Bioinformatics Software Developer in Cancer Genomics (Research Assistant) (LAB/26/05)

Your role & Our team

IRB Barcelona is seeking a talented and motivated Bioinformatics Software Developer to join the Biomedical Genomics Lab led by Dr. Núria López-Bigas at IRB Barcelona.

The position involves contributing to the development of innovative bioinformatics tools designed to analyze cancer patient mutations and identify driver genes and mutations. These tools, used widely in the research community, have significant implications for understanding cancer biology and advancing precision cancer medicine. With the integration of NGS and cancer genomics in clinical settings, the team is adapting these tools for clinical use in hospitals.

The ideal candidate will bring:

• Proven experience in bioinformatics software development.

• Excellent analytical skills, creativity, and a team-oriented mindset.

• A proactive and enthusiastic approach to research challenges.

This position is cofinanced by the project “Data-driven cancer genome interpretation for personalised cancer treatment” funded by the European Commission. Acronym: CGI-Clinics. Grant Agreement: 101057509.

Key responsibilities:

The successful candidate will improve and develop bioinformatics analysis pipelines in close collaboration with researchers and a team of bioinformaticians and software engineers. She/he will play a key role in the development, maintenance, and enhancement of cancer genomics tools created by the group. These include Cancer Genome Interpreter, Intogen, BoostDM, and novel ultradeep sequencing mutation calling and analysis pipelines.

Responsibilities will encompass developing new analysis modules, improving the interpretation of diverse mutation types, and connecting these tools to various cancer genomics databases.

Additionally, the candidate will work to implement functionalities that align the tools with clinical practice needs.

Additional tasks include:

• Providing bioinformatics support for research projects in cancer genomics and precision oncology.

• Preparing technical reports in collaboration with senior researchers.

• Participating in interdisciplinary meetings.

You have:

• A Bachelor's degree in Bioinformatics, Computational Sciences, or similar.

• A Master’s degree in Bioinformatics, Computational Sciences, or similar.

• Professional experience in a similar role or related field.

• Strong Python software development skills and familiarity with best software development practices.

• Familiarity with collaborative software development using Git and platforms like GitHub.

• Fluency in English (spoken and written).

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work within a collaborative team.

• Excellent analytical skills and ability to meet tight deadlines.

• Proactivity, ability to work independently, and adaptability to new challenges.

You might also have:

The ideal candidate will bring some of the following skills:

• Experience in pipeline development (Nextflow).

• Experience with high-performance computing (parallel execution, workload managers).

• Experience in Cancer Genomics or Precision Oncology, particularly in the analysis of NGS data (WGS, WES, targeted panels).

• Experience with databases and clinical data management.

• Familiarity with AI coding assistants and modern AI development frameworks (e.g. MCPs, context management, skills).

• Experience in the development and use of software containers (e.g., Docker, Singularity).

• Experience with full-stack development.

• Exposure to cloud computing environments (e.g. AWS).

• Experience working in international teams.

• Willingness to learn if missing any of the above skills.

WHAT WE OFFER:

To be a part a part of something meaningful: We are a biomedical research centre that tirelessly works to achieve a society free of diseases. Our mission is to carry out research of excellence to cure cancer and other diseases linked to ageing.

Good Working conditions: Permanent Contract (contrato de actividades científico técnicas) linked to the scientific and technical activities of the project “Data-driven cancer genome interpretation for personalised cancer treatment”. Employed in compliance with Spanish legislation and regulations under a full-time contract. Employees receive the benefits of the Spanish Social Security system covering sickness, maternity/paternity leave and injuries at work.

Competitive salary: commensurate with experience and qualifications.

International Environment: we are home to nearly 500 researchers, technical and support staff from 45 countries.

Multidisciplinary Research: Research of excellence at the unique interface between biology, chemistry, and structural and computational biology.

Continuous Training: Transversal and general training is offered to our community (examples include research seminars, conferences, training in time management, scientific integrity, gender equality, health and safety, languages courses and emotional wellbeing).

Relocation & Visa Assistance: Trained staff provides support on visa paperwork, administrative requirements, and practical information on living and working in Barcelona, etc.

Social Life: We like to have fun. We promote several activities, like a Football League, an annual skiing trip, a Mountaineering Club, a Running Club and "Cool-off sessions", where members meet informally for drinks, snacks and scientific discussions.

Fairness: Our recruitment is open, transparent and merit-based, and all applicants compete on the same terms. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, nationality, ethnic origin or disability.

HOW TO APPLY & SELECTION PROCESS:

• Deadline for applications: 07/06/2026 (If no suitable candidate is found, the deadline will be extended) 

• Number of positions available: 1

• Selection process:

  • Pre-selection: Will be based on CV, motivation letter & experience.

  • Interviews: Short-listed candidates will be interviewed.

  • Job offer: Will be sent to the successful candidate after the interview. 

IRB BARCELONA endorses the Requirements and Principles of the European Charter for Researchers, the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers, and Open, Transparent, Merit-based recruitment promoted by the European Commission and follows Equal Opportunities policies.

On 9 December, 2014, IRB Barcelona was awarded the "HR Excellence in Research" logo. This recognition reflects the commitment of the Institute to the continuous improvement of its human resources policies in line with the Charter & Code. The Institute works to ensure fair and transparent recruitment and appraisal procedures.

Please check our Recruitment Policy.

Note: The strengths and weaknesses of the applications will be provided upon request.

ABOUT IRB BARCELONA,

Created in 2005 by the Generalitat de Catalunya (Government of Catalonia) and the University of Barcelona, IRB Barcelona, a Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence since the first call in 2011, has received the accreditation four consecutive times.

The institute is devoted to conducting research of excellence in biomedicine and to transferring results to clinical practice, thus improving people’s quality of life, while simultaneously promoting the training of outstanding researchers, technology transfer, and public communication of science. Its 29 laboratories and seven core facilities address basic questions in biology and are oriented towards diseases such as cancer, metastasis, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and rare conditions.

IRB Barcelona is an international centre that hosts 500 members from 45 nationalities. It is located in the Barcelona Science Park. IRB Barcelona forms part of the Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST) and the “Xarxa de Centres de Recerca de Catalunya” (CERCA).