MÉS INFORMACIÓ
L’Institut de Recerca Biomèdica Catalunya Sud (IRBCatSud) is an institution that integrates biomedical research in the Camp de Tarragona and Terres de l’Ebre regions. The IRBCatSud serves as the coordinating body for biomedical research and innovation for the university hospitals in both healthcare regions (Hospital Universitari Joan XXIII de Tarragona, Hospital Verge de la Cinta de Tortosa, Hospital Universitari Sant Joan de Reus, Hospital Universitari Institut Pere Mata de Reus) and Universitat Virgili.
Research Group: Genetics and Environment in Psychiatry (GAP)
Field: Psychiatric Genetics / Multiomics & Complex Genetics
We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral researcher to apply for the forthcoming Juan de la Cierva grant call from the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (AEI). The selected candidate will join the research group Genetics and Environment in Psychiatry (GAP) (https://www.irbcatsud.cat/grup/gap-genetica-i-ambient-en-psiquiatria/), affiliated with the Institut de Recerca Biomèdica Catalunya Sud (IRBCatSud), the Pere Mata Institute University Hospital, and Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV).
The GAP group investigates genetic and environmental risk factors and biological mechanisms implicated in the onset and progression of psychiatric disorders. The group conducts research by combining original genetic and omic data obtained from participants in funded projects with large-scale international genomic repositories. Among psychiatric conditions, the group currently focuses on psychosis, bipolar disorder, and their physical and metabolic comorbidities.
The group belongs to the IRBCatSud, a public sector health research institution that promotes and develops the research of Joan XXIII University Hospital of Tarragona, Sant Joan University Hospital of Reus, Verge de la Cinta Hospital in Tortosa, the Pere Mata Mental Health Institute, and Universitat Rovira i Virgili.
Key funding and employment terms of the Juan de la Cierva call include:
Contract Duration: 3 years (36 months).
Gross Annual Salary: €31,200 gross / year.
Research & Mobility Allowance: €15,000 additional funding for research activities, conference attendance, and scientific mobility.
Official AEI Call Deadline: November 26, 2026, at 14:00 (CET).
Link: https://www.aei.gob.es/en/announcements/announcements-finder/ayudas-contratos-juan-cierva-2026
Project Title: Integration of multiomic and genetic data in psychiatric disorders
Psychiatric disorders present complex genetic architectures and represent a major public health challenge. This research project aims to decipher the biological mechanisms underlying psychiatric conditions and their comorbidities by integrating multiomic (epigenomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics) and genomic data. The candidate will work at Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV) premises, leading dry-lab computational and bioinformatics research. Key activities include multiomic data integration, database management, high-performance computing, statistical modeling, and functional interpretation of results. The candidate will work in collaboration with the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium (PGC) and will co-lead the preparation and dissemination of findings in high-impact scientific journals and international conferences.
Conduct independent and collaborative research projects integrating multiomic and genetic datasets.
Perform advanced bioinformatic and statistical analyses on large-scale genomic and multiomic data.
Develop and implement novel analytical pipelines and computational methods for omic data integration.
Perform Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS), Polygenic Risk Score (PRS) analyses, and post-GWAS functional annotation.
Prepare scientific manuscripts and present research outcomes at national and international conferences.
Co-supervise Master’s and Bachelor’s students and participate in departmental academic activities.
PhD Degree: Doctoral degree in Life Sciences, Bioinformatics, Genetics, Computational Biology, Biostatistics, or related disciplines.
Scientific Background & Track Record: Solid research track record and training in complex genetic diseases or human genetics (including first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals, poster presentations, and conference attendance). Background/experience in psychiatric genetics is a plus.
Language Skills: Fluency in written and spoken English.
Technical Expertise: Strong background in statistics, bioinformatic workflows, and programming languages (e.g., R, Python, Bash, Linux environment).
Consortium Experience: Previous experience working with international genomics consortia (such as the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium – PGC) will be highly valued.
Official Eligibility: Fulfill all official eligibility criteria required by the AEI Juan de la Cierva call.
A 3-year postdoctoral contract funded through the Juan de la Cierva grant (€31,200 gross annual salary + €15,000 research/mobility allowance).
A stimulating, highly collaborative, and multidisciplinary research environment with full support for academic career advancement.
Direct integration into international scientific networks, including collaboration with the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium (PGC).
Opportunities to attend international conferences, workshops, and specialized training programs.
Access to high-performance computing infrastructure and rich clinical/genomic datasets.
Interested candidates should submit their application by email to muntaneg@peremata.com including the following documentation:
Motivation / Cover Letter describing research interests and fit for the position.
Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlighting key publications and technical/computational skills.
Academic records and official PhD certificate.
Email Subject Line: Juan de la Cierva 2026 Application – [Candidate Name]
Deadline for expressions of interest: Candidates are encouraged to send their expression of interest before 10/11/2026.
HR EXCELLENCE IN RESEARCH (HRS4R)
IRBCatSud holds the European accreditation ‘Human Resources Strategy for Researchers’ (HRS4R), complying with the general principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers. IRBCatSud enforces an internal recruitment policy following Open, Transparent and Merit-based Recruitment (OTM-R) guidelines.
Equal Opportunities and Non-Discrimination
IRBCatSud guarantees equal opportunities and treatment for all candidates, promoting personal autonomy, universal accessibility, and inclusion in accordance with Articles 9.2, 10, 14, and 49 of the Spanish Constitution and the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. In the event of a tie during candidate evaluation, priority will be given to hiring individuals with disabilities. In the event of a tie between candidates of different genders, priority will be given to the least represented gender within the research group/department.
We look forward to receiving your applications.