JOB DESCRIPTION
The selected candidate will join the Grup de Recerca Neuromuscular de Badalona (GRENBA), an interdisciplinary team at the IGTP. GRENBA combines clinical, experimental, and computational approaches to advance research on rare neuromuscular diseases, with a particular focus on myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1).The fellow will contribute to our research program analyzing biological samples from DM1 patients enrolled in the DM1-Hub, Spain’s national patient registry. At GRENBA, we apply long-read sequencing technologies to investigate the repetitive region associated with DM1, and we use bioinformatics and biostatistics to refine patient stratification and deepen understanding of disease pathophysiology.In addition, the candidate will design and implement innovative transcriptomic and metabolomic methodologies and multi-omics integration approaches to uncover novel mechanisms underlying DM1 and related neuromuscular disorders
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
The research project will focus on the comprehensive characterization of the molecular pathophysiology of the patients within the DM1-Hub registry. The specific tasks and responsibilities include:
- Study of patient samples through long-read sequencing, focusing on the characterization of the DMPK region (expansion, variants, epigenetics and mosaicism).Integration of multi-omics data, including transcriptomic and metabolomic datasets, to investigate disease mechanisms and identify potential biomarkers.
- Development of proteomic protocols through ELISA and Western Blot for biomarker validation.
- Develop cell lines from patient samples for biomarker validation and preclinical drug testing.
- Maintain accurate experimental records and document results in a reproducible format.
- Collaboration with clinical and experimental teams to ensure translational relevance of the findings and contributions.
- Preparation of scientific publications, conference presentations, and reports derived from the project outcome
HOW TO APPLY
Candidate must comply with the FPU 2026 and FI-AGAUR Predoctoral Fellowships 2026 eligibility criteria set by the calls:
- At the time of joining the host institution and commencing the contract that is the subject of the grant, candidates must hold a bachelor's or university degree with at least 300 ECTS credits (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System), and a university master's degree, or an equivalent qualification. If the studies leading to the doctorate are a bachelor’s degree, they must be completed at the time of application submission and with the required minimum grade.
- At the time of applying, candidates may not have received in previous calls any aid for the recruitment of predoctoral research personnel in training (FI or FPU) or any grant for the recruitment of predoctoral research staff in training in the departments of universities of the university system of Catalonia (FI SDUR). Nor can they have enjoyed more than 6 months of any other specific contract for predoctoral research personnel in training.
- Nationality: Any.
Interested persons must attach to the application:
- Motivation letter explaining their interest in the position.
- Updated CV.
- Contact of 2-3 references.
Applications will be evaluated in accordance with the guiding principles and objectives of the supply systems, following the process described below:
- Curricular evaluation: analysis of the curriculum vitae to assess aspects related to training, professional career and experience in positions related to the job position under selection.
- Personal interview: once the résumé has been evaluated, the selected candidates will be called for a personal interview to verify and expand on the information detailed in the résumé and to evaluate aspects related to experience and professional skills.
Applications that do not meet the requirements, that are not included in the cases foreseen or that are not processed in accordance with the established procedure will not be considered in the selection process.
About us
The Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP) is a public research centre located in Badalona. Its main objective is to increase scientific knowledge in order to transform it into solutions to improve the health and medical care of patients and the community.
The Institute is associated with one of the major university hospitals in the Barcelona area, the Germans Trias i Pujol Hospital, and is part of the Can Ruti biomedical campus. IGTP is a CERCA centre and is also accredited as a centre of excellence by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII) and is in charge of coordinating the management and scientific strategy of the campus, working in close collaboration with the other centres.
The Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute carries out research within 9 areas:
- Cancer
- Cardiovascular and Respiratory Diseases
- Community Health
- Diseases of the Liver and Digestive Tract
- Endocrine and Diseases of the Metabolism, Bones and Kidneys
- Immunology and Inflammation
- Infectious Diseases
- Neuroscience
- Science of Behaviour and Substance Abuse
Scientists working in these areas publish an average of over 900 papers a year, contribute to improved treatment and healthcare protocols, produce patents and set up spin-off companies in order to improve the lives of patients.
The following video is a bird's eye view of Campus Can Ruti a top-tier translational research environment in the Barcelona area, in a very stimulating scientific environment. The IGTP offers a supportive, friendly and collaborative ecosystem to promote professional development and help you achieve your research goals.
The IGTP, in its commitment to equal opportunities, guarantees equal treatment between candidates and persons with a degree of disability equal to or greater than 33 per 100, as accredited by the Spanish Autonomous Regions or the State Administration, or who have been declared to have a total permanent disability in a different profession through a resolution of the National Institute of Social Security, while retaining functional capacity for the completion of the tasks of the post will be positively considered.
