing specific responsibilities performed will also be considered

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 conducted based on the following criteria:

Scoring Criteria:

I. Additional Training: 0–30*
II. Experience: 0–30*
III. Other Merits: 0–10*
IV. Interview: 0–30*

Contract Type: employment contract in accordance with current labor legislation, with a probationary period as established by law.

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

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

Duration: Employment contract contingent on funding from grant reference CPP2023-010803. (funding ends on 10/31/2027).

Incorporation: Immediately.

Headquarter of the IMDEA Food Insitute, Madrid (SPAIN)