Postdoctoral scientist, gene regulatory mechanisms and diabetes

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 theCode of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers (Charter and Code). 

Please, check out our Recruitment Policy

The role  

We are seeking a motivated postdoctoral scientist interested in dissecting genome regulatory mechanisms underlying human diabetes. The successful applicant will develop cell-based model systems such as human stem cell-derived beta cells, using single cell genomic read-outs, and will explore poorly understood genome regulatory mechanisms. The work will be performed within a multidisciplinary lab located in the CRG.   

About the lab 

The Regulatory Genomics and Diabetes lab aims to uncover genetic mechanisms causing diabetes mellitus, and to develop therapeutic avenues. The group is particularly interested in understanding how genomic information is used to direct cell-specific gene expression, and to pinpoint gene regulatory defects underlying human disease.  

The team brings together diverse expertise, ranging from work with mutant stem cell-derived beta cell organoids, engineered mouse models, single cell epigenomics, large-scale genetic screens, statistical genetics, and the integration of genetic and regulatory data. This multidisciplinary approach gives us unique opportunities to engage in collaborative projects that combine experimental and computational methods. The lab encourages wet lab scientists to engage in their own data analysis and provides a supportive environment to this end. The group is funded by European Research Council, the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, Generalitat de Catalunya, an AXA chair, European Foundation for the Study of Diabetes, the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions program, and a CIBERDEM diabetes network. The lab forms part of international consortia focused on advancing research in regulatory genomics, single cell genomics, and human genetics.  

Recent studies from the lab include:  

• A lineage-specific gene transcription and splicing hierarchy that is disrupted in type 2 diabetes (In review) 

• Large-scale discovery of molecular targets for precision treatment of HNF1A-deficient diabetes (In review).  

• Transcription regulation by long non-coding RNAs and their disease relevance (Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol, 2024). 

• HASTER lncRNA promoter is a cis-acting transcriptional stabilizer of HNF1A (Nat Cell Biol 2022). 

• Pancreas agenesis mutations disrupt a lead enhancer controlling a developmental enhancer cluster 

(Dev Cell, 2022). 

• Human pancreatic islet 3D chromatin architecture provides insights into the genetics of type 2 diabetes (Nat Genet 2019). 

Whom would we like to hire?  

Professional experience  

Must Have  

• Solid track record in molecular and cell biology and expertise in one of the following fields: genome/epigenome editing tecnologies, single cell genomic methods, or in development of protocols with this technology 

• Expertise in next generation sequence analysis   

• You have a publication track record in these areas with a leading authorship role 

Education and training

• A PhD in a relevant field 

Languages

• You are proficient in English 

Technical skills

• You have advanced MS Office skills

Competences  

• Highly developed organizational and communication skills 

• Ability to work in a team

The Offer – Working Conditions 

• Contract duration: Contract for Technical and Scientific Activities – estimated duration of 2 years, with the possibility of renewal.   

• Estimated annual gross salary: Salary is commensurate with qualifications and consistent with our pay scales. 

• Target start date:January 2025. 

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 environmentand 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:

All applications must be addressed to Dr. Jorge Ferrer and be submitted online through 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 People department will send a Job Offer, specifying the start day, salary, working conditions, among other important details.  

Deadline: The position will be opened until it is covered.

AXA Project: 2013 – LIFE – Chair – Fundació Centre de Regulació Genòmica – FERRER Jorge “with the support of the AXA Research Fund”