The Centre for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), in collaboration with Ikerbasque – Basque Foundation for Science, invites applications for an Ikerbasque Research Professor to provide scientific leadership to its Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Platform and shape the development of its future Integrated Molecular Intelligence Platform.
Located in Derio, near Bilbao (Spain), CIC bioGUNE hosts the Euskadi node of the Spanish Biomolecular NMR Laboratory Network (R-LRB), a distributed Unique Scientific and Technical Infrastructure (ICTS), connected to the European Instruct-ERIC research infrastructure. The facility includes an ultra-high-field 1 GHz spectrometer, complemented by a broad suite of NMR instruments and specialist expertise in biomolecular and analytical NMR.
Scientific mission and responsibilities
We seek an internationally recognised scientist with the vision to develop the NMR Platform as a cross-disciplinary resource for molecular discovery and precision biomedicine. The scope is deliberately broad: from molecular structure, dynamics and recognition to metabolic phenotyping, chemical biology, drug discovery and the interpretation of complex biological systems. Epidemiological and population-scale NMR studies are one important application, but not the defining focus of the position.
The appointed Research Professor will define and implement a long-term scientific roadmap for advanced NMR, building an independent, internationally competitive research programme and stimulating new collaborative projects across CIC bioGUNE and beyond. A major objective will be to connect quantitative NMR measurements with complementary technologies, including metabolomics, proteomics, glycomics and computational approaches, and to explore the added value of artificial intelligence and integrated molecular data analysis.
The successful candidate will develop or enable innovative NMR methods and applications, promote interdisciplinary projects with universities, hospitals, technology centres and industry, and attract competitive national and international funding. The role includes mentoring researchers, developing strategic scientific partnerships and enhancing the facility’s visibility in European infrastructures and networks.
Working in close coordination with the Platform’s operational lead, the Research Professor will set scientific priorities and help translate the facility’s capabilities into new research opportunities while preserving transparent access and a high-quality service mission for internal and external users.
Candidate profile
Applicants must hold a PhD in chemistry, biochemistry, biophysics, molecular biosciences or a related field, and demonstrate an outstanding international track record in NMR-based research. Relevant expertise may span biomolecular and structural NMR, molecular interactions and dynamics, quantitative metabolomics, chemical biology or other advanced NMR applications.
Candidates are expected to show scientific independence and recognised leadership, influential publications, success in securing substantial competitive funding, and the ability to establish collaborations across disciplines. Experience in managing multidisciplinary scientific programmes and a convincing vision for integrating NMR with complementary technologies will be particularly valued. Expertise in AI or large-scale data analysis is welcome but is not a prerequisite.
Strategic relevance and expected impact
This appointment is intended to establish a distinctive scientific leadership role for a major NMR infrastructure in the Basque Country. By expanding the range of high-impact questions addressed through NMR and connecting molecular measurements with complementary experimental and computational information, the Research Professor will help lay the scientific foundations of CIC bioGUNE’s planned Integrated Molecular Intelligence Platform.
The position will strengthen the Basque research ecosystem through shared scientific capabilities, collaborative programmes, advanced training and international partnerships, while increasing the scientific and translational impact of the ICTS facility.
Applications
Applicants should submit a cover letter, a full curriculum vitae including publications and competitive funding, a statement of scientific vision and research plans (including the proposed contribution to the NMR Platform and future Integrated Molecular Intelligence Platform), and contact details for three referees.
The application deadline is November 30th 2026. The submission link is: https://www.cicbiogune.es/job-offers-form
Conditions and equal opportunities
Full-time position at CIC bioGUNE in Derio, Bizkaia (Spain), under the conditions applicable to an Ikerbasque Research Professor appointment. The position is embedded in the long-term scientific strategy of CIC bioGUNE; the starting date will be agreed with the selected candidate.
CIC bioGUNE and Ikerbasque are committed to equal opportunities and a diverse, inclusive research environment. Applications from women and other underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged.
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