Postdoctoral Researcher in Molecular Biology

Postdoctoral Researcher in Molecular Biology

University of Barcelona

Barcelona, Spain

The Brito Lab (Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, and IDIBAPS) investigates how the mutant Huntingtin gene drives selective neurodegeneration in Huntington’s disease (HD) and aims to translate this knowledge into new therapeutic strategies.

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join an ongoing project exploring how N⁶-methyladenosine (m⁶A) RNA modifications regulate the generation of toxic HTT1a transcripts. Building on our recent findings, the project will elucidate the molecular links between m⁶A deposition, transcriptional dynamics, DNA repair, and aberrant RNA processing within the HTT gene.

This work integrates advanced RNA mapping (Oxford Nanopore Direct RNA sequencing) and CRISPR-based RNA editing tools to define how m⁶A shapes HTT1a expression and to develop new epitranscriptomic strategies for therapeutic intervention. The postdoc will lead molecular and cellular assays, including RNA–protein interaction studies, RNA modification detection, and functional validation in cellular and mouse models.

WHAT WE NEED

• We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled postdoctoral researcher PhD in Biology, Biomedicine, Genetics, or a related field.
• Strong interest in Repeat expansion disorders.
• Prior experience working with iPSCs and mouse models and in vivo CNS delivery systems.
• Solid expertise in molecular and cellular biology techniques (essential).
• Knowledge in RNA biology, RNA modification, proteomic/genomic approaches, CRISPR/Cas-based genome editing, including homology-directed repair (HDR) or knock-in strategies. (desirable).
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Good command of written and spoken English.
• Background in bioinformatics (desirable).
• Experience with Nanopore or long-read sequencing technologies (desirable).