IC60_25 – R2 PER AL PROJECTE VESICLEX: MATRIU 3D ENRIQUIDA AMB VESÍCULES EXTRACEL·LULARS COM A TERÀPIA INNOVADORA PER A LA MALALTIA DE CROHN.

Job description

VESICLEX: Matriu 3D Enriquida amb Vesícules Extracel·lulars com a Teràpia Innovadora per a la Malaltia de Crohn. Researcher career profile (R2)

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Pere Virgili Institute for Health Research (IISPV) is an institution that integrates research in the field of biomedicine in the “Camp de Tarragona” and the “Terres de l’Ebre”. The IISPV is the instrument that the university hospitals of both health regions have been endowed with (Joan XXIII University Hospital of Tarragona, Verge de la Cinta Hospital of Tortosa, Sant Joan de Reus University Hospital, Institut Pere Mata University Hospital of Reus) and Rovira and Virgili University, in order to bring together and manage biomedical research and innovation in the territory.

The research group in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBODI) focuses on the link between gut microbiota, immunity, and fat stem cells in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Current studies suggest that perilesional fat contributes to Crohn’s disease, and the translocation of bacteria from the affected intestine to perilesional fat causes metabolic and functional changes in this tissue that may contribute to disease progression. Understanding the role of gut microbiota, perilesional fat, and the interaction between fat stem cells and immune cells in these patients will help us find useful biomarkers for diagnosing, predicting, or tracking disease progression. The team includes basic researchers, biologists, biotechnologists, as well as clinical researchers, gastroenterologists, surgeons, and nurses.

According to the final Resolution of the Agency for the Management of University and Research Grants regarding the award of Knowledge Industry (IdC) grants for the year 2025, Modality B. Product Grants aimed at the development of prototypes and at the valorization and transfer of research results generated by research teams in Catalonia, with reference code 2025 PROD 00091, for the project NEar REAl-Time Clinical Decision Support Platform for Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia Prediction.

Number of available positions: 1

The selected candidate will perform the following tasks:

• Lead the strategic implementation and oversee the execution of the VESICLEX project.
• Drive innovation management activities, including intellectual property monitoring, technology transfer, and interactions with the Innovation Unit of IISPV and potential industrial partners.
• Support in the preparation of regulatory and translational documentation to facilitate potential clinical and market applications.
• Contribute to networking and outreach activities, including participation in meetings, courses, and workshops related to innovation and entrepreneurship.
• Isolation and characterization of extracellular vesicles derived from adipose stem cells (mesenteric and subcutaneous).
• Design and execution of molecular biology experiments (e.g., cell culture, PCR, qPCR, western blot).
• Collaboration with the multidisciplinary team to integrate biological data and contribute to the development of diagnostic and prognostic models.
• Writing scientific manuscripts and presenting results at national and international conferences.

CANDIDATE PROFILE & REQUIREMENTS

• Degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology or Biotechnology
• The researcher must have a Doctorate degree (PhD)
• Minimum 3 years demonstrable experience of working with the gastrointestinal tract and immunology, especially in working with human intestinal explants.
• The researcher must have knowledge of working with extracellular vesicles
• Minimum 2 years of experience overseas
• Minimum English level B2

IT WILL BE VALUED

• Knowledge of gut metabolism, immunology and gut cells culture
• Advanced skills in intestinal explants manipulation
• Previous experience in similar projects.
• Ability to identify and solve problems.
• Previous experience in immunology
• Experience in bioinformatic analytic tools used in microbiology and molecular biology, including omics technologies including transcriptomics (microRNAs).
• Previous experience in publishing in international journals.
• Advanced skills in applied statistical analysis for observational and intervention studies
• Experience in cell line cultures, primary cultures, gene expression analysis (RT-PCR), Western blot, ELISAs and immunohistochemistry.
• Experience in database management and knowledge of statistical programs (SPSS, R).

SELECTION PROCEDURE

• Selection of CV’s. Suitable and unsuitable CV’s will be identified according to the requirements. Applicants who do not meet the requirements indicated in the candidate profile and requirements will not pass to the next phase.
• Evaluation of the CV. Evaluation of the CVs up to a maximum score of 50 points.
• Cover Letter. Attach to the resume a cover letter with a maximum length of 2500 characters with spaces. With a maximum score of 10 points.

To access the interview phase it is necessary to have obtained a minimum score of 40 points in the sum of scores of the evaluation of the curriculum and cover letter

• Personal interview. With a maximum score of 40 points.

The selected person must have obtained a minimum score of 75 points in the sum of scores from the assessment of all phases of the selection procedure.

SELECTION COMMITTEE

• President: Carolina Serena Perelló (Group Leader, R4)
• Chair 1: Diandra Monfort Ferré (Postdoctoral researcher, R2)
• Chair 2: Laura Clua Ferré (Postdoctoral researcher, R2)

SUBSTITUTES:

• President: Aleidis Caro (Clinical researcher IBODI group)
• Chair 1: Lidia Cabrinety (Clinical researcher IBODI group)
• Chair 2: Margarita Menacho (Clinical researcher IBODI group)

CANDIDATURES 

• The CV must include the DNI/NIE number or another personal identity document number.
• Send the CV and the Cover Letter through the form that you will find on the bottom of the offer page https://www.iispv.cat/treballa-amb-nosaltres/

For any questions or queries: recruitment@iispv.cat

DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF CV 21/09/2025

COMMUNICATIONS

The IISPV will notify the candidates of the results of the different phases of the selection process through its website.

HRS4R Research in HR Excellence

The IISPV has the European accreditation The Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R), complies with the general principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the recruitment of researchers.

The IISPV has an internal recruitment policy that follows the Open, Transparent and Merit-based Recruitment (OTM-R) policies. More information about the HRS4R policies implemented at the IISPV is available on the following website: https://www.iispv.cat/hrs4r-hr-excellenceresearch/

The IISPV will guarantee the right to equal opportunities and treatment, as well as the real and effective exercise of rights by people with disabilities under equal conditions with respect to other citizens, through the promotion of personal autonomy, universal accessibility, access to employment, inclusion in the community and independent living and the eradication of any form of discrimination, in accordance with articles 9.2, 10, 14 and 49 of the Spanish Constitution and the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and international treaties and agreements ratified by Spain.

In the event of a tie, priority will be given to hiring the person with a disability.

In the event of a tie between people of different genders, the person of the least represented gender in the work group/department/service in which he joins will be hired.