About this role
Summary: Join the Biomedical Genomics Lab to design, develop, and maintain LLM-based and agentic AI systems for cancer research. The role involves engineering AI-powered tools for scientific collaboration and mutation interpretation, requiring strong Python skills and a proactive attitude toward learning new technologies.
IRB Barcelona is seeking a proactive and motivated AI Software Engineer to join the Biomedical Genomics Lab (BBGLab) led by Dr. Núria López-Bigas at IRB Barcelona (http://bbglab.irbbarcelona.org).
The lab studies the mutations and mechanisms that drive cancer development, and translates this knowledge into computational tools for research and precision cancer medicine. AI is becoming a central part of this work, both to accelerate scientific discovery and to make the lab's tools more useful to researchers and clinicians.
The successful candidate will join a team of bioinformaticians and software engineers to build AI-powered systems, with a strong focus on LLMs and agentic systems. Current projects include an agentic AI system for human-AI scientific collaboration, co-developed with the lab's researchers to uncover the molecular mechanisms of tumorigenesis across genes and tissues, and a chatbot embedded in the Cancer Genome Interpreter to support the interpretation of mutations.
The role is mainly focused on engineering, with some support to research projects. Prior experience in cancer genomics or bioinformatics is not essential, but it is considered an asset; we are looking for someone curious about the biology behind our work and willing to learn it.
This position is financed by the project “Data-driven cancer genome interpretation for personalised cancer treatment” from the European Union (Acronim: CGI-Clinics. Grant Agreement: 101057509).
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Design, develop, deploy and maintain LLM-based and agentic applications for the lab's projects, such as the agentic system for scientific collaboration and the Cancer Genome Interpreter chatbot.
- Integrate AI components with the lab's tools, databases and knowledge sources.
- Evaluate and improve the quality and reliability of LLM-based systems (prompting, context management, tool use, evaluation).
- Apply software engineering best practices: version control, testing, code review and documentation.
- Keep up to date with advances in AI and propose how to apply them to the lab's projects.
- Provide technical support to research projects, participate in project meetings, and contribute to technical reports.
YOU HAVE
- Highly proactive profile, with a strong willingness to learn and to stay constantly up to date with a rapidly changing AI landscape (models, frameworks, tools and AI coding assistants).
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Bioinformatics, Computational Sciences, Physics, Mathematics or similar.
- At least 1 year of experience in software development.
- Hands-on experience with LLMs and agentic systems (e.g. LLM APIs, prompt and context engineering, RAG, tool use, agents).
- Strong Python programming skills and familiarity with software development best practices.
- Experience with collaborative software development using Git and platforms such as GitHub.
- Excellent English (written and spoken).
- Excellent communication skills and ability to work within a collaborative team.
- Strong analytical skills, ability to work independently, and adaptability to new challenges.
YOU MIGHT ALSO HAVE
- Extensive, proven experience building LLM-based applications and agentic systems (RAG, MCP, multi-agent frameworks, evaluation).
- Experience with AI coding assistants and modern AI development workflows.
- Experience with machine learning or deep learning.
- Experience in bioinformatics or cancer genomics, particularly in NGS data analysis.
- Experience with pipelines (Nextflow), high-performance computing, containers (Docker, Singularity), cloud environments (e.g. AWS), and databases.
- Experience with full-stack development.
- A Master’s degree or a PhD in a related field.
- Experience working in international teams.
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 científio-técnicas) linked to the scientific and technical activities of the project “Data-driven cancer genome interpretation for personalised cancer treatment” from the European Union.*
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: *04/12/2026* (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](https://www.irbbarcelona.org/sites/default/files/2025-09/POL-HR-2_Open_transparent_and_merit-based_Recruitment_OTM-R_Policy.pdf).
*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 27 laboratories and 9 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).