Senior Research Technology Platform Technician (Ref. CF/26/05)

Your Role & Our Team

IRB Barcelona is seeking a highly skilled Senior Research Technology Platform Technician to support the activities of its newly established Spatial Omics platform. The platform provides IRB researchers with cutting-edge technologies that integrate histological techniques, spatial profiling, and advanced molecular analysis to map gene and protein expression within tissue architecture. Operating as a cross-facility platform, the Spatial Omics service aims to accelerate scientific discovery by offering high-quality sample preparation, rigorous quality control, and expert technical support.

We are looking for a highly motivated individual who is eager to contribute to a service-oriented environment, bringing strong technical and organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively within a dynamic team.

This role represents a great opportunity for an experienced candidate to contribute from the get-go to the success of this rapidly growing area of technology, participate in the development of cutting-edge spatial workflows, and build strong collaborations with multiple scientific platforms across the institute.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Perform and oversee FFPE and frozen tissue processing and sample preparation for spatial omics and related applications, including tissue handling, embedding, sectioning, quality control, and preparation of slides.

• Develop, optimize, validate, and perform IHC, IF, FISH, and ISH assays to support spatial omics workflows.

• Carry out histological and morphological quality control to ensure sample integrity and suitability for downstream spatial approaches.

• Coordinate with partner platforms to streamline sample transfer, workflow scheduling, and project execution.

• Provide technical support, guidance, and troubleshooting to researchers using spatial omics technologies.

• Maintain accurate documentation of sample processing, QC results, and workflow steps.

• Manage consumables, reagents, and equipment associated with spatial workflows to ensure operational readiness.

• Contribute to method optimization and implementation of new spatial technologies as they are adopted by the platform.

• Ensure adherence to good laboratory practices and support general lab organization and administrative tasks.

YOU HAVE

• Degree or technical qualification in Anatomic Pathology or a related field (such as Higher Vocational Education in Anatomic Pathology or equivalent qualification).

• Significant hands-on experience (≥3–5 years) in histology, tissue processing, or spatial omics workflows.

• Proficiency in tissue embedding, cryosectioning, paraffin sectionin and staining.

• Strong organizational skills, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple ongoing projects.

• Communication and interpersonal skills, with a service-oriented mindset.

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multi-platform environment.

• Good IT skills (Windows/Office) and familiarity with digital documentation systems.

YOU MIGHT ALSO HAVE

• Experience with spatial omics platforms such as 10x Visium/Xenium, Nanostring GeoMx/CosMx, Stereo-seq, or MALDI-imaging.

• Expertise in immunohistochemistry on human or animal tissues. Experience establishing, optimizing, validating, and troubleshooting antibody-based assays and staining protocols.

• Experience coordinating multi-step workflows involving multiple core facilities or research teams.

• Knowledge of image-based QC, digital pathology tools, or imaging analysis pipelines.

• Prior experience in multi-user scientific platforms or service-oriented research environments.

• Knowledge of English, with the ability to understand scientific documentation and communicate in a research environment.

WHAT WE OFFER:

To be a part a part of something meaningful: We are a biomedical research centre that tirelessly works to achieve a society free of diseases. Our mission is to carry out research of excellence to cure cancer and other diseases linked to ageing.

Good Working conditions: This position is offered as a 1-year contract, with the possibility of extension based on operational needs. Employed in compliance with Spanish legislation and regulations under a full-time contract. Employees receive the benefits of the Spanish Social Security system covering sickness, maternity/paternity leave and injuries at work.

Competitive salary: commensurate with experience and qualifications.

International Environment: we are home to nearly 500 researchers, technical and support staff from 45 countries.

Multidisciplinary Research: Research of excellence at the unique interface between biology, chemistry, and structural and computational biology.

Continuous Training: Transversal and general training is offered to our community (examples include research seminars, conferences, training in time management, scientific integrity, gender equality, health and safety, languages courses and emotional wellbeing).

Relocation & Visa Assistance: Trained staff provides support on visa paperwork, administrative requirements, and practical information on living and working in Barcelona, etc.

Social Life: We like to have fun. We promote several activities, like a Football League, an annual skiing trip, a Mountaineering Club, a Running Club and "Cool-off sessions", where members meet informally for drinks, snacks and scientific discussions.

Fairness: Our recruitment is open, transparent and merit-based, and all applicants compete on the same terms. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, nationality, ethnic origin or disability.

HOW TO APPLY & SELECTION PROCESS:

• Deadline for applications: 31/08/2026 (If no suitable candidate is found, the deadline will be extended) 

• Number of positions available: 1

• Selection process:

  • Pre-selection: Will be based on CV, motivation letter & experience.

  • Interviews: Short-listed candidates will be interviewed.

  • Job offer: Will be sent to the successful candidate after the interview. 

IRB BARCELONA endorses the Requirements and Principles of the European Charter for Researchers, the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers, and Open, Transparent, Merit-based recruitment promoted by the European Commission and follows Equal Opportunities policies.

On 9 December, 2014, IRB Barcelona was awarded the "HR Excellence in Research" logo. This recognition reflects the commitment of the Institute to the continuous improvement of its human resources policies in line with the Charter & Code. The Institute works to ensure fair and transparent recruitment and appraisal procedures.

Please check our Recruitment Policy.

Note: The strengths and weaknesses of the applications will be provided upon request.

ABOUT IRB BARCELONA,

Created in 2005 by the Generalitat de Catalunya (Government of Catalonia) and the University of Barcelona, IRB Barcelona, a Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence since the first call in 2011, has received the accreditation four consecutive times.

The institute is devoted to conducting research of excellence in biomedicine and to transferring results to clinical practice, thus improving people’s quality of life, while simultaneously promoting the training of outstanding researchers, technology transfer, and public communication of science. Its 27 laboratories and 9 core facilities address basic questions in biology and are oriented towards diseases such as cancer, metastasis, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and rare conditions.

IRB Barcelona is an international centre that hosts 500 members from 45 nationalities. It is located in the Barcelona Science Park. IRB Barcelona forms part of the Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST) and the “Xarxa de Centres de Recerca de Catalunya” (CERCA).