Postdoc – Computational Biology and Translational Genomics of Myeloid Disorders

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 the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers (Charter and Code). 

Please, check out our Recruitment Policy

The role 

The Single Cell and Synthetic Genomics of Blood Formation lab (PI: Lars Velten) at CRG Barcelona is looking for a motivated postdoc to work on a project related to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and clonal hematopoiesis (CH).

AML is one of the deadliest cancers, with 5-year survival rates of <15% in elderly patients. AML is a disease of differentiation-arrested progenitors of white blood cells that is very heterogeneous within and across patients. In particular, leukemic stem cells (LSCs) are thought to drive the high relapse rates observed in this disease, but are difficult to characterize by conventional methods. Before converting into LSCs, hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) often acquire so-called pre-leukemic mutations that cause them to clonally expand, a condition referred to as clonal hematopoiesis that typically goes undetected but is a major risk factor for AML. Together, these challenges provide an excellent motivation for the application of single-cell genomic methods for the development of prognostic and diagnostic tests, patient stratification strategies, and ultimately, the discovery of drug targets specific to stem cells in AML and CH.

Our group has a strong track record in analyzing hematopoietic and leukemic stem cells with cutting-edge single cell genomic and bioinformatic methods (see, for example, Velten et al., 2017, Triana et al., 2021, Velten et al., 2021, Beneyto-Calabuig et al., biorxiv). We further are embedded in a strong network of collaborators with expertise in clinical leukemia research (Simon Raffel, University Clinics Heidelberg) and stem cell biology (Simon Haas, MDC Berlin).

In your new role, you would:

• Analyse a new, unpublished, large-scale single-cell datasets on stem cells in leukemia and pre-leukemia
• Closely work with external collaborators to explore the biology of the disease and translational potential
• Develop an independent research line on clonal hematopoiesis.
• Work with cutting edge single cell genomic technology, and be involved in technology development
• Serve as senior member of the team and, down the road, co-supervisor of PhD students or technical staff

About the lab

My interdisciplinary group investigates the biology of hematopoietic stem cells using a combination of single cell genomics, genetic screens, and computational biology. We strive to develop novel genomic and bioinformatic tools to answer longstanding questions in the field. In particular, we cover two main research lines, a) Gene regulation in healthy hematopoiesis) and b) The role of stem cells in blood cancer. The lab has been established in January 2020 and currently consists of 9 members: 2 bioinformatics PhD student, 2 biotechnology PhD students, a bioinformatics postdoc, a genome biology postdoc, and 2 specialist technicians. We receive funding from the Spanish and German governments, the European Commission, the European Hematology Association and the Spanish Association against Cancer. 

Whom would we like to hire? 

Professional experience 

Must Have

• You hold a PhD in a relevant field (bioinformatics, computational biology, genomics etc.)
• You have experience analyzing single-cell RNA-seq data and other types of genomic data
• You have demonstrated your ability to lead challenging research projects
• You have demonstrated your ability to work in collaborative settings, particularly in translational projects involving clinical collaborators
• You have published at least one primary research paper during your PhD
• You are familiar with the biology of blood formation and immunology

Desirable but not required/ Nice to have

• Machine learning expertise

Education and training

• A PhD in a relevant field (bioinformatics, computational biology, genomics etc.)

Languages

• You are proficient in English

Technical skills

• Excellent programming skills in R or python
• Deep learning expertise is a plus
• Package development experience is a plus
• Competences 
• Success-driven
• Strong academic writing skills
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to work as part of a team and with external collaborators

The Offer – Working Conditions

• Contract duration: 3 years
• Estimated annual gross salary: Salary is commensurate with qualifications and consistent with our pay scales.
• Target start date: February/ March 2023

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 environment and 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 life of 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. Lars Velten and be submitted online on the CRG Career site - http://www.crg.eu/en/content/careers/job-opportunities 

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 Human Resources department will send a Job Offer, specifying the start day, salary, working conditions, among other important details. 

Deadline: Please submit your application by 11/22/2022.

Suggestions: The CRG believes in ongoing improvement and promotes a culture of feedback. This is one of the reasons we have in place, at your disposal as a candidate, a mechanism to gather your suggestions/complaints concerning your candidate experience in our recruitment processes. Your feedback really matters to us in our aim at creating a positive candidate journey. You can make a difference and help us improve by letting us know your suggestions through the following form. https://recruitment.crg.eu/webforms/recruitment-contact-form-

Funding: Associacion Española Contra El Cáncer