Predoctoral Researcher - Colorectal Cancer

Ref.: 24-096_R_VM

About the research group

The Oncology Data Analytics Program (ODAP) in the Colorectal Cancer research group was established in 2019 to address the needs of the Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO) and IDIBELL. This unique program supports both institutes in oncological data handling, analysis, and research, with a focus on cancer prevention, early detection, and precision oncology. Utilizing state-of-the-art bioinformatic tools and analyses, ODAP is organized into three specialized units:

• The Unit of Bioinformatics for Precision Oncology (UBOP) primarily focuses on applying bioinformatics to aid the development and implementation of precision oncology in clinical practice.
• The Unit of Biomarkers and Susceptibility (UBS) aims to discover and validate molecular biomarkers in cancer, impacting diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment response.
• The Oncology Outcomes Unit (URO) employs advanced analytical data science techniques, such as machine learning and artificial intelligence, to identify patterns in patient data and derive indicators of oncology outcomes.

For more information, please visit our website: https://www.odap-ico.org/

About the role

We are seeking a highly motivated predoctoral researcher to join our dynamic research team for an exciting project in the field of human epigenetics titled "Human Intergenerational Epigenetic Inheritance: Determinants and Contribution to Missing Heritability and Risk of Colorectal Cancer (MethylHeri)." The successful candidate must have a master’s degree in a discipline related to Life Ssciences and a keen interest, preferably with experience, in bioinformatics and laboratory research.

Main duties of this position include:

• Conducting biomedical research in the field of human epigenetics
• Performing bioinformatic analyses of DNA methylation, SNP arrays, and WGS libraries
• Preparing NGS libraries and conducting laboratory validations of in silico findings
• Collaborating with team members to contribute to the project goals
• Presenting findings at scientific meetings and publishing results in peer-reviewed journals

The funds cover the University of Barcelona PhD fees and include the opportunity to spend a minimum of 4 months at a European institution to earn the European PhD Mention.

If you are passionate about epigenetics and eager to contribute to cutting-edge research, we encourage you to apply.

The selected candidate must have a valid work permit for Europe and be ready to start no later than January 1, 2025.

Job requirements

Professional experience

• Not required

Education and training

• Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Sciences, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, or similar
• Official Master’s degree that qualifies for PhD program enrollment for the 2024-25 academic year

Technical & soft skills

• Training, knowledge, or a strong interest in using bioinformatics tools and computing
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R
• Proficiency in using a Linux computing environment
• Familiarity with data analysis and statistical methods
• Basic training in laboratory techniques involving nucleic acids
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks effectively

Languages

• Good command of the English language, with fluency in both oral and written communication

We will value, but not require

• Prior experience with molecular biology laboratory techniques
• Completion of a Master's Final Project in the field of bioinformatics

What do we offer

•  No. of positions: 1
•  Estimated start date: 01/01/2025
•  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 Víctor Moreno
   
   
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 01/10/2024

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 PID2023-151570OB-I00 leading to this labor contract, has received funding from the Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities in 2023.