descripción del trabajo

Postdoctoral Scientist, Computational Epigenomics and Genetics

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 of an interdisciplinary, motivated, and creative scientific team which is supported both by a flexible and efficient administration and by high-end and innovative technologies.

We are seeking a motivated postdoctoral scientist to lead a project in one of these two areas:

• Analysis and discovery of rare noncoding mutations causing diabetes, using advanced statistical genetics, computational regulatory genomics, and analysis of whole genome sequences in unique patient cohorts.
• Using computational strategies to develop a high-resolution epigenomic technology with translational potential.

About the Lab

The Regulatory Genomics and Diabetes lab aims to uncover genetic mechanisms causing diabetes mellitus and to develop therapeutic avenues. The group is particularly interested in understanding how genomic information is used to direct cell-specific gene expression and to pinpoint gene regulatory defects underlying human disease.

The team brings together diverse expertise, ranging from work with mutant stem cell-derived beta cell organoids, engineered mouse models, single-cell epigenomics, large-scale genetic screens, statistical genetics, and the integration of genetic and regulatory data. This multidisciplinary approach gives us unique opportunities to engage in collaborative projects that combine experimental and computational methods. For a computational project, for example, this enables generating new datasets and experimental testing of in silico predictions. The group is funded by the European Research Council, the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, Generalitat de Catalunya, an AXA chair, European Foundation for the Study of Diabetes, the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions program, a CIBERDEM diabetes network, and a collaborative project with biotech. The lab forms part of international consortia focused on advancing research in regulatory genomics, single-cell genomics, and human genetics.

Recent studies from the lab include:

• A lineage-specific gene transcription and splicing hierarchy that is disrupted in type 2 diabetes. (In review).
• Large-scale discovery of molecular targets for precision treatment of HNF1A-deficient diabetes. (In review).
• Transcription regulation by long non-coding RNAs and its disease relevance (Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol, 2024).
• HASTER lncRNA promoter is a cis-acting transcriptional stabilizer of HNF1A (Nat Cell Biol 2022).
• Pancreas agenesis mutations disrupt a lead enhancer controlling a developmental enhancer cluster. (Dev Cell, 2022).
• Human pancreatic islet 3D chromatin architecture provides insights into the genetics of type 2 diabetes (Nat Genet 2019).

Whom would we like to hire?

Professional Experience

Must Have

• You hold a PhD (or equivalent experience) in statistical genetics, genome or epigenome data analysis, or related fields.
• You have proven programming competence in Python, R, or C++, or related languages, and expertise in Linux and high-performance computing environments.
• You have proven experience in applying statistical methods to large datasets. Familiarity with methods in machine learning and/or statistical inference is desirable but not essential.
• Experience in genome sequence variant data and/or statistical genetics is highly advantageous to engage in a human variant analysis project. Experience in NGS data analysis is necessary to engage in an epigenomics technology project.

Desirable but not required / Nice to have

• A first-author publication track record is highly advantageous.
• A proven research track record in any other area of genome or epigenome data analysis is highly advantageous.

Education and Training

You hold a PhD (or equivalent experience) in statistical genetics, genome or epigenome data analysis, or related fields.

Languages

You are fluent in English.

Competences

You desire and have the ability to work both collaboratively and independently within a multidisciplinary environment.

The Offer – Working Conditions

Contract Duration: Contract for Technical and Scientific Activities – estimated duration of 2 years, with the possibility of renewal.

Estimated Annual Gross Salary: Salary is commensurate with qualifications and consistent with our pay scales.

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 reconciling a work and family life of its employees and is offering an extended vacation period and the possibility to benefit from flexible working hours.

Application Procedure

All applications must include:

• A motivation letter addressed to Dr. Jorge Ferrer.
• Contact details of two referees.

All applications must be addressed to Dr. Jorge Ferrer 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 in 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: The position will remain open until it is covered.