2026-047-01 Senior PDX and Cell Culture Specialist

The Vall d´Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO) Seeks a “ Senior PDX and Cell Culture Specialist ”

Reference: 2026-047-01

Application deadline: Until the position is filled

Number of vacancies: 1

Position description:

We are seeking a senior scientific professional with strong experience in preclinical oncology models, particularly Patient-Derived Xenografts (PDX) , to lead, develop, and consolidate this activity across VHIO programs.

The successful candidate will be responsible for assessing VHIO group leaders/ laboratories in the establishment, maintenance, expansion, and characterization of PDX models, as well as for the design, execution, and follow-up of preclinical studies. The role will involve close coordination with the animal facility, veterinary services, ethics committees, scientific teams, and external collaborators.

Solid background in cell culture, primary cultures, and tumour sample processing is also required.

The position combines scientific leadership, team coordination, and hands-on laboratory work when needed, although the successful candidate will initially supervise one laboratory technician and will report directly to the Head of the Molecular Oncology Group.

Key Responsibilities:

- Lead the establishment, maintenance, expansion, and characterization of PDX collections.
- Design and oversee preclinical oncology studies, including tumour implantation, monitoring, treatment administration, sample collection, and endpoint assessment.
- Support the development and implementation of orthotopic, metastatic, humanized, and other advanced in vivo models.
- Coordinate activities with the animal facility, veterinary services, ethics committees, and other support platforms.
- Ensure compliance with animal welfare regulations, ethical requirements, and the principles of Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement (3Rs).
- Supervise cell culture activities, including tumour cell lines, primary cultures, patient-derived cultures, and other ex vivo models.
- Oversee tumour sample processing, tissue dissociation, cryopreservation, recovery, and quality control.
- Contribute to pharmacological efficacy, pharmacodynamic, toxicity, and biomarker studies.
- Define and maintain standard operating procedures, quality standards, traceability systems, and experimental records.
- Plan laboratory activities, establish priorities, and ensure delivery according to project timelines.
- Supervise, train, and support the assigned laboratory technician.
- Analyse, interpret, and present experimental results.
- Prepare scientific and technical reports for internal projects, collaborations, and contracted studies.
- Collaborate with researchers, pathologists, oncologists, bioinformaticians, and technology platforms and participate in Task force meetings.
- Advise project teams on the selection of the most appropriate experimental models.
- Contribute to scientific publications, presentations, grant applications, and the development of new research activities.
- Identify technical issues, implement corrective actions, and promote continuous process improvement.

Essential Profile

- Degree and/or PhD in relevant life sciences with extensive hands-on experience in PDX models, animal oncology models, and preclinical research.
- Demonstrable experience in the establishment, expansion, and management of PDX collections.
- Strong experience in the design, execution, and analysis of preclinical oncology studies.
- Hands-on experience working with immunodeficient mice.
- Experience with orthotopic, metastatic, humanized, or other advanced animal models.
- Solid knowledge of cell culture, primary cultures, tumour-derived cultures, and tumour sample processing.
- Experience in experimental data analysis, interpretation, and scientific reporting.
- Knowledge of animal experimentation regulations, ethical procedures, and the 3Rs principles.
- Ability to prepare and maintain protocols, standard operating procedures, and technical documentation.
- Ability to work independently, make technical decisions, and provide scientific leadership.
- Strong organizational, planning, and problem-solving skills.
- Good written and spoken English.

Desirable Experience:

- Approximately minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in research environments.
- Experience in pharmacological efficacy, pharmacodynamic, toxicology, or biomarker development studies.
- Experience in the cryopreservation, recovery, authentication, and quality control of PDX models.
- Experience working under quality management systems or in regulated environments.
- Previous experience supervising laboratory technicians or small scientific teams.
- Experience managing collaborations with external partners or industry.
- Scientific publications in preclinical oncology, translational research, or related fields.

Key Competencies:

- Technical and scientific leadership.
- Strategic planning and prioritization.
- Scientific rigour and strong quality orientation.
- Ability to troubleshoot complex experimental issues.
- Autonomy, accountability, and sound decision-making.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary environment.
- Ability to combine team supervision with hands-on experimental work.
- Service-oriented and collaborative approach.

Reporting Line:

- Reports directly to the Head of the Molecular Oncology Group.
- Initially supervises one laboratory technician.
- May assume broader coordination responsibilities as the activity and team expand.
- Combines scientific leadership, team coordination, project management, and direct laboratory involvement.

Additional information:

We offer:

- 📈The possibility of developing your professional career in a competitive environment.
- 🧠To be part of a center that is constantly developing, pursuing 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.
- 🪴We care about our environment and understand the importance of sustainability. We have the GreenVhio program, which you can be a part of.

Conditions:

- 📝Permanent contract.
- 🗓️Full-time position, 37.5 hours per week.
- 💶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.
- 🗺️24 days of holidays and 6 personal days.
- 🎓Fully subsidized Catalan, Spanish, or English courses.
- 🏃‍➡️Take advantage of doing sports at great prices with WellHub .
- 🩺You’ll have access to weekly physiotherapy sessions at the office, offered at a reduced price for the team.

Vall d’Hebron Institute Oncology (VHIO) endorses the Requirements and Principles of the European Charter for Researchers, the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers promoted by the European Commission and follows Equal Opportunities policies.

On 10th April 2018 VHIO was awarded the “HR Excellence in Research” logo. Our Institute was consequently granted permission to use the HR Excellence in Research Award logo as demonstration of its stimulating and favourable work environment in line with the Charter & Code.