Group Leader Positions in Chemical and Structural Biology

IRB Barcelona invites applications for Group Leader positions in Chemical Biology (one) and Structural Biology (one) as part of its strategic effort to strengthen molecular sciences.

The successful candidates will join a highly multidisciplinary and collaborative institute with strong expertise in cancer and metastasis, ageing and cell reprogramming, metabolism, cell differentiation, signal transduction, and gene expression, working at the interface of structural and computational biology, chemistry, and biology.

IRB Barcelona is embedded in a vibrant scientific ecosystem and maintains close collaborations with major research infrastructures such as the Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC) and the ALBA Synchrotron, as well as leading research centres, universities, and hospitals in Barcelona.

 

Chemical Biology

Selected candidates will apply chemical approaches to understand and modulate biological mechanisms of biomedical relevance, ideally in close collaboration with IRB Barcelona faculty. Competitive candidates will develop innovative research programmes that complement and strengthen existing activities at IRB Barcelona, integrating chemical biology with cellular, molecular, and computational approaches.

 

Structural Biology

Selected candidates will primarily use cryo-electron microscopy to study macromolecular machines, with a strong focus on mechanistic studies, including protein–nucleic acid complexes, to reveal molecular mechanisms of biomedical relevance at atomic resolution. Demonstrated leadership in building research teams and research infrastructure will be considered an advantage.

 

 

Applicants are expected to lead an independent research group, attract external funding, and contribute to a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment.

IRB Barcelona offers laboratory space, a generous start-up package, running costs, access to nine state-of-the-art core facilities, participation in the International PhD Programme (with access to excellent PhD candidates), and leadership, mentoring and professional development programmes for new group leaders.

IRB Barcelona is committed to a supportive, inclusive and diverse working environment and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds. The Institute promotes diversity and intersectionality, including gender, ethnicity, and other identities, and embraces family-friendly policies, with measures to advance women’s leadership, flexible working hours, support during pregnancy and early parenthood, and assistance with individual and family relocation.

 

About IRB Barcelona

IRB Barcelona (www.irbbarcelona.org) is a multidisciplinary research institute where scientists collaborate to address fundamental biomedical questions and unmet medical needs. The Institute currently hosts more than 500 members from around the world across 27 research groups.

 

How to apply

Applications should include a CV, letter of intent, brief (2-page) research proposal, and the names and contact details of at least three referees.

Applications must be submitted via https://recruitment.irbbarcelona.org no later than 22 May 2026, quoting reference GL/26/01 (Chemical Biology) or GL/26/02 (Structural Biology).

The successful candidates are expected to join in Q4 2026 or 2027, with flexibility depending on individual circumstances.

For Informal enquiries, please contact the chair of the Search Committee (Prof. Xavier Salvatella, at xavier.salvatella@irbbarcelona.org) and for details and updates on the selection process please contact the Head of People at (irbglcall@irbbarcelona.org).