2026_135_PHD POSITION - ICREC RESEARCH GROUP 2026

BADALONA

Full-time

Temporary

23,700 - 26,000 € per year

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Heart Failure and Cardiac Regeneration Research Group (ICREC) is offering a 3-year predoctoral position associated with the research project SCPP2500C012173XV0, entitled “Next-generation decellularized and re-endothelialized human vascular grafts for arterial bypass (VasCraft 2.0 Project)”.

The project focuses on the development of small-calibre human vascular grafts using tissue engineering strategies, with the aim of advancing their application in coronary and peripheral arterial revascularization.

The project is coordinated by the ICREC Research Group at the Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), in collaboration with the Banc de Sang i Teixits (BST) and the Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery Departments of the Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital.

The successful candidate will develop a PhD thesis under the supervision of Dr Carolina Gálvez Montón, Principal Investigator of the project, and will be integrated into the research activities and scientific environment of the ICREC Research Group.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

The main responsibilities of the successful candidate will include:

Performing laboratory techniques and protocols related to cell culture, tissue engineering, decellularization and re-endothelialization, flow cytometry, histology, immunohistochemistry and molecular biology.
Participating in the development and optimization of re-endothelialization protocols and vascular graft conditioning using bioreactor systems.
Supporting experimental procedures in large animal models (porcine and ovine), including vascular graft implantation, angiographic/echocardiographic follow-up, and sample collection and processing.
Statistical analysis, processing and interpretation of experimental data, including participation in omics data analysis.
Writing and reviewing scientific manuscripts, conference communications and research projects, as well as participating in other scientific dissemination activities related to the project and the research lines of the group.
Collaborating with ICREC researchers in activities required for the development of the different research lines of the group.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

a) Education

University degree, preferably in Veterinary Medicine or Medicine. Degrees in Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Biomedicine or other related biomedical sciences will also be considered.
A Master’s degree providing access to a PhD programme.

b) Languages

Good command of English, both written and spoken.

c) Specific knowledge and experience

Training required to work with laboratory animals (Category C or equivalent accreditation).
Experience with large animal models, particularly porcine and/or ovine models, as well as experience in cardiovascular surgical procedures, will be highly valued.
Previous experience in cell culture, tissue engineering, tissue decellularization and recellularization, histology, immunohistochemistry, molecular biology and flow cytometry will be valued.
Knowledge of statistical analysis and experimental data processing will be valued, as well as experience or interest in omics data analysis, including single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics.

d) Personal skills

Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
Proactivity, autonomy, organizational skills, scientific rigor and willingness to learn.

e) Additional requirements

Strong motivation to develop a PhD thesis in cardiovascular research, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

WHAT WE OFFER

Type of contract and working hours: Fixed-term, full-time employment contract (Predoctoral contract under the Spanish Science Law / Ley de la Ciencia).
Expected starting date: November 2026.
The gross annual remuneration associated with this position will be established according to the applicable conditions and distributed in 12 monthly payments: €23,700 gross/year in the first year, €24,500 gross/year in the second year and €26,000 gross/year in the third year.
Flexible compensation (childcare vouchers).
23 days of annual leave + 5 personal days per year.
Access to training activities and programmes aimed at scientific and professional development.
The opportunity to join a multidisciplinary biomedical research institute, accredited as a Health Research Institute by the ISCIII and holding the HR Excellence in Research (HRS4R) distinction, committed to the professional development of researchers.
The position is based at the Can Ruti Campus, a biomedical and translational research environment that promotes interaction between basic, preclinical and clinical research, as well as collaboration across institutions and disciplines.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

HOW TO APPLY

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.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

The call for applications will close on the 20th of October 2026.

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.