PhD Positions

Reference Number: PID2023-146303OB-I00

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?: No

Offer Description

Project title: Deciphering the biomarker and therapeutic potential of three chromatin factors for the development of new treatments for colorectal cancer

Principal Investigator: Dr. Sonia-Vanina Forcales Fernández

Host institution: Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Bellvitge Campus. Chromatin Dynamics in Cancer and Cell Fate group.

Description: Study of the mechanisms of chromatin regulation involved in tumour progression and in the response to new cancer treatments, within the framework of the project funded by the Ministry of Science and Innovation / State Research Agency (MICIU/AEI), with FEDER co-financing, European Union. Project PID2023-146303OB-I00 financed by MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033/FEDER, UE entitled “Deciphering the biomarker and therapeutic potential of three chromatin factors for new treatments against colorectal cancer.”

This predoctoral contract is part of a research line aimed at identifying new molecular determinants with potential biomarker and therapeutic value in cancer. In this context, the candidate will carry out studies related to chromatin elements and aberrant transcription in adult and paediatric cancer models, with particular interest in DNA repair factors, chemoresistance, repetitive elements and DNA methylation.

Functions and tasks: The successful candidate will carry out predoctoral research tasks in the field of chromatin regulation, molecular cancer biology and response to antitumour treatments, within the framework of the funded project.

1. To develop the experimental doctoral thesis project related to the study of chromatin regulatory factors and elements with potential biomarker and therapeutic value in cancer.
2. To work with cancer cell models, including 2D and 3D cultures, in order to analyse mechanisms of tumour progression, cellular plasticity and response to treatments.
3. To apply molecular and cellular biology techniques for the study of gene expression, chromatin regulation and cellular response, including, among others, RT-qPCR, Western blot, immunofluorescence, RNA-FISH/FISH and functional assays.
4. To prepare, process and analyse biological samples derived from the experimental models of the project, as well as to organise and interpret the data obtained.
5. To perform basic analysis of experimental data and participate in the bioinformatic analysis of transcriptomic, epigenomic or sequencing data.
6. Where applicable, and always in accordance with current regulations, the required accredited training and the authorisations of the corresponding ethics committee, to participate in tasks related to animal models of cancer, including experimental monitoring, sample collection and subsequent analysis of the tissues obtained.
7. To contribute to the recording of results, preparation of follow-up reports, scientific communications, conference presentations and manuscripts derived from the project.

Where to apply

Website: http://www.ub.edu/caiac/solBeca?idConvocatoria=50564

Requirements

Research Field: Biological sciences » Other

Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

1. Hold a BSc and MSc, or equivalent qualifications, in Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Genetics, Genomics, Molecular Biology or related fields.
2. Have obtained pre-admission to the PhD Programme in Biomedicine at the University of Barcelona, or fulfil the access requirements for admission to the programme. https://www.ub.edu/escoladoctorat/en/access-and-admission/access

Specific Requirements

1. Experience in cancer molecular and cellular biology, gene regulation, chromatin, epigenetics, DNA damage response and/or mechanisms of resistance to antitumour treatments.
2. Experience in cell culture of human tumour models, including 2D and/or 3D cultures, handling of biological samples and in vitro functional assays.
3. Experience in RNA-FISH/FISH techniques. Knowledge of repetitive sequences, non-coding genomic elements, lncRNAs, macrosatellites or genomic regions with complex regulation.
4. Knowledge of bioinformatics, omics data analysis and programming applied to biomedical data, especially in R, Python or equivalent tools.

Languages

• OTHER: Excellent
• SPANISH: Excellent
• ENGLISH: Excellent

Research Field: Biological sciences » Other

Additional Information

Benefits

A full-time work contract (37.5 hrs/week). The researcher will have the possibility to participate in teaching activities for professional development (not obligatory, though).

The position will provide advanced research training leading to the completion of a PhD thesis within the PhD Programme in Biomedicine at the Universitat de Barcelona, under the supervision of Dr. Sonia-Vanina Forcales Fernández.

The candidate will join an active biomedical research environment and will have access to research facilities, scientific training activities, seminars, group meetings and opportunities to participate in national and international scientific dissemination activities.

The researcher may also participate in teaching activities for professional development, when available and in accordance with the applicable regulations, although this will not be compulsory.

The gross annual salary and employment conditions will be established according to the institutional salary scales and the funding conditions of the project supporting the contract.

Eligibility criteria

A specific committee will evaluate the applications using the following criteria:

• Grade point average of the academic transcripts from the applicant's bachelor's or master's degree studies (or 1st and 2nd cycle): up to 5 points out of a total of 10.
• Curricular merits: up to 1 point out of a total of 10 in accordance with the specific criteria listed in Annex 1.
• Suitability for the tasks to be performed within the framework of the research project or research support position to which the successful candidate will be attached: up to 4 points out of a total of 10.

Selection process

The specific committee will agree upon an award proposal and draw up a prioritized shortlist of candidates who have achieved a minimum of five points or declare the call for applications null and void if none of the applicants reach the minimum score.

The award proposal will be published in the UB's electronic office and must include the total scores of the candidates that have received a total of at least five points.

Application Process: According to the specific requirements and selection criteria, the candidates are expected to provide at least the following documents:

• Application form
• Full CV
• BSc and MSc academic transcripts
• Certificate of completion of the training course for personnel using animals for scientific purposes, covering functions a, b, c and d (care, euthanasia, performance of procedures, and design of projects and procedures) in rodents and fish, or an equivalent recognised certificate.

Additional comments

The candidate proposed for hiring must accept the job offer within 5 working days from the date of notification of the selection.

Be aware that the starting date sets in this offer is an estimate date. The official starting date will depend on the time necessary for administration to prepare the labour contract and present the necessary documents for the selected candidate to be hired.

Priority will be given to people with disabilities (Law 89/2015 of June 2, reserve of quota 2% in favour of people with disabilities in companies of 50 or more people).

Website for additional job details: http://www.ub.edu/caiac/solBeca?idConvocatoria=50564

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available: 1

Company/Institute: Universitat de Barcelona

Country: Spain

State/Province: L'Hospitalet de Llobregat

City: Barcelona

Postal Code: 08907

Street: Carrer de la Feixa Llarga, s/n

Contact

City: Barcelona

Website: https://www.ub.edu/portal/web/dp-patologia-terapeutica/chromatin-dynamics-in-cancer-and-cell-fate

Street: Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 585

Postal Code: 08007

E-Mail: sforcales@ub.edu