PhD student for the epigenetic face of cancer metabolism

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

You will pursue a PhD focused on cell-cycle regulation and the identification of aberrant cell-cycle trajectories. The project combines wet-lab and computational approaches to study how nuclear metabolism affects chromatin function and cell-cycle progression. You will design and carry out experiments, analyse imaging and sequencing-related data using tools such as ImageJ/Fiji, Cellpose, R and Python, and contribute to a collaborative, rigorous and inclusive research environment.

About the lab

We study nuclear metabolism and how its perturbation affects chromatin function, including cell-cycle progression.

We are a collaborative, proactive and science-driven team that also values a positive and enjoyable working environment. We support one another and are committed to maintaining an inclusive, respectful and welcoming laboratory atmosphere.

Whom would we like to hire?

You should have solid wet- and dry-lab skills, including experience with cell culture and related techniques such as viral infection and transfection. A good understanding of cell-cycle regulation and chromatin biology is required.

You should also be familiar with R and Python for data analysis and have experience with image-analysis tools such as ImageJ/Fiji and Cellpose.

Professional experience

Must Have

You have at least two years of wet-lab experience, mainly in cell culture

You have proven experience in bioinformatics

You have a good command of R and Python

You have experience with image-analysis tools such as ImageJ/Fiji and Cellpose

You are fluent in English

Desirable but not required/ Nice to have

You have experience performing Western blotting

You have experience with flow cytometry (FACS)

Education and training

You hold a bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology, or related fields and a master’s degree in within the European Higher Education System ( minimum 300ECTS) or equivalent by August 2026

Languages

You are proficient in English

Technical skills

You have advanced skills in Microsoft Office, Python, R, ImageJ/Fiji and Cellpose

Competences

Highly developed organizational skills

Ability to work as part of a team

The Offer – Working Conditions

Contract duration: 4 years

Estimated annual gross salary: Salary is commensurate with qualifications and consistent with our pay scales

Target start date: 1 of August 2026

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.