THE PROJECT TO BE DEVELOPED:

Develop a PhD research project focused on modeling KDM6B-associated neurodevelopmental syndrome, contributing to the generation and characterization of cellular disease models, from patient-derived fibroblasts to genome-edited induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines. The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary research team and contribute to advancing the understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the disease, with the ultimate goal of supporting the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Generate and perform the initial characterization of patient-derived fibroblasts.

• Reprogram fibroblasts into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).

• Perform CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing of iPSC lines.

• Differentiate iPSC lines into neuronal cell models.

• Conduct multi-omics analyses and integrate experimental data.

• Perform targeted functional assays to validate research findings.

• Contribute to data analysis, scientific manuscript preparation, and the dissemination of results through conferences and peer-reviewed publications.

WE OFFER:

• A predoctoral contract with salary in line with Hospital Sant Joan de Déu (HSJD) salary scales (according to category and year), including a salary increase in the last two years, equivalent to competitive predoctoral fellowships.

• Solid training within the PhD Programme in Genetics at the University of Barcelona (UB), including PhD tuition fees (covered by the project).

• Attendance at national and international conferences, depending on the year and results obtained.

• Participation in Journal Club, PhD Day, and other group/institutional dissemination and outreach activities.

• SJD T-Cuida Programme, offering initiatives and benefits to promote the physical, emotional, social and professional well-being of our teams.

• Annual gross salary between €26,000 and €30,000, according to the candidate's experience and the applicable salary scale.

• Location: Esplugues de Llobregat (Barcelona), Spain.

THE PROFILE WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

• Master's degree in Biology, Biomedicine, Biochemistry, Genetics or a related Life Sciences discipline.

• Solid background in molecular biology.

• Experience in eukaryotic cell culture; experience with iPSCs or iPSC-derived models will be considered an asset.

• Basic knowledge of R or Python, or willingness to learn and work in collaboration with a bioinformatics team.

• Fluent English, both written and spoken.

• Strong organizational skills and ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

KEY COMPETENCIES:

• Scientific curiosity.

• Analytical thinking.

• Proactivity.

• Teamwork.

• Organization and planning.

• Attention to detail.

• Communication skills.

Esplugues de Llobregat, 16/07/2026