Fundación Fraunhofer Spain ResearchThe Fraunhofer Spain Research foundation is looking for a RESEARCH ASSISTANT to support research and development activities at the Fraunhofer Center for Applied Theragnostics in Catalonia (Fraunhofer CAT). The candidate will contribute to the development of advanced 3D bioprinting systems, microfabrication technologies, and soft biomaterial platforms. Responsibilities include the design and optimization of biofabrication workflows, characterization of soft hydrogels and biomaterials, and support for the development and validation of microphysiological systems for Fraunhofer CAT research projects.
The contract will be within the framework of the Fraunhofer CAT projects, 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.
Main duties and responsibilities:
Under the supervision of the Fraunhofer CAT direction, the applicant will carry out the following activities:
- Design, fabrication and optimization of soft encapsulation platforms and experimental setups for microphysiological systems.
- Assessment of the performance of the engineered soft encapsulation platforms in terms of mechanical behaviour, sealing capabilities and fatigue.
- Design, fabrication and optimization of hydrogel-based tissue constructs using advanced 3D bioprinting technologies and biofabrication approaches.
- Development, preparation and physicochemical characterization of soft hydrogels, bioinks and biomaterials for tissue engineering applications.
- Support in experimental design, execution, optimization, data analysis and scientific documentation of research activities.
- Analyze experimental data and communicate results through scientific reports, publications, and presentations.
- Actively contribute to lab research and collaborations.
Requirements for candidates:
Essential
- Master's degree in Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a closely related Material Sciences discipline.
- Experience with 3D printing technologies using soft materials.
- Experience in G-coding and 3D printing workflows.
- Experience in hydrogel formulation and biomaterial characterization.
- Previous hands-on laboratory experience in mammalian cell culture and tissue engineering.
- Experience working under sterile conditions and knowledge of biosafety procedures.
- Experience working effectively in multidisciplinary and international research environments.
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail and ability to prioritize tasks.
- Good communication skills.
- Good level of spoken and written English.
Advantageous:
- Experience with light-based and/or extrusion-based 3D bioprinting technologies.
- Experience in CAD design, technical drawing and quantitative data analysis.
We Offer:
- Number of available positions: 1
- Starting date: as soon as possible
- Working conditions:
- Full-time open-ended contract due to technical and scientific activities linked to the project and budget duration. Presential.
- Salary: €22.000.
- 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 5th of August, by sending a CV and motivation letter to info@fraunhofer.es with the reference “RA01-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