09-11-2026

Predoctoral Researcher (FPI) - G.Santpere

Ref.:

FIMIM3343-SANTPERE

Institution:

FUNDACIÓ IMIM

Researcher/s responsible for the project:

Gabriel Santpere Baró

Project title:

Grants for predoctoral contracts for the training of doctors 2025 (FPI)

Research group / Service:

Neurogenomics research group

Area description:

The Hospital del Mar Research Institute is looking for a Predoctoral Researcher (FPI) to join the Neurogenomics Research Group, led by GABRIEL SANTPERE BARÓ, located at the Barcelona Biomedical Research Park (PRBB). The PRONEURO-SYNTAX project (Syntax and dynamics of proneural bHLH factors in primate neurogenesis and neuropsychiatric vulnerability) investigates the molecular mechanisms that regulate cortical neurogenesis, focusing on the activity of proneural transcription factors of the bHLH family (NEUROG2, NEUROD1/2/6, TCF4) and their interaction with chromatin. The project combines functional genomics and epigenomics techniques, including CUT&Tag, single-cell RNA-seq, ATAC-seq and multiomics, to study gene regulation during neuronal differentiation in models derived from human and other primate pluripotent stem cells. The hired person will mainly develop the bioinformatics part of the project, integrating omics data to characterize gene regulatory networks, chromatin dynamics, and evolutionary mechanisms associated with cortical development and neuropsychiatric vulnerability.

Main responsibilities:

- Processing of CUT&Tag data, identification of transcription factor binding regions and analysis of E-box regulatory motifs. - Analysis of multi-omics data (RNA + ATAC) to characterize neuronal progenitor maturation trajectories and changes in chromatin accessibility. - Integration of transcription factor binding, chromatin accessibility and gene expression data to reconstruct regulatory networks and quantify proneural activity. - Comparative analysis of genomic and epigenomic data from humans and other primates to identify evolutionary changes in gene regulation. - Integration of the results with genetic data on neuropsychiatric disorders. - Develop and implement bioinformatics pipelines for processing and analysing high-throughput sequencing data. - Analyse and integrate transcriptomic and epigenomic data, particularly single-cell RNA-seq, ATAC-seq and CUT&Tag. - Apply computational methodologies to infer gene regulatory networks and study the dynamics of neuronal differentiation. - Develop data analysis and visualisation tools, ensuring the reproducibility of results. - Collaborate with the group’s researchers and participate in meetings, scientific publications and conferences.

What do we need?

- University degree in Biology, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics or related disciplines. - Master's degree in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology or an equivalent qualification. - The selected candidate must have an admission letter and/or be enrolled in a doctoral programme before the start of the employment relationship. - Knowledge of programming and data analysis using Python and/or R. - Experience in omics data analysis, particularly transcriptomics and single-cell data. - Knowledge of Linux environments and sequencing data processing tools. - Good command of scientific English. - A person motivated by research, with a willingness to learn, autonomy and the ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment. - Meet the eligibility requirements for an FPI predoctoral contract. The following will be considered an asset: - Experience in chromatin data analysis (ATAC-seq, ChIP-seq or CUT&Tag). - Knowledge of regulatory genomics, gene network inference and comparative genomics. - Experience with high-performance computing (HPC), pipeline development and reproducibility tools. - Knowledge of statistics, machine learning or computational modelling. - Interest in neuroscience and nervous system development.

What do we offer?

- Predoctoral Research Contract - Stimulating and multidisciplinary work environment. - Development of a doctoral thesis linked to the Biomedical Sciences PhD Programme at Pompeu Fabra University. - Joining the Neurogenomics Group at GRIB – Hospital del Mar Research Institute, located at the Barcelona Biomedical Research Park (PRBB). - Advanced training in bioinformatics, functional genomics, epigenomics and developmental neuroscience. - Participation in international scientific collaborations, publications and conferences. - Joining an international and highly collaborative team. Training and professional development opportunities.

Additional information:

Selection Criteria Criterion 1. Academic and/or scientific-technical track record of the candidate (up to 50 points). Subcriterion 1.a): Scientific and technical contributions (up to 45 points). The candidate’s academic record and other curriculum vitae merits will be assessed, as well as their suitability for the tasks to be carried out in light of the candidate’s education and professional experience. Subcriterion 1.b): Mobility and internationalisation (up to 5 points). The relevance and impact of the candidate’s research stays at national and international institutions and/or in the industrial sector on their research career will be assessed, taking into account the reputation of the host institution and the activities carried out during the stay. Criterion 2. Suitability of the candidate for the research activities to be carried out (up to 50 points). The candidate’s suitability for the programme, project or research activities to be carried out will be assessed in light of their previous education and experience. This assessment will take into account the added value that carrying out the project will bring to the candidate’s research career, as well as the value contributed to the host institution and research team. Conditions of incorporation The formalisation of the employment contract is subject to a favourable resolution of the FPI grant application. The selected candidate may only take up the position on the first day of a month.

Contract:

Pre-doctoral LL.C. 12p

Schedule	Retribution	Hire date
Full-time contract.	22251.77 € bruts anuals