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 supported by a flexible and efficient administration and high-end 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 recognition highlights the Institute's commitment to developing an HR Strategy for Researchers, designed to align practices and procedures with the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers.
Please check out our Recruitment Policy: CRG Recruitment Policy
The Role We are seeking a Biocatalyst, Biochemist, or Protein Engineer to lead the experimental testing and optimization of enzymes generated by our AI models. The candidate will be responsible for high-throughput screening and directed evolution approaches to manage and evaluate thousands of enzymes efficiently. This role is vital to experimentally validate the predictions made by our AI models, and the feedback will be crucial to improve the models over time. The candidate will learn cutting-edge AI techniques and will focus on the engineering of biotechnologically relevant enzymes.
About the Lab The candidate will join an interdisciplinary research group at the forefront of AI-driven protein design and engineering. The team is highly collaborative, integrating computational scientists, experimental biologists, and biotechnologists to push the boundaries of synthetic biology and protein engineering.
Whom Would We Like to Hire? Professional Experience Must Have
3+ years of experience in protein engineering, specifically in the testing of enzyme variants.
Wide experience in the implementation and screening of enzyme activity assays.
Familiarity with directed evolution techniques and (ultra)-high throughput techniques.
Fluency in English and strong communication skills.
Desirable but Not Required / Nice to Have
Experience with robotic liquid-handling platforms for high-throughput workflows and automation.
Willingness to learn about machine learning methods for protein engineering and design.
Education and Training You hold or are about to defend a PhD in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, or a related field.
Languages You are proficient in English.
Technical Skills Advanced skills in protein engineering techniques, such as mutagenesis, cell-free systems, and/or (ultra-) high-throughput assays.
Ability to independently develop protocols to screen the activity, selectivity, and thermodynamics of enzyme variants.
Experience automating systems for handling and screening thousands of protein variants.
Competences A passion for working in a high-paced, AI-driven research environment and the willingness to adapt and implement cutting-edge technologies. Highly developed organizational skills to manage high-throughput experimental workflows and data, capable of working at agile paces. Strong problem-solving abilities with a proactive and innovative mindset. Effective communication skills.
The Offer – Working Conditions Contract duration: 3 years, with the possibility of extension to 5.
Estimated annual gross salary: Salary is commensurate with qualifications and consistent with our pay scales.
Target start date: January 2025 (but flexible).
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 We 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 work and family life for its employees, offering an extended vacation period and the possibility of flexible working hours.
Application Procedure All applications must include:
A motivation letter addressed to Dr. Noelia Ferruz.
A complete CV including contact details.
Contact details of two referees.
All applications must be submitted online on the CRG Career site: CRG Job Opportunities
Selection Process Pre-selection will be based on qualifications and expertise reflected in the candidates' CVs. It will be merit-based. Preselected candidates will be interviewed by the Hiring Manager and a selection panel if required. Once the successful candidate is identified, the People department will send a Job Offer, specifying the start date, salary, working conditions, and other important details.
Deadline: Please submit your application by December 15th, 2024.
Suggestions: The CRG believes in ongoing improvement and promotes a culture of feedback. We have a mechanism in place for candidates to provide suggestions or complaints concerning their experience in our recruitment processes. Your feedback matters to us in our aim at creating a positive candidate journey. You can help us improve by letting us know your suggestions through the following form: Feedback Form .
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