PhD Student

The Institute

The Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG) is an international biomedical research institute of excellence, based in Barcelona, Spain, with more than 400 scientists from 44 countries. The CRG is composed by an interdisciplinary, motivated and creative scientific team which is supported both by a flexible and efficient administration and by high-end and innovative technologies. 

In April 2021, the Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG) received the renewal of the 'HR Excellence in Research ' Award from the European Commission. This is a recognition of the Institute's commitment to developing an HR Strategy for Researchers, designed to bring the practices and procedures in line with the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and theCode of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers (Charter and Code). 

Please, check out our Recruitment Policy

The role  

We are seeking an ambitious PhD student to drive our research efforts forward in developing a pipeline for the continual learning of generative protein language models. The successful candidate will have the unique opportunity to work at the interface of computational and experimental biology, implementing and refining machine learning algorithms while also validating their performance in the laboratory setting. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Design and implement a pipeline for the continual learning of protein language models 

• Conduct experiments in the laboratory to validate the predictions generated by the protein language models, in particular, protein expression and purification and biochemical enzymatic assays

• Analyze experimental data and iterate on the pipeline to improve its accuracy and robustness over time  

About the team

We are a leading research group dedicated to implementing generative AI models to revolutionize protein engineering and design. Our multidisciplinary team combines expertise in bioinformatics, machine learning, and experimental molecular biology to tackle pressing challenges in protein design. 

Whom would we like to hire?  

Professional experience  

Must Have

• Universtity Degree and a master's degree (or equivalent) biochemistry, bioinformatics, chemistry, biology, biotechnology or a related field within the European Higher Education System (minimum 300 ECTS) or equivalent by October 2024Strong background in protein research 

• Experience in characterizing proteins with biophysical methods 

• Experience with bioinformatic tools 

Desirable but not required/ Nice to have 

• Familiarity with deep learning methods/ protein language models 

Education and training

• Universtity Degree and a master's degree (or equivalent) biochemistry, bioinformatics, chemistry, biology, biotechnology or a related field within the European Higher Education System (minimum 300 ECTS) or equivalent by October 2024

Languages

Technical skills

• Experience in programming languages such as Python  

• Experience in molecular biochemical characterizations (chromatography, gel electrophoresis, fluorescence spectroscopy, and/or crystallography...) 

Competences  

• Candidates must have highly developed organizational skills and deliver results within defined timelines 

The Offer – Working Conditions 

• Contract duration:4 years 

• Estimated annual gross salary:Salary is commensurate with qualifications and consistent with our pay scales 

• Target start date:01/09/2024 (flexible) 

We provide a highly stimulating environment with state-of-the-art infrastructures and unique professional career development opportunities. To check out our training and development portfolio, please visit our website in the training section .

We offer and promote a diverse and inclusive environmentand welcomes applicants regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, ethnicity, religion,sexual orientation or gender identity.

The CRG is committed to reconcile a work and family lifeof its employees and are offering extended vacation period and the possibility to benefit from flexible working hours.

Application Procedure 

All applications must include:

All applications must be addressed to Dr.Noelia Ferruz and be submitted online through the "Apply" button below

Selection Process  

• Pre-selection: The pre-selection process will be based on qualifications and expertise reflected on the candidates CVS. It will be merit-based. 

• Interview: Preselected candidates will be interviewed by the Hiring Manager of the position and a selection panel if required. 

• Offer Letter: Once the successful candidate is identified the People department will send a Job Offer, specifying the start day, salary, working conditions, among other important details.  

Deadline:Please submit your application by May 23, 2024.