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 a highly motivated Lab Technician with expertise in lab managing the day-to-day operations of a molecular and cell biology laboratory. This individual will support the lab’s research activities and ensure the smooth functioning of lab operations (such as oversee inventory management and procurement of reagents, consumables, and equipment). He/she will also handle and compile some laboratory procedures, such as laboratory ethical procedures. He/she will work closely with other team members to develop and implement research protocols, maintain laboratory compliance, and assist in experimental work in molecular and cellular biology. Ideally, he/she will have experience with mouse handling.

About the lab

In our group, we are investigating the mechanisms controlling the reprogramming of somatic cells, and our final goal is to determine if this reprogramming contributes to tissue regeneration in higher vertebrates.

Differentiation from zygotes has been considered as a unidirectional route in all cells of the body. Recently, however, it has become clear that the reverse path is also possible: the reprogramming of somatic nuclei, i.e. the de-differentiation of somatic cells into pluripotent stem-like cells. To date, reprogramming has been induced in vitro by transferring somatic nuclei into enucleated oocytes, by fusing embryonic stem cells (ESCs) with somatic cells, and by transferring specific factors into different types of somatic cell.

Whether reprogramming can occur in vivo in higher vertebrates and what the molecular mechanisms and genes driving reprogramming remain to be defined. We have recently shown that activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway enhances reprogramming of somatic cells after their fusion with ESCs. Remarkably, the activation of this signalling pathway also controls regeneration in response to damage in lower and higher vertebrates; furthermore, cell fusion is one possible mechanism of regeneration in vertebrates. Our main goal is to determine whether in mice activation of Wnt/β-catenin signalling controls tissue regeneration by enhancing cell-fusion-mediated reprogramming.

Reprogramming and Regeneration Laboratory (https://www.crg.eu/en/programmes-groups/cosma-lab)

Whom would we like to hire?

Must Have

• You have experience in lab managing and basic methods in cell and molecular biology
• You are willing to work with multiple species, including human and pigs

Desirable but not required/ Nice to have

• You have some experience in mouse colonies handling

Languages

• You are fluent in English

Education and training

• You hold a Bachelor’s or master's degree in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, or a related field

Technical skills

• You have advanced MS Office skills

Competences

• Highly developed organizational skills
• Ability to work in a team with multiple scientists
• Flexibility to be involved in multiple projects

The Offer – Working Conditions

• Contract duration: 3 months with possibility of long-term extension
• Estimated annual gross salary: Salary is commensurate with qualifications and consistent with our pay scales
• Target start date: as soon as possible

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 Pia Cosma
2. A complete CV including contact details.
3. Contact details of two referees.

All applications must be addressed to Dr. Pia Cosma 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 Dr. Pia Cosma

• 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: Please submit your application by December 4^rh, 2024

This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 964342