Postdoctoral researcher on animal models in microbiota

The Systems Biology of Host-Microbiota Interactions group is looking to hire a postdoctoral researcher for a period of 24 months, within the framework of the ERC Starting Grant REGUBIOME (grant no. 101116482).

The Project REGUBIOME aims to understand the role of transcriptional regulation in the gut microbiota, and the impact of the regulation of bacterial functions in human health. This project will specifically focus on two bacteria of high relevance for host health: Fusobacterium nucleatum (associated to colorectal cancer) and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus (used as a probiotic). In this project, we are particularly interested in how the host is influencing the behavior of these strains, that is, on how the host influences gene expression in these two strains. To answer this question, we have planned different host-microbe interaction experiments. The selected candidate will contribute to the following tasks:

• Design and execution of experiments in animal models (mice)
• Mouse colony management: breeding, genotyping and maintenance
• Experimental procedures: oral gavage, IP/IV injections, blood and tissue collection, necropsy
• Histological studies
• Nucleic acid extraction and processing, (RT)-qPCR
• Analysis of the murine microbiome in processed samples
• Preparation of results for presentation at conferences and in scientific publications
• Other related tasks

The postdoc will be hosted at the Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe (CIPF) in Valencia, Spain, a leading biomedical institute developing competitive and internationally relevant research in the fields of metabolic disorders, cancer and neuronal pathologies. The research centre, located in Valencia, occupies an area of 32,000m2 and it is equipped with the most advanced infraestructures, facilities and technological equipment.

Responsibilities and qualifications

We are looking for a candidate holding a PhD in biology, biomedicine or a related field, with hands-on experience in mouse models. The selected candidate must have:

• Experience in mouse colony management and standard experimental procedures (gavage, injections, tissue collection, necropsy)
• Experience in nucleic acid extraction and (RT)-qPCR
• Experience in at least one of the following:
  • Microbiome analysis (16S rRNA, metagenomics or metatranscriptomics)
  • Histology
  • Host-microbiota interaction studies
• Additional merits will be considered, such as experience in experimental design, data analysis and strong communication skills

Offer conditions

• Professional category: Postdoctoral researcher R2.I
• Salary Level: approx 30.600€ gross salary/year (Salary level as stipulated in the Convenio de Sanidad Privada de la Provincia de Valencia)
• Working hours: full-time (37.5h/week)
• Duration: 2 years
• Starting date: flexible, around June 2026

How to apply:

Interested candidates should send a full application through the official portal.

Deadline: 31st of March, 2026

IMPORTANT: The CV should remove all personal references to gender, age, marital status and nationality, and should NOT include a photograph. Informal inquiries can be sent to vllorens (at) cipf (dot) es.