Auxiliary Support at IDIBELL's Animal Facility in Barcelona
Opportunity Overview IDIBELL's Animal Facility in Barcelona is hiring an Auxiliary Support staff member for its fish facility on a temporary contract. The position involves supporting researchers who use zebrafish in their scientific projects. The facility spans roughly 800 m² and is split into two units, one for rodents and one for aquatic animals. The Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL) is a biomedical research institute based in the Barcelona metropolitan area. It hosts around 40 research groups and over 600 researchers working on cancer, neuroscience, infectious diseases, and translational medicine. The Animal Facility is a core service that provides housing, husbandry, and technical support for laboratory animals used across these research programs. Barcelona offers a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers. The city is a major European hub for biomedical research, with several hospitals and research centers clustered in the Bellvitge area. Living costs are moderate compared to other Western European cities, and the region has strong public transport connections. International staff typically find a welcoming environment, though Spanish language skills help with daily life outside the lab. This is a support role, not a research position. The work centers on the daily care and maintenance of zebrafish colonies, including water quality monitoring, feeding, and cleaning systems. It suits someone comfortable with routine technical tasks and interested in working within a professional animal research facility. Responsibilities - Provide daily care for zebrafish colonies, including feeding and health monitoring - Maintain water quality parameters in fish tanks and recirculating systems - Clean tanks, nets, and other equipment according to facility protocols - Monitor and record environmental conditions such as temperature, pH, and conductivity - Assist researchers with fish husbandry procedures and experimental setup - Report any signs of disease or abnormal behavior to the facility supervisor - Maintain accurate records of fish stocks, breeding, and facility maintenance - Follow animal welfare regulations and standard operating procedures Requirements & Qualifications - Previous experience working with zebrafish or other aquatic laboratory animals is valued - Familiarity with aquarium systems and water quality management is an advantage - Ability to follow strict protocols and maintain detailed records - Comfortable handling small animals and performing repetitive tasks with care - Good communication skills for coordinating with researchers and facility staff - Basic computer skills for data entry and record keeping - Ability to work independently and as part of a small team - Willingness to work in a laboratory environment with controlled conditions Benefits - Temporary contract with a competitive salary according to IDIBELL pay scales - Opportunity to work in a leading biomedical research institute in Spain - Access to ongoing training in animal husbandry and welfare practices - Located in the Barcelona metropolitan area with excellent public transport links How to Apply 1. Prepare your CV and a brief cover letter highlighting any relevant animal care experience. 2. Submit your application through the IDIBELL recruitment portal. 3. Click the Apply button below to submit your application.