Research Technician

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 Researc h' 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

We are looking for an enthusiastic technician to join the Single Cell Epigenomics and Cancer Development team to provide support in creating a better understanding of early tumor formation. The candidate will be in charge of the development and implementation of novel protocols for manipulation of mammalian cell-culture based systems - potentially extended with in vivo studies – and to study the potential effects of given manipulations. The candidate will work in close collaboration with other lab members (a lab manager, PhD students and a postdoc) as well as in an independent manner. We are open to receive applications from both junior and senior candidates, as long as they meet the work experience requirements.

About the lab

Tumors originate from normal cells that acquire tumor-initiating genetic events, such as translocations and somatic mutations. These genetic hits turn normal cells into pre-malignant cells, but do not lead to immediate tumor formation. For that, secondary genetic events as well as epigenetic hits are required.

We are an expanding lab that recently was awarded an ERC starting grant providing funds for the coming 5 years. We aim to create a better understanding of how epigenetic tumor-associated changes arise in the context of non-Hodgkin lymphomas. To that end, we aim to study the occurrence of these changes in healthy individuals as well as in pre-malignant cells in vitro (to be created by CRISPR/Cas9 genomic editing) and in vivo using single-cell technologies. On top of that, we aim to define cell intrinsic mechanisms, such as enhancer activation and 3D chromatin interactions, that influence the occurrence of the observed changes.

We are affiliated to the Gene Regulation, Stem Cell and Cancer Research program of the CRG in double affiliation with the Centre for Genomic Analysis (CNAG-CRG) and the department of Oncology and Haematology of the IDIBAPS. We strongly believe that bringing the knowledge and resources of these different environments together majorly aids to better understand the biology of disease. Further information can be found at: https://www.crg.eu/en/programmes-groups/beekman-lab .

Whom would we like to hire?

Professional experience

Must Have

• You have a strong background in basic molecular biology, particularly mammalian cell culture-based techniques.
• You have a minimum of 3 years of proven experience in manipulations of mammalian cells, including ample hands-on experience in optimisation and implementation of two or more of the following: complex transfection protocols, genome-editing strategies and/or in vitro differentiation systems.

Desirable but not required/ Nice to have

• You have hands-on expertise in:
o Manipulating hematopoietic (stem) cells and/or other primary cell types
o In vitro differentiation systems, preferably hematopoietic cells
o Genome editing in mammalian cells, preferably hematopoietic cells
o Epigenetic analyses (e.g. ChIP-seq, ATAC-seq, bisulfite sequencing, chromatin conformation capture)
o Generation of next-generation sequencing libraries in different experimental contexts

• You have a valid accreditation and recent hands-on experience in working with laboratory animals, especially mice

Education and training

• You hold a lab technician qualification or a bachelor/master’s degree in Biology (or related disciplines) 

Languages

• You are proficient in English

Technical skills

• You have a high level of hands-on experience in:
o Mammalian cell culture-based technologies
o Transfection methods for mammalian (primary cell) systems
o Optimisation of complex protocols
o CRISPR/Cas9-based technologies
o Basic molecular biology techniques
o Working with laboratory animals, especially mice

Competences

• You have highly developed organizational skills
• You have excellent problem-solving skills
• You are motivated to learn new techniques
• You have enthusiasm and dedication to implement new protocols in the lab
• You have good communication skills
• You have the capability to work on different projects simultaneously as part of a team and/or independently

The Offer – Working Conditions

• Contract duration: 2 years with a possibility of extension linked to the duration of the project.
• Estimated annual gross salary: Salary is commensurate with qualifications and consistent with our pay scales.
• Target start date: October 1st.

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 Dr. R.Beekman.
2. A complete CV including contact details.
3. Contact details of two referees.

All applications must be addressed to Dr. R. Beekman 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 August 21st, 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.