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Laboratory Assistant - Structure and Cell Biology of Viruses

On-site in Leioa·Added 2 days ago

Instituto Biofisika

4 open roles

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Overview

Requirements

  • Have the right to work in Spain

    Instituto Biofisika doesn't mention sponsorship in the ad.

  • Work in English

    English is required, per the ad.

  • Work on-site in Leioa

    No relocation package mentioned.

  • University degree

    “A Bachelor's and Master's degree in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.” — per the ad.

Pay & benefits

What you'll get

  • A position within an internationally recognized research group in structural biology and virology.
  • Training in advanced structural and imaging techniques, including cryo-EM and cryo-ET.
  • Access to high-end electron microscopy infrastructure.
  • An international, collaborative, and multidisciplinary research environment.
  • The opportunity to develop research experience in preparation for a potential PhD and academic research career.
  • Possibility to apply for relevant predoctoral fellowship programmes, subject to the candidate's eligibility and the corresponding calls.

Requirements

What we're looking for

Applicants should have:

  • A Bachelor's and Master's degree in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
  • An outstanding academic record.
  • Strong motivation to pursue experimental research and develop a career in academic science.
  • A strong interest in structural biology, virology, cryo-EM/cryo-ET, or related research fields.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary research team.
  • Good communication skills and a proactive attitude.

Previous experience in virology, molecular biology, structural biology, cryo-EM/cryo-ET, image processing, or related techniques will be considered an advantage but is not essential. Training will be provided according to the candidate's background and the needs of the research activities.

Candidates interested in subsequently pursuing a PhD within the group are particularly encouraged to apply. Such interest and motivation will be considered positively during the selection process

Languages

Motivation, scientific reasoning, communication skills, English proficiency, and project fit.

The role

We seek a highly motivated and enthusiastic candidate to join the Structure and Cell Biology of Viruses Laboratory, led by Prof. Nicola GA Abrescia, at Instituto Biofisika (IBF), located on the Basque University Campus in Leioa (Bilbao), Spain, to work in the research project "Unraveling Viral Pathogenesis through Structural Analysis of Virus-Host Interactions and Assembly" (Grant PID2024-160051NB-I00 funded by MICIU/AEI /10.13039/501100011033 and, by ERDF/EU)

The position is intended for a candidate with a strong interest in experimental research who is considering pursuing a PhD and an academic research career. The successful candidate is expected to start before November 2026.

The research activities of the group focus on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying virus assembly, cell entry, and antibody recognition, combining structural and functional approaches.

The position involves supporting research activities related to virus production and purification, as well as cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) image processing. The successful candidate will work in an interdisciplinary research environment and will receive training in relevant experimental and computational techniques.

While the position is offered as a Laboratory Assistant role, candidates who are interested in subsequently pursuing a PhD within the group will be positively considered, as motivation to continue their research career within the laboratory will be regarded as an asset.

What you'll do

The successful candidate will contribute to the laboratory's research activities, including:

  • Support for virus production and purification.
  • Preparation and handling of samples for structural studies.
  • Support for cryo-EM and cryo-ET experiments.
  • Cryo-EM/cryo-ET image processing and analysis.
  • General laboratory activities associated with ongoing research projects.
  • Participation in the day-to-day activities of the research group.

Hiring process

Compliance with formal degree requirements and application completeness.

Pass / Fail

Academic excellence, technical background, research experience, and overall suitability for the project.

Technical skills, commitment and teamwork.

Notice: Reference checks and interviews form an integral part of the evaluation process. Only shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview. Instituto Biofisika is committed to equal opportunities and recruits following the principles of Open, Transparent and Merit-based Recruitment (OTM-R).

Please send a single PDF containing:

  • Curriculum vitae (maximum two pages).
  • Motivation letter (maximum one page).
  • Academic transcripts for Bachelor's and Master's degrees, including grades.
  • Contact details for two academic referees.

Applications should be sent to nicola.abrescia@fbiofisica.es with the subject line:

Job Application [157]: Laboratory Assistant Position - Structure and Cell Biology of Viruses

Application deadline: 1 October 2026

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Informal enquiries regarding the position are also welcome.

About Instituto Biofisika

Instituto Biofisika (IBF) is a biophysics research centre operating in partnership with Fundación Biofísica Bizkaia (FBB). It is a joint research centre of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), and its research focuses on advancing knowledge about the physical and chemical processes underlying biology and disease. The institute carries out innovative biochemical and biophysical research in a research building with cutting-edge facilities located on the Leioa campus of the EHU, and is one of only two joint centres of CSIC and EHU and one of only nine Basque Excellence Research Centres (BERCs) accredited by the Basque Government.

The institute is located in Leioa, Bizkaia, in the Science Park of the UPV/EHU, near Bilbao in the northern Basque region of Spain. Its stated mission is to train new scientists and advance scientific knowledge under core values that include integrity, excellence, collaboration, transparency, community, diversity, inclusion, and innovation. It actively recruits for research roles — its current openings include laboratory assistant, research technician, and fully funded PhD positions, as well as positions on an ERC Advanced Grant project — making it relevant for international scientists seeking research careers in Spain.

Industry
Biophysics Research
In Spain
Leioa
Website
biofisika.org

Good to know if you are moving

  • Located in the Science Park of the UPV/EHU in Leioa, Bizkaia (Spain), near Bilbao in the northern Basque region of Spain.
  • Joint research centre of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and the University of the Basque Country (EHU); the FBB is accredited as a Basque Excellence Research Centre (BERC) by the Basque Government — one of only nine BERCs in the Basque Country.
  • Stated mission is to train new scientists and advance scientific knowledge under core values including integrity, excellence, collaboration, transparency, community, diversity, inclusion, and innovation.
  • Current openings include laboratory assistant, research technician, and fully funded PhD positions, as well as positions on an ERC Advanced Grant project.
  • Works in a research building with cutting-edge facilities on the Leioa campus of the EHU.

In their own words

About the company & team

Instituto Biofisika (IBF) is a joint research center of the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) and the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC). Together with Fundación Biofísica Bizkaia, a Basque Excellence Research Centre (BERC), IBF provides an internationally recognized environment for interdisciplinary research in biophysics, structural biology, and advanced imaging.

Located on the UPV/EHU campus near Bilbao, the institute hosts internationally competitive research groups and offers access to state-of-the-art scientific infrastructure.

The successful candidate will join the Structure and Cell Biology of Viruses Laboratory, an internationally active research group studying the molecular and structural basis of viral infection.

The group investigates virus assembly, cell entry, and antibody recognition, using hybrid structural methods including high-resolution cryo-EM, cryo-ET, and X-ray crystallography, combined with functional studies.

The laboratory has routine access to high-end electron microscopy infrastructure, enabling the determination of virus and viral protein structures at atomic resolution. The research aims to elucidate the mechanisms of viral pathogenesis and translate this knowledge into applications including drugs, diagnostics, and vaccines.

The position provides an opportunity to develop practical experience in structural biology and virology within a research environment suitable for candidates considering a future PhD career in academic research.

Additional information

Structure and Cell Biology of Viruses Laboratory:
https://www.biofisika.org/en/research/structure-and-cell-biology-viruses

Publications:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Abrescia+NG&sort=date

More info: OFERTA 157_LAB ASSIT_N GA ABRESCIA.pdf (323.91 KB) APPLY

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