PRR Project

Summary

Job Description:We are seeking a highly motivated Metabolomics Specialist with a strong background in mass spectrometry (MS)-based techniques and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to conduct research with a particular focus on biomarker discovery in disease and toxicity. The role will involve the application of metabolomics analyses to identify and validate biomarkers indicative of human disease and exposure to toxic substances, and to elucidate the mechanisms associated with disease progression and toxicity at the Toxicology Lab-Faculty of Pharmacy and UCIBIO/i4HB. The position will contribute to the development of innovative diagnostic tools for early disease detection and toxicity assessment, as well as advancing our understanding of disease mechanisms and toxicological pathways.Responsibilities:Lead and contribute to the preparation of grant applications and secure funding for research initiatives focused on biomarker discovery in human disease and toxicity.Plan and execute metabolomics experiments to identify and quantify low molecular weight compounds (metabolites).Develop and optimize sample preparation protocols for different biological matrices, including tissues, biofluids, and cell cultures.Use state-of-the-art analytical instrumentation, such as mass spectrometers and chromatography systems, to perform metabolite profiling and quantification.Analyze and interpret metabolomics data using bioinformatics tools to identify potential biomarkers and metabolic pathways.Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to advance biomarker identification and validation.Stay updated on metabolomics advancements, and contribute to the implementation of new techniques in the laboratory.Supervise undergraduate and postgraduate students at Master´s and PhD levels and provide mentorship to junior researchers.Participate in technology transfer initiatives.Disseminate results through high-impact publications, patent applications and presentations at conferences and public events.Actively engage in relevant national and international networks and initiatives associated with metabolomics.Scientific profile:The ideal candidate will have a PhD in Biochemistry, Toxicology, Pharmaceutical Sciences or related areas with a strong background in metabolomics applied to biomarker discovery, disease metabolism, or toxicology. They should have proven expertise in sample handling and preparation protocols for metabolomics analysis; hands-on experience with analytical instrumentation commonly used in metabolomics, such as GC-MS, LC-MS and NMR; proficiency in data analysis software packages and statistical analysis tools; familiarity with metabolomics databases and resources for metabolite identification and pathway analysis; strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot experimental challenges independently; excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team; a track record of scientific productivity in the scientific area of this application, as evidenced by publications in peer-reviewed journals or presentations at scientific conferences; experience in supervising undergraduate and postgraduate students; and communication skills, with proficiency in public engagement and scientific dissemination, including outreach activities.Rationale:The recruitment of the UCIBIO/i4HB Chair in Biomarker Discovery in Disease and Toxicity is in line with the UCIBIO´s/i4HB strategy to translate research into future products and patient care. This work falls under the UCIBIO thematic lines “Safety in Human & Environmental Health” and “Disease Pathways and Biomarkers”, which are dedicated to the discovery of new biomarkers and adverse outcome pathways to identify more sensitive, specific and reliable biomarkers for early diagnosis/prognosis of diseases and to predict the toxicological risks of pollutants. Metabolomics holds significant promise to advance research in this thematic line as it constitutes a powerful approach to disease diagnosis and prognosis, monitoring disease progression and treatment response, understanding disease mechanisms, personalized medicine, toxicity assessment, toxicological mechanism elucidation, dose-response assessment, drug safety evaluation, and predicting specific toxic outcomes. UCIBIO values the confluence of different scientific perspectives, and the addition of a Metabolomics Specialist will significantly enhance our capacity for innovative research, collaborative excellence, and scientific breakthroughs in human disease and toxicity. The role is crucial to UCIBIO´s strategic vision, which aims not only to expand our knowledge but also to translate these findings into effective healthcare solutions.