The Institute

The Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG) is a core-funded interdisciplinary institute with strengths encompassing genomics, systems, computational, cell and molecular biology.

Currently we are looking to recruit up to two junior group leaders in Synthetic Biology and Synthetic Genomics.

The successful applicants will use engineering, quantitative and synthetic approaches to address specific biological questions that are difficult to answer using standard analytical methods. We will consider applicants working at all scales, from macromolecules to cells, tissues, organs and organisms. Areas of particular interest include but are not limited to: protein and cell engineering, dynamical systems, generative AI and machine learning, synthetic genomics, and in silico biology. Translational aspects are of interest but should not be the main aim. The newly established group will join the Systems and Synthetic Biology Program, with the option of a joint affiliation to an additional CRG Program (Quantitative Cell Biology, Genome Biology, Health Genomics and Computational Biology) and/or to the Barcelona Collaboratorium for Modelling and Quantitative Biology.

The CRG is located at the Barcelona Biomedical Research Park (PRBB) with six other research institutes, including the newly created Outstation of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL).

The CRG consists of 400 scientists, and is organised into five research programmes supported by high-end core technologies covering proteomics, genomics, bioinformatics, microscopy, FACs, iPSCs and organoids, and protein expression. The CRG hosts one of the two nodes of the European Genome-phenome Archive (EGA, https://ega-archive.org) and is affiliated to the Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST, https://bist.eu/).

In April 2021, the Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG) received the renewal of the 'HR Excellence in Research' ( https://www.crg.eu/en/content/careers/hr-excellence-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 ( https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/charter/european-charter) and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers (Charter and Code) ( https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/charter/code).

Please, check out our Recruitment Policy:
https://www.crg.eu/sites/default/files/crg/crg_recruitment_policy.pdf

The Offer


Junior Group Leader position with a 5-year contract renewable for a total of 9 years, subject to successful external peer review, and structural funding to cover salaries and consumables for up to three people depending on their qualifications. We offer an equipped laboratory, and office space, for 7-9 people with access to cutting-edge core technologies (http://www.crg.eu/content/scientific-services/core-technologies).

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 welcome 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.

The CRG values innovative and interdisciplinary Research and is involved in attaining the sustainability principles of the United Nations.

Application Procedure


All applications must include:

A motivation letter explaining why you have applied to the CRG.

A complete CV including a list of publications, and details of three referees who agree to be contacted.

Brief (<4 pages) proposal of your future research plans.

All applications must be addressed to Director Luis Serrano, Dr. Maria Pia Cosma, and Dr. Ben Lehner and be submitted online through the CRG Career site -http://www.crg.eu/en/content/careers/job-opportunities

Further information regarding the CRG group leader recruitment & selection process can be found at: https://www.crg.eu/en/content/jobs/junior-group-leader-recruitment


Selection Process

Pre-selection: The pre-selection process will be based on qualifications and the scientific proposal.
Interview: Preselected candidates will be interviewed at the CRG by a selection panel.
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.


Informal enquires can be directed to Dr. Luis Serrano (luis.serrano@crg.eu), Dr. Maria Pia Cosma (pia.cosma@crg.eu), or Dr. Ben Lehner (ben.lehner@crg.eu).


Deadline: Please submit your application by October 15, 2023