Fundación Fraunhofer Spain ResearchThe Fraunhofer Spain Research foundation is looking for a highly motivated junior POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER to join our team at the Fraunhofer Center for Applied Theragnostics in Catalonia (Fraunhofer CAT). The candidate will develop research in the field of tumor microenvironment and metastasis modelling. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of next-generation human in vitro models to investigate the mechanisms underlying cancer dissemination and liver metastasis formation. The project combines advanced cell culture technologies, organoid biology, microphysiological systems, and cutting-edge imaging approaches to recreate complex interactions between cancer cells and their microenvironment
The contract will be within the framework of the Fraunhofer CAT project, whose objective is the development of new diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic tools in the field of precision medicine. For example, the development of new technologies for i) the establishment of biomimetic organ and tissue models for in vitro testing, ii) the development of sensors and electronic devices, iii) the design and validation of therapeutic strategies for personalized medicine, and iv) the production and validation of new biological models.
This project is funded by: Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, Generalitat de Catalunya and Ajuntament de Barcelona.
Main duties and responsibilities:
Under the supervision of the Fraunhofer CAT direction, the applicant will carry out the following activities:
- Establish, maintain, and characterize human organoids and cancer-derived tumoroids from patient samples.
- Culture and expand primary human cells relevant to the tumor microenvironment and metastatic process, including stromal and endothelial cell populations.
- Develop multicellular in vitro models to study tumor progression, invasion, and metastasis using microphysiological systems and organ-on-chip platforms.
- Perform phenotypic and functional characterization of models using advanced imaging and molecular biology techniques.
- Apply and optimize advanced microscopy approaches, including live-cell imaging and high-content imaging.
- Analyze experimental data and communicate results through scientific reports, publications, and presentations.
- Actively contribute to lab research and collaborations.
Requirements for candidates
Essential
- PhD in biomedical sciences, bioengineering, biotechnology or similar areas.
- Proven knowledge on culture and maintenance of human organoids, preferably intestinal organoids and/or cancer organoids.
- Experience with primary human cell culture and complex co-culture systems.
- Expertise in advanced microscopy techniques and image analysis.
- Experience in experimental design, data interpretation and scientific communication.
- Experience working under sterile conditions and knowledge of biosafety procedures.
- Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to collaborative projects
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail and ability to prioritize tasks.
- Excellent communications skills in English.
Advantageous:
- Experience in immune cell biology and integrating immune cells into in vitro models.
- Experience in colorectal cancer research
- Knowledge of microphysiological systems technologies or 3D tissue engineering
We Offer:
- Number of available positions: 1
- Starting date: as soon as possible
- Working conditions:
- Full time permanent contract. Open-ended contract due to technical and scientific activities linked to the project and budget duration. Presential.
- Salary: €32.500 - €33.500
- Measures to reconcile work and family life (maternity and paternity leave, flexible schedule working hours, 23 working days of paid holidays, 6 leave days for personal matters, among others).
- Fraunhofer Spain Research ensures equality of access to professional development opportunities irrespective of employment status or other factors.
- Stimulating, interdisciplinary research and high-quality international scientific environment.
- Induction programme to facilitate incorporation at Fraunhofer Spain Research and additional support is provided for foreigners to obtain Visa-working permit and to install in Barcelona.
How to apply:
Until the 16th of August, by sending a CV and motivation letter to info@fraunhofer.es with the reference “JPR02-FCAT” as subject of the email.
Only those applications submitted before the deadline will be evaluated.
If you have any further questions regarding your application or the application process, please get in touch with us at info@fraunhofer.es