Ignacio Pagonabarraga

This ERC-funded postdoctoral position at the University of Barcelona offers a unique opportunity to advance multiscale computational modeling for medical applications, with a particular focus on ultrasound-guided drug and gene delivery and imaging. The research centers on encapsulated microbubbles and gas vesicles, which serve as both ultrasound contrast agents and drug carriers. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing new mesoscopic models to accurately simulate the rheological and acoustic behavior of these agents, a critical step toward improving ultrasound-guided delivery technologies. The project involves modeling interactions at the submicron level using high-performance computing and novel multiscale methods, enabling seamless propagation of ultrasound from macro to microscopic scales. This computational work will be closely integrated with experimental efforts, aiming to push the boundaries of biomedical applications in drug and gene delivery. The postdoc will join UBICS, a leading computational science group at the University of Barcelona, and collaborate with the Laboratory for Molecular Modeling at the National Institute of Chemistry in Ljubljana, Slovenia. The group provides a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive environment, with a commitment to equal opportunities and advancing the representation of women in science. The position offers access to top supercomputing facilities and a vibrant scientific community. The contract is for 12 months, renewable up to November 2026, with a gross annual salary of €48,000. Applicants must have a PhD in physics, chemistry, applied mathematics, or related fields, with strong skills in molecular simulations, HPC, statistical physics, biophysics, and programming (C++, Python). Proficiency in English and a collaborative spirit are essential. The application window is from 29 October to 11 November 2025. For more information, candidates can contact Dr. Ignacio Pagonabarraga. Applications are welcome from all qualified candidates, with priority given to people with disabilities as per Spanish law.