Evolution of animal cell type programs – PhD position

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 seeking a highly motivated candidate to join our team to work on an interdisciplinary project (experimental and computational) involving single-cell genomics and chromatin profiling in different systems. The research program for this position focuses on elucidating the origin and early evolution of animal genome regulation and cell type diversity (neurons, muscles, secretory cells, etc). To this end, you will apply advanced functional genomics to characterize cell types and regulatory genome features in diverse non-bilaterian metazoan species (Porifera, Ctenophora, Placozoa and Cnidaria). Specifically, this involves: (i) scRNA-seq to define cell type-specific gene expression, (ii) scATAC-seq to investigate cell-specific cis-regulatory element usage, and (iii) SELEX-seq to interrogate transcription factor binding affinities and infer cell type gene regulatory networks. You will also participate in the analysis, integration, and interpretation of these omics datasets.

This is a strongly collaborative project and, as such, it will involve visits to laboratories in different countries, particularly to sample different organisms. Our laboratory has advanced single-cell infrastructure and you will be trained and regularly use a droplet-based single-cell platform, as well as liquid-handling robots. Previous experience in basic molecular biology procedures is an advantage. Creativity and intellectual independence are desirable, as is the ability to work collaboratively.

About the group

The Sebe-Pedros Group (https://www.sebepedroslab.org/ ) studies genome regulation from an evolutionary systems perspective. In particular, we are interested in deciphering the evolutionary dynamics of animal cell type gene regulatory networks and in reconstructing the evolution of genome regulatory mechanisms (from transcription factor binding through chromatin states to the physical architecture of the genome). To this end, we combine phylogenetic tools with functional genomics and proteomics methods (chromatin profiling, single-cell genomics) in order to characterize and compare cell types and epigenomic landscapes in non-model animal and other eukaryotic species.

Whom would we like to hire?

Professional experience

Must Have
• You have hands-on experience in basic molecular biology
• You have experience in R statistical language
• You have experience in computational biology, in particular genomics and transcriptomics data analysis

Desirable but not required/ Nice to have
• You have hands-on experience in basic genomics workflows (e.g. library preparation)
• You have experience in chromatin experimental methods (e.g. ChIP-seq, ATAC)
• You have experience working in computer cluster environments

Education and training

• You hold a master degree in biology, bioinformatics or similar

Languages

• You are proficient in English

Competences

• You have highly developed organization and coordination skills
• You are creative
• You are intellectually independent
• You have dedication, motivation and rigor in scientific tasks
• You have de capacity to work as part of a collaborative team

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: Flexible (Oct-2022 to Feb-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:
1. A motivation letter addressed to Dr Arnau Sebe-Pedros
2. A complete CV including contact details
3. Contact details of two referees

All applications must be addressed to Dr. Arnau Sebe-Pedros 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 July 31st 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.