Mountain ecosystems represent some of the most sensitive environments to climate change and biodiversity loss. Understanding their genomic and ecological dynamics offers a unique opportunity to develop new knowledge and innovations at the interface of biodiversity, environmental health and biotechnology.

The Institutes

The Andorra Recerca + Innovació (ARI) is the national research and innovation institution of the Principality of Andorra. ARI promotes scientific excellence and innovation aligned with the country's strategic priorities, including environmental sustainability, biodiversity, climate change, and health. Through international collaborations, ARI aims position Andorra as a leading platform for mountain ecosystem and environmental health research.

The Institute of Mountain Genomics is part of Andorra’s national strategy for scientific innovation and economic diversification. It aims to advance frontier research in biodiversity genomics, environmental health and nature-based innovation, building on Andorra’s high-mountain context.

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 ARI–CRG Institute of Mountain Genomics

ARI and CRG have established a strategic collaboration to develop the Institute of Mountain Genomics, a joint research initiative that combines Andorra’s high-mountain ecosystems with CRG’s expertise in genomics, computational biology and biotechnology.

The initiative is aligned with Andorra’s National Plan for Innovation and Economic Diversification, which promotes the development of high-value scientific and technological activities linked to the country’s natural assets and knowledge economy. Within this framework, the Institute of Mountain Genomics contributes directly to several strategic national innovation verticals that also form part of ARI’s core mission: Life and Health Technologies, Sport and Nature as Innovation Laboratories, and Sustainable Construction.

The programme aims to position Andorra as a global hub for mountain ecosystem science by integrating biodiversity genomics, environmental health research, biotechnology, and data-driven modelling. By leveraging the environment as a living laboratory, the initiative seeks to generate new knowledge and innovation opportunities across these interconnected domains.

The programme will explore the biodiversity and biological adaptations of plants, animals and microorganisms to extreme mountain environments, while developing new genomic tools and predictive models to understand ecosystem resilience, climate change impacts, and environmental health.

In addition to advancing fundamental science, the initiative seeks to generate societal and economic impact through biotechnology innovation, nature-based solutions, environmental monitoring technologies, and the creation of new scientific and entrepreneurial ecosystems linked to biodiversity and health. These developments may contribute to emerging innovation opportunities in areas such as environmental health technologies, nature-based sport environments, and bio-inspired solutions for sustainable infrastructure and materials.

To support this vision, ARI and CRG are recruiting two Independent Research Fellows who will develop their own research programmes within this interdisciplinary environment while contributing to the broader scientific, innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem of the future Institute of Mountain Genomics.

The role: Independent Research Fellows in Mountain Genomics

Independent Fellows are faculty-level research positions aimed at outstanding early-career scientists seeking to establish an independent research programme in mountain genomics, biodiversity science, environmental health, or related interdisciplinary areas.

The programme is part of a pilot phase of the ARI–CRG collaboration to develop the Institute of Mountain Genomics in Andorra, conceived as a joint initiative combining frontier research with innovation and technology transfer based on omics sciences. The initiative seeks not only to advance fundamental knowledge on mountain ecosystems, but also to translate scientific discoveries into applications with societal and technological impact.

Fellows will be recruited by ARI and will hold a joint scientific affiliation with both ARI and CRG, becoming members of the scientific communities of both institutions. They will be primarily based in Andorra, contributing to the development of a new research node linked to the future CRG–ARI outstation in the Andorra Innovation District (CATSA), while maintaining strong scientific interaction with CRG laboratories and infrastructures in Barcelona.

This first call aims to recruit two outstanding researchers who will lead the initial phase of this initiative. Beyond developing cutting-edge research programmes, Fellows will contribute to building an innovation-oriented ecosystem where omics technologies can generate new knowledge, startups, and collaborative projects with industry. The programme therefore strongly encourages research proposals with potential for technological development, societal impact and entrepreneurial pathways.

Applicants may come from a wide range of relevant disciplines including genomics, ecology, evolutionary biology, microbiology, bioinformatics, environmental science, biotechnology, computational biology, physics, mathematics or engineering.

The programme particularly welcomes proposals aligned with the following research directions:

• Mountain biodiversity genomics: understanding the genomic basis of adaptation of plants, animals and microorganisms to high-altitude environments.
• Environmental health and exposomics: studying the interaction between environmental factors, microbiomes and human health in mountain ecosystems.
• Bioprospecting and synthetic biology: discovery and engineering of molecules, enzymes and biological systems with applications in biotechnology, medicine or sustainable industry.
• Environmental monitoring and predictive modelling: development of AI-driven tools, genomic monitoring systems and predictive models to track ecosystem health and anticipate environmental change.

Fellows will be expected to develop innovative research programmes, collaborate with local and international partners, and contribute to building an internationally visible research environment.

Each Fellow will receive support to establish and develop their research programme, including access to personnel, infrastructures, technology platforms and collaborative networks at both ARI and CRG.

Collaborations with experimental or computational laboratories at CRG and with international partners are strongly encouraged.

Interested candidates are also encouraged to apply for "la Caixa" Foundation Junior Leader fellowships. 

Additional Responsibilities

In addition to conducting cutting-edge research, Fellows are expected to:

• Contribute to the development of the Institute of Mountain Genomics as an internationally visible research initiative.
• Participate in seminars, workshops and training activities of both institutions.
• Engage with interdisciplinary collaborations linking biodiversity science, environmental health and biotechnology innovation.
• Contribute to scientific training activities including summer schools, workshops and international conferences hosted in Andorra.

Languages

• You have excellent command of spoken and written English.

Technical skills & Experience

• You are innovative and have an original research record relevant to biodiversity genomics, environmental biology, computational biology, biotechnology or related fields.
• You demonstrate the ability to develop an independent research vision aligned with the scientific goals of the Institute of Mountain Genomics.

The Offer – Working Conditions

• Contract duration: 3 years with the possibility of a 2-year extension after evaluation.
• Estimated annual gross salary: Salary is commensurate with qualifications and consistent with our pay scales.
• Institutional affiliation: Fellows will be employed by ARI and jointly affiliated with CRG.
• Research environment: Fellows will conduct their research primarily in Andorra while benefiting from scientific integration with CRG in Barcelona.
• Target start date: Estimated starting date September 1, 2026.

We provide a highly stimulating environment with state-of-the-art infrastructures, and excellent professional 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.

ARI and CRG is committed to reconcile a work and family life of its employees and is 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 Monica Bettencourt-Dias.
2. A proposal of your research plan (max. 3-4 pages).
3. A complete CV including contact details.
4. Contact details of two referees.

Applications and informal enquiries should be addressed to Marta Bertran: mbertran@ari.ad and 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.
• Interviews: Preselected candidates will be interviewed in early June at the CRG by a selection panel, including representatives from ARI and CRG.
• Offer Letter: Once the successful candidate is identified by ARI, they will send a Job Offer, specifying the start day, salary, working conditions, among other important details.

Deadline: Please submit your application by May 14, 2026.