PhD student – analysis of neuronal RNA modifications using LC-MS/MS

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 seeking an highly motivated PhD student, ideally with mixed/hybrid background in Molecular Biology (wet lab) & Bioinformatics (dry lab), to join the Epitranscriptomics and RNA Dynamics group (PI: Eva Novoa), and co-supervised by Dr. Eduard Sabidó, Head of the Proteomics Unit to the study of the role of RNA modifications (the “epitranscriptome”) in neuronal RNAs using LC-MS/MS.

About the lab

The Epitranscriptomics and RNA Dynamics lab is focused on deciphering the role that RNA modifications play in a large variety of cellular contexts, including the development of novel technologies to map RNA modifications. In our lab, we are employing a combination of experimental (RNASeq, RIP-Seq polysome profiling, mouse/cell knockouts, Oxford Nanopore direct RNA sequencing) and computational techniques (NGS data analysis, algorithm development, machine learning), to unveil the secrets of three post-transcriptional regulatory layers: the epitranscriptome, RNA structure and ribosome specialization.

The CRG/UPF Proteomics Unit is focused on the characterization of proteins and RNA/DNA epigenetic modifications by mass spectrometry. In our lab, we are developing new analytical methods to identify and quantify modifications in (desoxi-)ribonucleosides, nitrogenous bases, and oligonucleotides in biomedical samples. These include new liquid chromatographic separations, new mass spectrometric acquisition strategies, and new data analysis pipelines.

Whom would we like to hire?

Professional experience

Must Have

• You have a strong background in Molecular Biology, Analytical Chemistry or similar discipline

      Desirable but not required/ Nice to have

• You have experience with LC-MS/MS or HPLC
• You have experience with RNA biology
• You have experience with DNA/RNA modifications

Education and training

• You hold a BSc in Molecular Biology, Analytical Chemistry or similar field
• You will hold a MSc in Molecular Biology, Analytical Chemistry or similar field by October 2023

Languages

• You are fluent in written and spoken English

Competences

• You have excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• You have the drive and commitment to produce high quality experimental outcomes
• You have the ability to work as part of a team
• You are a highly motivated and curious person

The Offer – Working Conditions

• Contract duration: 4-year FPI fellowship linked to the duration of the project, with the possibility of an early start.
• Estimated annual gross salary: Salary is commensurate with qualifications and consistent with our pay scales.
• Target start date: Within 3 months of FPI fellowship approval.

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. Eva Maria Novoa and Dr. Eduard Sabidó.
2. A complete CV including contact details.
3. Contact details of two referees.
4. Please arrange for an official copy of your undergraduate/masters transcript, including your grades, to be uploaded here as a PDF file (max. 2MB).

All applications must be addressed to Dr. Eva Maria Novoa and Dr. Eduard Sabidó 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 PI (Eva Maria Novoa), co-PI (Eduard Sabidó) and the CRG Graduate Committee in September.

₋ 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 October 15th, 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.