We Are Hiring: Research Technician / Postdoctoral Researcher in Molecular Biology and Biosensing Technologies

The Interfibio Research Group, at the Department of Chemical Engineering of the Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV), is looking for a motivated Research Technician or Postdoctoral Researcher with expertise in molecular biology to join our multidisciplinary research team in Tarragona, Spain.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to innovative research projects focused on the development of next-generation point-of-care diagnostic technologies, combining molecular biology, biosensing strategies and electrochemical detection methods.

The successful candidate will primarily work on the development and optimisation of lateral flow assays (LFA) and multiplexed detection of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), alongside other applications involving the detection and quantification of clinically relevant biomarkers.

About the Research

Our research aims to develop rapid, sensitive, reliable and affordable diagnostic tools for the detection and quantification of clinically relevant biomarkers and pathogens.

The successful candidate will contribute to the development and optimisation of molecular and biosensing assays, integrating techniques such as nucleic acid amplification, lateral flow assays and electrochemical detection.

These technologies aim to provide accessible, user-friendly diagnostic solutions suitable for different healthcare settings, from clinical laboratories to decentralised point-of-care testing.

The position offers the opportunity to work within a multidisciplinary research environment at the interface of molecular biology, biotechnology, analytical chemistry and biomedical diagnostics.

Candidate Profile

We are seeking candidates with a strong background in molecular biology and hands-on laboratory experience, particularly in:

• PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) and related molecular biology techniques.
• Isothermal nucleic acid amplification techniques, such as RPA.
• Gel electrophoresis and nucleic acid analysis.
• Lateral Flow Assays (LFA) and their development and optimisation.
• Nucleic acid handling, primer design and molecular assay optimisation.
• Experimental design, validation and troubleshooting of molecular and biochemical assays.

Additional expertise in the following areas would be highly desirable:

• Electrochemistry and electrochemical biosensors.
• Electrochemical detection and quantification of biomarkers.
• Aptamer-based sensing technologies.
• Development of multiplexed detection strategies.
• Integration of molecular and biochemical assays into point-of-care diagnostic devices.

We value candidates who are proactive, independent, enthusiastic about applied research and comfortable working in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.

Main Responsibilities

The successful candidate will primarily contribute to:

• Developing and optimising multiplexed molecular assays for the detection of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• Developing and optimising lateral flow assays (LFA) for rapid pathogen and biomarker detection.
• Integrating isothermal nucleic acid amplification techniques with lateral flow detection platforms.
• Developing and optimising molecular and biochemical detection assays for clinically relevant targets.
• Contributing to the integration of electrochemical detection strategies with lateral flow platforms for quantitative biomarker analysis.
• Evaluating assay performance, including analytical sensitivity, specificity, reproducibility and detection limits.
• Optimising experimental protocols and contributing to the development of robust, user-friendly point-of-care diagnostic technologies.
• Collaborating with researchers specialising in molecular biology, electrochemistry, biosensors and analytical chemistry.

What We Offer

The opportunity to join an internationally oriented research group working at the intersection of molecular biology, biotechnology, electrochemistry and point-of-care diagnostics.

The successful candidate will participate in innovative multidisciplinary research projects addressing important healthcare challenges, collaborating with researchers from different scientific backgrounds and contributing to the development of diagnostic technologies with real-world applications.

Position Details

• Position: Research Technician / Postdoctoral Researcher
• Research Areas: Molecular Biology, Lateral Flow Assays, Electrochemical Biosensors and Point-of-Care Diagnostics
• Gross Salary: Depending on the candidate's qualifications and expertise, in accordance with the applicable URV/FURV salary scales for research technicians and postdoctoral researchers.

Interested in Joining Us?

If you have a passion for molecular biology and are interested in developing next-generation biosensing and diagnostic technologies, we would love to hear from you!

Interested candidates are invited to send their CV to interfibio(a)urv.cat(ELIMINAR)

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