PhD Position at the Single-cell epigenomics and cancer development lab

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

We are looking for an enthusiastic PhD-student who wishes to expand their knowledge in the field of academic research with a focus on DNA methylation, gene regulation and single-cell omics. The PhD student will perform data generation and analysis to study the effects of DNA methylation on gene regulation.

About the lab

We aim to create a better understanding of how epigenetic changes arise and regulate normal differentiation and non-Hodgkin lymphoma formation. To that end, we aim to study and manipulate the occurrence of these changes in healthy, pre-malignant and malignant cells using single-cell technologies. On top of that, we aim to define cell intrinsic mechanisms, such as enhancer activation and 3D chromatin interactions that are influenced upon 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 good knowledge of Human Biology
• You have wetlab-based expertise to study DNA methylation
• You have expertise in mammalian cell culture and manipulation of mammalian cells in vitro
• You have more than 6 months of wetlab-based experience in molecular biology

Desirable but not required/ Nice to have

• You have knowledge on epigenetics (histone modifications, chromatin accessibility, 3D chromatin structure)
• You have basic knowledge on single-cell technologies

Education and training

• By the October 2022, you should hold a Master’s degree in Biology, Biotechnology, Biomedicine or equivalent.

Languages

• You are fluent in English

Technical skills

• You have hands-on wetlab experience in:
o Epigenetics, especially to study DNA methylation
o General laboratory techniques, especially using mammalian cells
• You have basic bioinformatic skills to study epigenetics and gene expression

Competences

• You have excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• You have enthusiasm, motivation and dedication to explore new scientific avenues
• You are capable to work on different projects simultaneously as part of a team and/or independently.

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: September/October 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 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 July 6th, 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.