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
We are looking for an enthusiastic and highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher with background in Cell and Molecular Biology and experience in cancer research to join the Vernos group.
We recently identified an enzyme that specifically modifies the spindle microtubules to ensure chromosome segregation fidelity. This enzyme is systematically downregulated in human cancer suggesting a mechanism that cancer cells exploit to promote aneuploidy and chromosome instability, two hallmarks of particularly aggressive tumours.
The successful candidate will work on a valorisation project for the development of novel anti-tumoral drugs. He/she will perform screening assays aimed at identifying compounds against this enzyme and characterize their activity against tumour initiation and development using a variety of approaches in cell lines and animal models.
About the lab
Research in the Vernos lab is directed at understanding the role of the microtubule (MT) network in cell organization and function. More specifically we want to understand the mechanism underlying spindle assembly and how its dynamics is regulated to ensure chromosome segregation fidelity. This process is at the core of faithful chromosome segregation and the proliferation of healthy cells as failures of chromosome segregation can generate aneuploidies, a major cause of miscarriages and birth defects in humans as well as a common hallmark of particularly aggressive tumours.
Using a variety of experimental approaches in cells, Xenopus egg extracts and in vitro we have identified and characterized the role of a number of microtubule dependent motors as well as novel pathways that drive MT nucleation and organization in dividing cells.
Our recent work aiming at understanding the role of a post-translational modification of the microtubules during mitosis revealed a novel mechanism that may play a relevant role in cancer, opening also new possibilities for therapeutic intervention.
Whom would we like to hire?
Professional experience
Must Have
- You have at least two years of experience in the field of cell division
- You have proven experience in molecular biology and biochemistry
Desirable but not required/ Nice to have
- Experience in managing a valorisation project
- Interest in technology transfer
- Basic skills in bioinformatics
Education and training
- You hold a Phd in molecular and cell biology
Languages
- You are proficient in English and Spanish
Technical skills
- Basic molecular biology techniques
- Tissue culture cell handling
- Silencing of genes through si RNA or sh RNA transfection methods
- Optimisation of complex protocols
Competences
- Excellent communication and writing skills
- Ability to work both in a team and independently
- Highly developed organizational skills
- Strong drive and commitment to produce high quality experimental data
- Creative mind to design experiments and explore data from unexplored angles
The Offer – Working Conditions
- Contract duration: Technical and scientific activities contract (estimated 1 year)
- Estimated annual gross salary: Salary is commensurate with qualifications and consistent with our pay scales.
- Target start date: January 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.