Postdoctoral Position in Protein Design and Synthetic Biology for Brain Delivery Institut Quimic Sarria (IQS) – Universitat Ramon Llull in Spain

IQS – Universitat Ramon Llull in Barcelona is offering a postdoctoral position in protein design and synthetic biology for brain delivery within the ChemSynBio team at the Department of Bioengineering. The position is aimed at a motivated researcher with a strong background in life sciences and an interest in translational biomedical research at the interface of synthetic biology, chemical biology, and protein engineering.

The research program focuses on two closely connected challenges in brain cancer and brain disease research: improving the transport of biologics across the blood-brain barrier, and designing protein and peptide therapeutics that become selectively activated in diseased tissues. The team integrates computational protein design, bioinformatics, chemical biology, synthetic biology, and experimental validation in cell and animal models to develop next-generation biomedical tools and targeted therapies, especially for brain tumors.

The successful postdoc will develop an independent project while contributing to ongoing lab projects, collaborate closely with other researchers, participate in a positive team environment, and help prepare scientific publications and competitive fellowship applications. There is also a possibility to supervise PhD and MSc students. The group emphasizes creativity, mentorship, training opportunities, and international conference attendance.

The post is initially funded for two years, with support from the European Research Council (ERC), Asociación Española Contra el Cáncer (AECC), Agencia Estatal de Investigación (AEI), and Fundació “la Caixa”. The team expects the appointed researcher to apply for prestigious postdoctoral fellowships during the contract period and will provide active mentoring throughout that process.

Eligibility highlights include a PhD or equivalent in a life sciences-related field and valuable experience in bioinformatics, protein design, protein engineering, chemical biology, synthetic biology, cell biology, and/or animal handling. Strong proactivity, creativity, teamwork, English communication skills, a strong publication record, and international mobility are all desirable.

Applications should include a motivation letter, CV, and two reference letters or referee contacts. The selection process includes shortlisting, an interview with the PI, and a final interview with the Selection Committee. The deadline is 15 November 2026 at 23:59 (Europe/Madrid), and the proposed start date is flexible, with the offer located in Barcelona, Spain.