About the Project
This project has received funding from the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union's Horizon Europe research and innovation programme (Grant Agreement No.[contact details available in the full listing]).
The T6S-PoreMech project, funded by a prestigious ERC Advanced Grant, aims to establish a new unifying framework for understanding Type VI Secretion System (T6SS) Pore-Forming Toxins (PFTs). By combining cutting-edge single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), membrane protein biochemistry, and single-channel electrophysiology, the project will resolve the atomic architectures of active, membrane-inserted toxin pores and decipher how bacteria defend themselves against these molecular weapons.
We are seeking three highly motivated and talented team members to join this exciting 5-year initiative at Instituto Biofisika:
Open Positions
- Postdoctoral Researcher – Biophysics & Toxin Function (Postdoc 1)
- Role: Lead the in vivo and in vitro functional characterization of T6SS pore-forming toxins and their biophysical molecular mechanisms.
- Essential qualifications: Ph.D. in Biophysics, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related field. Demonstrated expertise in biophysics, membrane proteins, and/or pore-forming toxins.
- Desirable qualifications: Experience with single-channel planar lipid bilayer electrophysiology, liposome/nanodisc reconstitutions, or flow cytometry-based cellular assays.
- Postdoctoral Researcher – Cryo-EM & Structural Biology (Postdoc 2)
- Role: Drive high-resolution single-particle cryo-EM structure determination of active, membrane-inserted toxin pores in nanodiscs and toxin-immunity complexes using megabody technologies.
- Essential qualifications: Ph.D. in Structural Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, or a related field. Demonstrated expertise in cryo-EM (sample preparation, grid vitrification, data collection, and processing), membrane proteins, or pore-forming toxins.
- Desirable qualifications: Experience with nanodisc reconstitution, megabodies/nanobodies, or membrane protein purification.
- Technical Specialist – Protein Biochemistry
- Role: Support the day-to-day laboratory operations, manage molecular biology pipelines, and lead the expression and purification of challenging bacterial membrane proteins to support all project pillars.
- Essential qualifications: B.Sc., M.Sc., or Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related field. Proven expertise in protein biochemistry, specifically protein expression and purification (bacterial expression systems, affinity/size-exclusion chromatography).
- Desirable qualifications: Prior experience in handling membrane-associated proteins, lab management, and inventory ordering is highly valued.
Requirements
Specific Requirements
Selection Process & Evaluation Criteria (OTM-R Aligned)
Recruitment follows an Open, Transparent, and Merit-based (OTM-R) process across four stages:
Assessment StagePrimary Evaluation CriteriaWeighting1. Eligibility CheckCompliance with formal degree requirements and application completeness.Pass / Fail2. CV & BackgroundTechnical expertise alignment based on job description and academic/professional track record.50%3. InterviewPresentation of past research, technical competence, problem-solving, English fluency, and project fit.40%4. Reference CheckConfidential evaluation of past performance, teamwork, and reliability from 2–3 references.10%
Notice: Reference checks and interviews form an integral part of evaluation. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview. Equal opportunity principles strictly apply throughout selection.
What We Offer
- Involvement in a high-impact, pioneering European research project.
- Access to state-of-the-art biochemistry, electrophysiology, and high-end cryo-EM facilities.
- A collaborative, international, and stimulating research environment.
- Competitive salaries commensurate with qualifications and experience.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should send a single PDF containing a cover letter, a CV with a full publication list, and contact details for 2–3 references to [contact details available in the full listing] with the subject line "ERC T6S-PoreMech – [Position Name]". Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis starting 1st September, 2026
Additional Information
Additional comments
Structural microbiology laboratory https://www.biofisika.org/en/research/structural-microbiology
Work Location(s)
Number of offers available: 1
Company/Institute: Instituto Biofisika Bizkaia
Country: Spain
State/Province: Bizkaia
City: Leioa
Postal Code: 48940
Street: Barrio Sarriena s/n
Contact
City: Leioa
Website: http://biofisika.org/
Street: Barrio Sarriena s/n
Postal Code: 48940
E-Mail: [contact details available in the full listing]
Phone: [contact details available in the full listing]
