Postdoc Position in the ‘Cell and Tissue Dynamics’ Group

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 

Cellular plasticity is a hallmark of metastasis and cancer aggressiveness. It involves morphodynamic cell changes and cell state transitions that act as drivers of cancer cell proliferation, dissemination and metastatic colonialization in different tissues and organs. The physical tissue environment is emerging as an important regulator of cell plasticity relevant to stem cell and cancer biology. We are offering a position in a European Project (PLAST_CELL) that aims to establish a novel quantitative standard to assess cell plasticity and to investigate molecular and biophysical mechanisms of plasticity in cancer stem cells. 

The position is expected to be filled by a PhD-level candidate with previous experience in quantitative cell biology, bioengineering and cancer/stem cell biology. The candidate will promote the development of a new in vitro platforms for the quantitative imaging-based analysis of cellular morphodynamics and cell states. The candidate will work with 2D and 3D in vitro culture assays, quantitative fluorescence microscopy, biophysical methods and state-of-the-art molecular biology techniques.

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with an excellent track record who is enthusiastic to engage in a cross-disciplinary research program and work in a collaborative environment. 

About the lab

The Ruprecht lab combines methods from physics and biology to study fundamental mechanisms that control cell and tissue morphodynamics in development and disease. The group employs quantitative methods including advanced fluorescence microscopy, mechanobiology, synthetic biology and state-of-the-art cell and molecular biology techniques, Studies are performed both with animal model systems and bottom-up in vitro approaches to identify key mechanisms controlling mechano-chemical cell signalling, cell-cell interactions and multi-cellular selforganisation that establish the functional architecture of an organism. The research group is part of the Quantitative Cell Biology Program and Systems and Synthetic Biology Program at CRG.

Whom would we like to hire? 

Professional experience

Must Have

• You have experience in the fields of cancer/stem cell biology
• You have expertise in the study of cellular morphodynamics and mechanobiology
• You have worked with in vitro cell culture methods
• You have experience in fluorescence microscopy and quantitative biology methods

Desirable but not required/ Nice to have

• You have experience in bioengineering and microfabrication and worked with 2D/3D cell and tissue culture methods
• You have experience with data processing and image analysis

Education and training

• You have a PhD degree in bioengineering, biochemistry, cell biology or a similar field

Languages

• You are fluent in English

Competences 

• You are an independent thinker and creative problem-solver
• You are highly organized and responsible in your work tasks
• You have very good writing and communication skills
• You enjoy working in a team and an interdisciplinary research environment

The Offer – Working Conditions

• Contract duration: A minimum duration of 3 years with the option of extension
• Estimated annual gross salary: Salary is commensurate with qualifications and consistent with our pay scales
• Target start date: End of March 2023

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 Verena Ruprecht.
2. A complete CV including contact details.
3. Contact details of two referees.

All applications must be addressed to Dr. Verena Ruprecht and be submitted 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: Please submit your application by March 31st, 2023

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.

Funded by the European Union with project number PLAST_CELL_101046620

Attachment crg_job_advert_05-2021_eic_postdoc_candidate.pdf