Predoctoral Researcher - Hereditary Cancer

Ref.: 24-103_R_GC

About the research group

The DNA Mismatch Repair team within the Hereditary Cancer Research Group (https://hereditarycancergroup.com/team/dna-mismatch-repair-laboratory/), led by Dr. Gabriel Capellá and Dr. Marta Pineda, is dedicated to advancing the healthcare of patients with mismatch repair-associated hereditary cancer syndromes, including Lynch syndrome and Constitutional Mismatch Repair Deficiency (CMMRD).

Hereditary cancer predisposition syndromes exemplify both the benefits and challenges of genomic medicine. Lynch syndrome, which was molecularly defined in the 1990s, has benefited from scientific advancements that have enabled the identification of at-risk individuals, the refinement of diagnostic algorithms, and partial elucidation of the molecular mechanisms behind neoplastic transformation. These advances have contributed to the long-term survival of carriers who undergo appropriate surveillance. However, challenges persist, such as the need for more personalized follow-up, which could enhance the effectiveness of current surveillance strategies. The group is investigating new approaches to personalize endometrial cancer surveillance to minimize the impact of risk-reducing surgeries and improve the quality of life for these patients.

Successful candidates will join a dynamic, young, and well-equipped research team with strong interdisciplinary collaboration. The group fosters a stimulating research environment that encourages the exchange of ideas and techniques, making it an ideal setting for young researchers to thrive and innovate.

About the role

The successful candidate will be involved in a project focused on identifying novel biomarkers associated with progression to Lynch syndrome-related endometrial cancer. The specific responsibilities include:

• Identifying early molecular and histopathological events in MMR-deficient endometrial tumorigenesis
• Characterizing the differential interactions between tissues and immune cells during malignant transformation
• Assessing the clinical utility of identified early biomarkers to develop new personalized gynecological follow-up strategies

The candidate will work with cutting-edge technologies to characterize molecular events in endometrial carcinogenesis, under the guidance of Dr. Marta Pineda and Dr. Fátima Marín. This role offers the opportunity to engage in highly translational research within a multidisciplinary team, utilizing patient-derived samples to contribute to significant advancements in the field.

Throughout their time in the laboratory, the candidate will benefit from a comprehensive mentoring plan and substantial infrastructure to support their development. Additionally, the Predoctoral Researcher will be enrolled in the PhD program associated with the Master’s in Biomedicine at the University of Barcelona, which has been awarded the Quality Mention by the Ministry of Education, Spain (http://www.ub.edu/estudis/es/mastersuniversitaris/biomedicina/presentacion).

Job requirements

Professional experience

• Not required

Education and training

• University degree in Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related discipline
• Official Master's degree in Biomedical Sciences or a related field

Technical skills

• Advanced technical skills in laboratory techniques and methodologies

Languages

• Good command of the English language

We will value, but not require

• Proven experience in genetics and molecular laboratory techniques
• Proven knowledge in human genetics, molecular biology, histology, and bioinformatics
• Experience in biological sample processing and next-generation sequencing
• Participation in research projects, co-authorship of publications, and international mobility will be considered valuable assets
• High motivation and capability to contribute effectively to a multidisciplinary team
• Strong ability to work independently and with a high degree of autonomy

What do we offer

•  No. of positions: 1
•  Estimated start date: 01/11/2024
•  Contract duration: 4 years
•  Estimated annual gross salary: 24.600 €
•  You will be part of a multicultural team. We have a fun loving and friendly international work environment.
•  Flexible working schedule - We know you have a life outside of work and we will work with you to make sure it's kept that way.
•  Possibility to work some days in remote - Teleworking
•  26 working days of holiday per year
•  System of accumulated hours for employees, from 88 to 104 hours depending on the year (11 to 13 working days), to attend to personal matters.
•  Paid leave package
•  Benefits of constant training are offered
•  We offer and promote diverse and inclusive conditions. Applicants are made free from any discrimination. Specifically IDIBELL works to improve gender equality in all areas with the aim of achieving gender balance, but maintaining the most scrupulous respect to any choice at the level of gender identity. Please express yourself freely, safely and non-binarily, if that's the case.

Application

All applications must include the following:

• A detailed CV or, even better, a CVA (AEI-FECYT)
  
  
• A second file including:
  
  

1. a motivational letter detailing your research interests and relevant experience addressed to Gabriel Capellá & Marta Pineda
   
   
2. recommendation letters from at least two academic references
   
   
3. detailed transcript of grades for both the official degree and master’s program, organized by subject
   
   
4. a copy of your master's thesis

• Contact details of two referees

Selection process

1. Pre-selection: The pre-selection process will involve an eligibility check based on the qualifications and expertise outlined in the candidate's CVA, the motivational letter, the recommendation letters and, your master's thesis.
   
   
2. Interview: Best positioned, pre-selected candidates may be called to arrange an interview. Candidates will be interviewed by the hiring manager and an ad hoc selection panel. An oral presentation and practical test may be required during the selection process.
   
   
3. Formal offer email: Once identified, the Talent Unit will send a job offer to the successful candidate indicating start date, salary, working conditions, and any additional relevant details.

Deadline: Please submit your application by 20/09/2024

Data protection notice

In compliance with the obligations established in the General Regulation of Data Protection (RGPD), which is the Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the Parliament and of the Council, of April 27, 2016, and the Organic Law 3/2018, of December 5, Protection of Personal Data and guarantee of digital rights, it is reported that the Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), CIF G58863317, with address Av. Granvia de l'Hospitalet, 199-203, 08908, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, will process your personal data, as the controller, to apply for the position, maintain communication concerning the status of the candidature, to access the delivered CV; to compare that your data is in accordance with the offers announced by IDIBELL and to verify, where appropriate, that the information provided is accurate.

You can find more information in our Privacy Policy at https://idibell.cat/en/privacy-policy-2/, request more information about the data processing carried out and exercise your rights of access, rectification, deletion, opposition, portability, limitation of processing by sending a request at email: dataprotection@idibell.cat. If you consider that you have not obtained satisfaction in exercising your rights, you may submit a claim to Catalan Data Protection Authority.

Our institute

IDIBELL is a research center that integrates the biomedical research of the Bellvitge University Hospital (HUB), the Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), and the University of Barcelona in the Bellvitge Campus (UB), and the Viladecans Hospital (HV). The research focuses of IDIBELL are cancer, neuroscience, translational medicine and regenerative medicine. Research, innovation and society are the pivots on which researchers work every day in order to improve the quality of life of citizens.

Observations

The 'HR Excellence in Research' award represents IDIBELL’s commitment to the implementation of Human Resources policies, which oversee the attracting and development of talent in an open, transparent, and based on personal merit, in alignment with the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment Researchers (Charter and Code).

IDIBELL is committed to the principles of the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers of the European Commission and the implementation of open, transparent and merit-based recruitment (OTMR).

The project PID2023-151585OB-I00 leading to this labor contract, has received funding from the Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities in 2023.