Barcelona City Council | Capital humà

Specialist in nervous system biology

Neurobiologists study the general mechanisms of how the nervous system works and research related biological systems. Their objectives are to understand the biological foundations of the human mind (behaviour, emotions and intelligence), to understand the development of the nervous system and its structural and functional relationships and to know the causes that trigger neurological diseases, with the aim of developing new pharmacological, genetic or cellular therapies for their treatment. Employ knowledge and techniques from molecular and cellular biology, neuroanatomy, neurohistology, neuroimaging, neurogenetics, neuropsychology, gene therapy and neurology or systems biology for searches. The working field includes higher intellectual functions such as learning, memory and other cognitive functions, as well as their alterations in neurodegenerative diseases and brain damage that affect them, autonomous functions and eneratives and brain damage that affects them, autonomous functions and circadian rhythm. In recent years, bioinformatics advances have let the development of theoretical models to try to explain neurobiological, structural and functional events be included in this panorama, as well as the design of molecular network models involved in different nervous-system functions. Neurobiologists work in multidisciplinary environments with geneticists, pharmacists, computer engineers, electrophysiologists, chemists, psychobiologists, doctors, nurses, biocomputer engineers, mathematicians, physicists and zoologists, sharing knowledge and working together to move forward in developing diagnostic and therapeutic improvements.

• Can, in general terms, study and research the structure and either normal or pathological operation of the nervous system, across its different levels of organisation :
  "Systemic level": The Central Nervous System (CNS); Sensory systems of the brain (feeling and perception); Motor systems of the brain (control of voluntary and involuntary movements); circuits and systems which control functions such as vision, breathing and behaviour.
  "Cellular level" (neurons and other cells). Includes cell therapy, that is, the transplantation of neuron precursor cells or genetically modified cells.
  "Cell Communication Level" (neuron connections or synapses and the role of the surrounding myelin sheath, which constitutes a kind of neuron cabling which allows the speedy transmission of messages via the brain).
  "Molecular Level" (cell components and "neurotransmitters", which are substances found in cell synapses which enable the transmission of signals, as well as the molecular and genetic mechanisms which intervene in neuron function). This level includes gene therapy, meaning direct intervention on the nerve cell genome for therapeutic purposes.
• Use different research methodologies and techniques such as assay techniques (chromatography, radioimmunassay, inmunohistochemistry, enzymatic markers, magnetic resonance, genetic testing), microscopy, histological and neuroanatomical techniques, cell and tissue cultures, neurofunctional and conductive tests, experimental and biocomputer science surgery.
• Study specific problems and their conceptual framework. Propose a theoretical hypothesis and devise the methodology to research it experimentally. Carry out (or conduct) the established experiments and analyse their results. Upon discussing the results, extract conclusions to be used in order to evaluate therapeutic alternatives.
  The various projects in which he/she may become involved include a variety of subjects such as the neurological bases of emotional and learning behaviour, the most suitable treatments for pain, brain ageing and disorders in the natural repair or regeneration of the nervous system.
• The neurobiologist must continuously exchange knowledge and keep up to date with advances regarding the neurobiological nature of brain function. Both in terms of functions related to cognitive intelligence (attention, learning, language, abstraction, memory and related processes) and those related to emotional intelligence (handling of emotions, social relations and motivation). Must often attend international congresses and share knowledge via other media, whether written or aural.
• This profile also carries out management tasks.
  Raise funds for his/her own research via international and nationwide competitive examinations which must usually be managed with the assistance of an administrative department.
  Evaluate research projects.
  Organises scientific meetings.

Regulated training and graduates

• Grau: Genètica
• Grau: Bioquímica
• Grau: Bioquímica i biologia molecular
• Grau: Biotecnologia
• Grau: Enginyeria biomèdica
• Grau: Biologia humana
• Grau: Ciències biomèdiques
• Grau: Medicina
• Grau: Psicologia

Complementary training

Other specific skills

Analytical thought: Level 3

Planning and organisation: Level 2

Conceptual thought: Level 3

Learning and use of knowledge: Level 3

Strategic orientation: Level 3

Orientation within reach: Level 2

Communication

Those who show a preference for the field of communication are interested in the generation and dissemination of information. This information, however, can have various purposes: provide information on events and occurrences, generate public opinion on a certain topic or promote and publicise a service or product. Carrying out these activities requires knowledge of various techniques aimed at communication, persuasion and marketing.

Scientific research

Individuals who have an affinity for the field of scientific research focus their interest on activities that study different types of organisms and substances in order to obtain valuable products for human beings. A key part of performing this task is the planning and verification of scientific hypotheses through the use of different research designs and techniques. The objective of these searches is the development of new medicines and medical techniques, technological innovation based on the manipulation of cells, molecules and biological agents, as well as the study of cultures in order to improve the characteristics and properties of plants and food.

Healthcare

Working to maintain and improve health, as well as physical and mental well-being, is the primary interest of people who are involved in the field of healthcare. Some of the activities in this field include making diagnoses, prescribing treatments and monitoring illnesses and injuries. These activities also include the application of therapeutic treatments (traditional or alternative) with a view to facilitating the physical recovery of those being treated. To carry out these activities, one must have in-depth knowledge of the human body and medicine, in its various specialisations.

Gene therapy expert

Nutrigenomic Adviser

Study manager

Drug development technician.

Expert researcher in new foods

• Work hours

  Neurobiologists who operate in public research ( the most common kind) enjoy highly flexible schedules. Same as for the majority of scientific research staff, although their actual schedule exceeds "40 hours a week". In the hospital and industry sectors, schedules are more regulated.

• Salary

  Salary range: between 24.446 and 39.155 euros annum gross. Median: 30.938 euros annum gross.
  
  Source: Report "Observatory of Jobs and Salaries of the Labour Market. Barcelona Activa", elaborated by ICSA Grupo. April 2015.