Postdoctoral Researcher – understanding, predicting and engineering molecular biology using massively parallel synthesis and machine learning

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).

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The role

We are looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher with a background in statistics, machine learning and quantitative genetics to lead projects using data generated via massively parallel DNA synthesis, selection and sequencing to understand, predict and engineer the fundamental sequence-to-activity functions of molecular biology.

About the lab

The current focus of the Genetic Systems lab is to directly tackle the foundational encoding problems of molecular biology using massively parallel mutagenesis and machine learning.  This includes protein and RNA folding, binding, allostery, aggregation and expression (e.g., Cell 2019, Nature Comms 2019, eLife 2021, Nature 2022).  Our previous work has been on fundamental questions in genetics, including phenotypic variation (noise, inter- and trans-generational epigenetics), mutation and selection in cancer genomes, genetic interactions and genetic prediction. The laboratory is an interdisciplinary and collaborative environment, with many members combining experimental and computational skills. All lab members lead their own projects.

The Genetic Systems lab is part of the CRG Systems Biology Programme, which is a unique centre of excellence in Europe for quantitative biology.  The CRG and the other institutes of the PRBB, including EMBL Barcelona, provide an ideal ecosystem for this programme, being very strong in genomics, mechanistic and quantitative biology.

Work in the lab is funded by the European Research Council (ERC), the Bettencourt Schueller Foundation, the AXA Foundation, the Catalan and Spanish governments, and core funding from the CRG. 13 alumni from the lab are now principal investigators across Europe and beyond.

Whom would we like to hire?

Professional experience

Must Have

• You have track record of discovery and innovation in statistics, machine learning and/or computational biology

Education and training

• You hold a degree in statistics, mathematics, computer science or molecular biology

Languages

• You are fluent in English

Competences

• You are passionate about understanding biology
• You are organized and hard-working with a ‘can do’ attitude and a good finisher
• You can work as part of an integrated team
• You have excellent communication skills
• You enjoy bold projects and taking on challenges
• You can work in a multidisciplinary environment with people from diverse backgrounds

The Offer

• Contract duration: 12 months with possibility of extension.
• Estimated annual gross salary: Salary is commensurate with qualifications and consistent with our pay scales.
• Target start date: July 2022

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:
1. A motivation letter addressed to Professor Ben Lehner.
2. A complete CV including contact details.
3. Contact details of two referees.

All applications must be addressed to Professor Ben Lehner and be submitted online on 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 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 May 27, 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.