Job description:
CRAG is an independent research institution engaged in leading-edge basic and applied plant and farm animal sciences. CRAG is established as a Consortium of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA), Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), and University of Barcelona (UB). The Center is located at the UAB Campus, and currently hosts 200 members from across the world.

Research Programs at CRAG make extensive use of metabolic technologies, with a particular focus on the integration of metabolomics into plant experimental model systems, crops, and farm animals.

CRAG is inviting applications for an Established Researcher (R3) position funded under the ESTAB 2024 programme (Modalitat C) of AGAUR.

The position is conceived as a scientific leadership role in metabolomics, with responsibility for the development, strategic orientation and scientific consolidation of the Metabolomics Platform as a core research infrastructure of the Centre. The successful candidate will provide high‑level scientific leadership, contributing decisively to the integration of metabolomics into CRAG’s competitive research programmes and to the advancement of analytical strategies in plant and agricultural genomics.

ROLE:
The Metabolomics Platform Scientific Lead is responsible for the scientific, strategic, technical, and operational leadership of CRAG’s Metabolomics Platform as a key research infrastructure.

The role combines advanced metabolomics expertise with scientific leadership, resource governance and institutional coordination, ensuring that the platform contributes to frontier research, methodological innovation and the long‑term scientific strategy of the Centre.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Provide scientific leadership and define the strategic direction of the Metabolomics Platform, ensuring excellence, innovation and alignment with CRAG’s research priorities.

Lead the development and implementation of advanced metabolomics methodologies, contributing to the design of cutting‑edge analytical strategies and protocols with transversal impact across research projects.

Oversee the scientific use and evolution of metabolomics technologies, including HPLC, UPLC and GC‑MS platforms, ensuring methodological robustness and continuous technological advancement.

Coordinate and prioritize platform activities and research demands, ensuring efficient workflows, optimal use of resources and high‑quality scientific output.

Act as a scientific reference and advisor for CRAG research groups in metabolomics‑related experimental design, data generation and interpretation.

Contribute to institutional planning and decision‑making, including participation in technical and scientific interactions with external partners, industry and public institutions.

Hold responsibility for monitoring the scientific and financial performance of the platform, contributing to service planning, budgeting and the preparation of scientific and technical reports for institutional follow‑up.

REQUIREMENTS:
PhD in Biology, Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biotechnology, or related fields, closely related European research framework R3.

Strong scientific background in metabolomics and analytical chemistry, with demonstrated expertise in HPLC/UPLC and GC‑MS approaches.

Proven experience in advanced research environments, research infrastructures or platforms, with demonstrated capacity for scientific leadership and autonomous decision‑making.

Experience contributing to the definition of analytical strategies, methodological innovation and transversal scientific impact.

Ability to interact effectively with multidisciplinary research teams and external scientific or technological partners.

SKILLS:
Strong leadership, organizational, and decision‑making skills, with the ability to operate with a high degree of autonomy.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with demonstrated capacity to act as an institutional interface.

Ability to manage complex workflows and competing priorities in a service‑oriented environment.

Fluent English and Spanish (written and spoken).

Catalan is an asset.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Contract under ESTAB 2024 – Modalitat C (R3), with the possibility of continuity subject to funding and institutional framework.

Working day: Full 37.5 hours/week.

Remuneration: depending on the experience and qualifications provided and framed within the salary structure of CRAG.

Planned date of incorporation: immediately.

Facilities for balanced work and personal life through teleworking and flexible working hours, 22 days of holidays, 9 free days of personal matters; intensive working hours on summer and Fridays.

Good environment and good place to work.

Centre placed in UAB Campus


SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS

Please submit all the application through jobs@cragenomica.es

CRAG is committed to the principles of the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers of the European Commission. All candidates will be considered qualified for the job without restrictions of gender, race, nationality, or disability.

CRAG is committed to the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers. CRAG signed the Declaration of Commitment to the Charter & Code in 2012. On the 29th of March of 2015, CRAG received the 'HR Excellence in Research' award from the European Commission. This recognition, related to the European "HR Strategy for Researchers", provides a common framework to establish a comprehensive and coherent HR strategy for the near- and longer-term future adopting international best practices and high-quality standards. The award reflects CRAG's commitment to continuously improve its Human Resource policies in line with the European Charter & Code, and to provide a stimulating and favorable work environment.

Interested candidates must submit the following documents:

- Presentation letter describing past and current positions, motivation and salary expectations.

- Full CV.

- At least two references with contact details.