Research Trainee in Evolutionary Chromatin Biology
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).
The role
We are looking to hire a pre-doctoral student, those finishing or have finished their master's studies and are eventually interested in pursuing a PhD, to explore the evolution of eukaryotic chromatin states and components. We are looking for enthusiastic candidates broadly interested in evolutionary biology, gene regulation and/or chromatin biology, and with a background in genetics, functional genomics and/or computational biology.
Chromatin modifications are conserved across eukaryotes, but their combinatorial function across genomes are dependent on a diverse crosstalk among chromatin readers and writers. A successful candidate will initially work closely with a postdoc in the lab to identify and characterize chromatin proteins using either phylogenetic, proteomic, genomic, or biochemical methods, depending on the candidate’s strengths. As a PhD student, further investigations with orthogonal methods are expected. This work is an extension of recent work on eukaryotic chromatin evolution in the lab (Grau-Bove et al. 2022, Navarrete, Montgomery et al. 2025).
References
Navarrete, C., Montgomery, S. A., Mendieta, J., Lara-Astiaso, D. & Sebe-Pedros, A. Diversity and evolution of chromatin regulatory states across eukaryotes. bioRxiv 2025.03.17.643675 at https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.03.17.643675 (2025).
Grau-Bové, X. et al. A phylogenetic and proteomic reconstruction of eukaryotic chromatin evolution. Nature Ecology & Evolution 6, 1007–1023 (2022).
About the lab
The Sebé-Pedrós lab studies the evolution of cell type programs and genome regulation, combining single-cell genomics, chromatin profiling, and comparative genomics methods in a phylogenetically diverse array of eukaryotes. For more details about the lab, visit the lab website: https://www.sebepedroslab.org/
Whom would we like to hire?
Professional experience
Must Have
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Experience in molecular biology (protein/DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, Western blot, etc.)
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Basic experience in bioinformatics (UNIX environments, R/Python, etc.)
Desirable but not required/ Nice to have
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Experience in chromatin biology (ChIP-seq, ATAC, etc.)
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Experience in molecular phylogenetics and comparative genomics
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Experience in proteomics.
Education and training
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A master's degree in Biology/Biochemistry (or related disciplines)
Languages
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English fluency
Competencies
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Enthusiasm and motivation for science
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Dedication, and rigor in scientific pursuits
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Capacity to work as part of a highly integrated team
The Offer – Working Conditions
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Contract duration: 6 months (with possible extension and continuation into a PhD).
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Estimated annual gross salary: Salary is commensurate with qualifications and consistent with our pay scales
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Target start date: October 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 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:
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A motivation letter addressed to Dr Arnau Sebe-Pedros and Dr. Sean Montgomery.
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A complete CV including contact details.
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Contact details of two referees.
All applications must be addressed to Dr. Arnau Sebe-Pedros and be submitted online through the "Apply" button below.
Selection Process
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Pre-selection: The pre-selection process will be based on qualifications and expertise reflected on the candidates CVS. It will be merit-based.
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Interview: Preselected candidates will be interviewed by the Hiring Manager of the position and a selection panel if required.
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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 September 10th, 2025.
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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. |
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