2024-063-01 RESPONSIBLE FOR PROTOCOL DEVELOPMENT IN CANCER GENOMICS LAB

The Vall d´Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO) Seeks a “Responsible for Protocol Development in Cancer Genomics LabReference: 2024-063-01Application deadline: 30/11/2024Number of vacancies: 1Job description: The Cancer Genomics Group (PI: Ana Vivancos) is the Genomics Core Technology laboratory at VHIO. Our laboratory, provides access to a range of cutting-edge applications and technologies in cancer genomics including NextGen Sequencers, MiSeq, NextSeq 550 (2 units) and NovaSeq 6000 (Illumina) and a ddPCR (BioRad).We provide cutting-edge applications in cancer genomics through state-of-the-art technologies and, importantly, the development of novel, fully validated tests. Our novel genomic tests provide an important added value to our activity as a facility and research group, and to VHIO as a whole, enabling routine patient testing in the clinical research setting (Prescreening Program) as well as in translational research.VHIO’s Prescreening Program is a transversal program, nucleated around the activity of two VHIO groups – the Molecular Oncology (led by Paolo Nuciforo) and Cancer Genomics labs, performing routine molecular profiling in over 1500 patients per year. Patients included in the program are candidates for enrollment in Phase I clinical trials carried out at the Research Unit for Molecular Therapy of Cancer (UITM) – “la Caixa”, led by Elena Garralda. Patients’ suitability for inclusion in any given clinical trial is decided taking into account their respective genomic or pathologic profile.The Cancer Genomics Lab has developed and implemented several tests during the last 10 years that have been in use in the Prescreening Program routine. Presently, a custom 435-gene hybrid capture panel (VHIO-300, developed in 2018) is the DNA-based test for tissue analysis. Recently, we developed a custom RNA seq panel (VHIO Epsilon ɛ00) for gene fusion detection and gene expression profiling analysis, including a gene expression signature resporting on IFNg-mediated inflammation (VIGex). In 2022, we completed the technical transfer of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved Guardant360® CDx liquid biopsy test for comprehensive genomic profiling. Our lab is the first cancer research center in Europe to have a laboratory equipped with this cutting-edge platform.As a reflection of our dedication to excellence and quality in the services we provide, both NGS-DNA based tests have been accredited according to the UNE-EN ISO 15189 quality system, that specifies requirements for quality and competence in medical laboratories. In recognition to our track, VHIO-300’s UNE-EN ISO 15189 accreditation was awarded in its flexible version, allowing us to include new analytes directly in the accredited test (following a standard operating procedure).We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced scientist to join our lab as Responsible of Protocol Development in Genomics. This role is crucial for ensuring the implementation and optimization of protocols in our lab, hence contributing to the advancement of research and development of projects in our institution.Main tasks: Design, develop, and validate novel genomic applications in the cancer genomics field.Collaborate with wetlab technicians to optimize processes and methodologies for routine deployment.Train laboratory staff on new protocols and procedures.Perform data analysis and generate reports on obtained results.Collaborate in troubleshooting technical issues related to protocols.Requirements: PhD in Biology, Biotechnology, Genomics, or related fields.Experience: At least 4 years of relevant laboratory experience in molecular biology and/or genomics techniques.Previous experience in developing and optimizing genomic protocols.Knowledge of sequencing techniques and genomic data analysis.Project management skills and the ability to work in a team.Excellent communication and organizational skills.Languages: fluency in English is required.Computer literacy is essential.Additional information:What we offer:📈The opportunity to develop your professional career in a competitive environment.🧠To be part of a center that is in constant development, seeking excellence in research and collaborating with leading teams.🫱🏻‍🫲🏾We offer and promote a diverse and inclusive environment, and welcome all people equally, regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, race, religion or sexual orientation.✨VHIO has been awarded the HR Excellence in Research Badge (link a la sección) that identifies the institutions and organisations as providers and supporters of a stimulating and favourable working environment for Research.🪴We care about our environment and understand the importance of sustainability. We have the GreenVhio program, which you can be a part of.Working conditions:📝Permanent contract.🍉Fresh fruit every tuesday.💶Salary according to qualifications and experience following VHIO pay scales.💳Flexible remuneration program (includes restaurant vouchers/cards, transport, medical insurance, and “baby daycare” voucher).⏰Flexible working hours and measures to balance work, family, and personal life, and promote gender equality, as established in the VHIO collective agreement.🗺️23 days of holidays and 5 personal days.🎓Fully subsidized Catalan, Spanish, or English courses.Application: Applicants should send a full Curriculum Vitae and a cover letter to selecciorrhh@vhio.net including the reference “2024-063-01” in the subject line of your email.About VHIO:Under the leadership of Josep Tabernero, the Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), has established itself as a comprehensive cancer center of proven excellence internationally. It is also thanks to VHIO’s optimal organizational structure based on a purely multidisciplinary and translational model that VHIO talents continue to anticipate and tackle the many unresolved questions in combatting this multifaceted and heterogeneous disease.Located within the Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, our researchers closely collaborate and interact with Vall d’Hebron physician-scientists. Translational science and clinical research are therefore tightly connected which promotes superb interaction and teamwork which, in turn, accelerates the bench-bedside-bed cycle of knowledge. This privileged environment affords VHIO direct access to patients as well as the entire spectrum of oncology professionals who care for them, and a second-to-none appreciation of how cancer science can translate into more powerful, targeted treatments and better practice for the care of patients.VHIO’s pioneering model and programs, coupled with its belief in combining strengths through cross-border collaborations, continue to spur advances in reversing cancer resistance, halting metastatic spread, and more effectively treating even the most undruggable tumor types.VHIO’s translation toward precision oncology: http://www.vhio.net