The Centre for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), in collaboration with Ikerbasque – Basque Foundation for Science, invites applications for an Ikerbasque Research Associate Professor to assume a leading role in the scientific and operational management of its Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Platform.
Based in Derio, near Bilbao (Spain), the facility is the Euskadi node of the Spanish Biomolecular NMR Laboratory Network (R-LRB), a distributed Unique Scientific and Technical Infrastructure (ICTS), and is connected to Instruct-ERIC. Its infrastructure includes a 1 GHz NMR spectrometer and complementary high-field and specialised equipment serving a wide range of chemical and biomedical applications. The Platform provides access, expert scientific support and methodological expertise to users within CIC bioGUNE, throughout the Basque Country, and from Spain and international institutions.
Role and responsibilities
We seek an accomplished NMR scientist with substantial experience in research infrastructure management to ensure that the Platform operates at the highest scientific and technical standards. The appointee will coordinate day-to-day scientific operations, instrument readiness, performance optimisation, maintenance planning, scheduling, user access and laboratory workflows in collaboration with specialised technical personnel and institutional support services.
A central responsibility will be to provide expert consultation and hands-on support across the experimental pipeline: feasibility assessment, experimental design, pulse-sequence selection, acquisition, data processing, spectral interpretation and troubleshooting. Particular emphasis will be placed on the design, implementation and optimisation of new pulse sequences and advanced NMR experiments, adapting acquisition strategies to demanding samples and emerging scientific questions. The appointee will validate and disseminate these methodologies for applications in biomolecular structure and dynamics, molecular recognition, metabolomics, screening and related fields.
The Research Associate Professor will be the principal scientific point of contact for Platform users in the Basque Country, Spain, Europe, and beyond, coordinating access requests and ensuring an efficient, fair, responsive and scientifically rigorous user experience. Responsibilities also include maintaining documented workflows, quality control, reproducibility and data-management procedures, supporting applicable quality standards and the requirements of the ICTS and Instruct-ERIC access frameworks.
The role further encompasses user training, staff mentoring, scientific collaborations, contributions to publications and funding proposals, and a programme of independent or collaborative research in advanced NMR methodology and applications. The appointee will work closely with the NMR scientific leader to implement strategic priorities while ensuring reliable and sustainable operation of the infrastructure.
Candidate profile
Candidates must hold a PhD in chemistry, biophysics, structural biology or a related discipline, with deep hands-on expertise in NMR spectroscopy and extensive experience in advanced instrumentation and experimental methods. A proven ability to manage or coordinate complex NMR facilities, solve technical and scientific problems and support a diverse user community is especially relevant.
Applicants should demonstrate an established record of scientific contributions, intellectual independence, methodological development and collaborative research. Original contributions to pulse-sequence design, advanced multidimensional NMR methods and experimental optimisation will be particularly valued. Evidence of competitive funding, scientific project leadership, training and international engagement is an advantage, as is experience with high-field spectrometers, cryogenic probes, automation, standard operating procedures and quality systems.
Strategic relevance and expected impact
This appointment will provide the dedicated scientific and operational leadership needed to maximise the performance, accessibility and scientific return of an exceptional NMR infrastructure. By combining advanced methodological expertise with efficient and inclusive user services, the Research Associate Professor will help make the Platform a dependable resource for academic, clinical and industrial research in the Basque Country and internationally.
Together with the Research Professor responsible for scientific strategy, the appointee will support the evolution of CIC bioGUNE’s NMR capabilities towards the planned Integrated Molecular Intelligence Platform, ensuring that scientific ambition is matched by reliable instrumentation, reproducible methods, well-trained users and strong external partnerships.
Applications
Applicants should submit a cover letter, a full curriculum vitae including scientific outputs and funding, a statement describing experience in NMR facility operations, user services and methodological innovation, and a proposed scientific and operational development plan for the Platform. Contact details for three referees should also be provided.
The application deadline is November 30th 2026. The submission link is: https://www.cicbiogune.es/job-offers-form
Conditions
- Permanent full-time position based at CIC bioGUNE in Derio, near Bilbao, Spain.
- Applications will be considered for a permanent Ikerbasque Research Associate Professor position, based on the candidate's research record and leadership experience.
- Preferred starting date: early 2027 (negotiable).
- Competitive institutional support and integration into the long-term scientific strategy of CIC bioGUNE.
Equality and inclusion
CIC bioGUNE is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse research environment and equal opportunities. Applications from women are especially encouraged.
.png)
