Assistant Researcher; Investigador Colaborador -PI

Offer Description

Applications are invited by the University of Alicante President to participate in a recruitment process for research staff (contract type: open-ended contract; job category: assistant researcher) to collaborate with the funded line of research “Metagenomics, Single‑Cell and Virus Genomics and other
-omics for the study of the function of microorganisms in natural environments”. Reference: I‑PI 14‑26

• Purpose:
  
  recruit research staff (job category: assistant researcher) for projects within the funded line of research “Metagenomics, Single‑Cell and Virus Genomics and other
  -omics for the study of the function of microorganisms in natural environments”.
• Unit in charge:
  Ramón Margalef Multidisciplinary Institute for Environmental Research (IMEM).
• First project/research group:
  Molecular Microbial Ecology. Number of vacancies: one.
• Contractual terms: temporary contract, full‑time, 37.5 hours per week, starting 25 Feb 2026, salary €2,100 gross per month.
• Equal opportunities: 48.57% women and 51.43% men in the vacancy (no under‑representation).

• Education:
  
  hold or be in process of obtaining a second‑cycle undergraduate degree (≥300 ECTS) or a Master’s degree; documentation required for overseas qualifications.
• Nationality:
  Spanish national or holder of a legal residence status under Spanish law; must supply valid identity documents (, passport, etc.).
• Language: good command of any official language of the Valencia Region.
• Age: minimum 16 years, not exceeding mandatory retirement age.
• Health: possess the physical and mental capacities necessary for job functions.
• Disciplinary status: no dismissal or disqualification from public service positions.

Applicants must confirm the truth of all provided information and supply required documents (official qualification certificates, transcripts and translations where necessary). A sworn translation is required for documents in non‑official languages of the Valencia Region.

• Test (max 2 points).
• Merit‑based assessment (max 2 points).
• Interview (max 2 points, may be recorded).

Name:
Molecular Microbial Ecology
Dept./Institute:
Ramón Margalef Multidisciplinary Institute for Environmental Research (IMEM)

• Position: assistant researcher – one vacancy.
• Working hours:
  
  37.5 hours per week (morning/afternoon sessions).
• Remuneration: €2,100 gross per month.
• Tasks:
  • Analysis and interpretation of co‑occurrence networks from metagenomic data using Flash Weave and statistical tools (including R), focusing on community resilience.
  • Bioinformatic analysis of metagenomic data of microbial and viral communities previously characterised through BONCAT and cell separation techniques.
  • Experimentation with the BONCAT technique for population‑based and individual studies of viruses and bacteria, and data analysis via confocal microscopy and other fluorescence‑based techniques.
  • Experimental design, data and metadata acquisition from in‑situ aquatic mesocosms, assessing temperature effects on microbial community structure and resilience.
  • Preparation of scientific figures and drafting of manuscripts in English.
• Preferred qualifications:
  • Experience with spectral and conventional flow cytometry, cell and virus separation, fluorescence/confocal/epifluorescence microscopy.
  • Genome amplification techniques (e.g., MDA), experimental design and implementation of the BONCAT technique.
  • Bioinformatics tools for analysing microbial and viral DNA sequences; use of Flash Weave software; co‑occurrence network calculations.
  • Undergraduate degree in Biology (Spanish MECES level 2 or EQF level
    6) or equivalent.
  • Official Master’s degree in Cell Biology and Genetics (Spanish MECES level 3 or EQF level
    7) or equivalent.

Please use the University of Alicante's standard CV format here for Project‑based Research and Technical Staff Recruitment. The CV must be attached in the section “Modelo currículum.”