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' (https://www.crg.eu/en/content/careers/hr-excellence-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 ( https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/charter/european-charter) and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers (Charter and Code) ( https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/charter/code).
Please, check out our Recruitment Policy:
https://www.crg.eu/sites/default/files/crg/crg_recruitment_policy.pdf
The role
We are seeking 2 postdoctoral researchers to work with a team on the mechanism by which cells secrete the right amount and quality of bulky cargoes like collagens, mucins, and chylomicrons. Based on our data, we have suggested the involvement of transient tunnels that propel these bulk molecules from the endoplasmic reticulum lumen to the next compartment of the secretory pathway thus bypassing the use of a vesicular intermediate. TANGO1 and its binding partners mediate this event. A number of new genes potentially involved in this biochemical reaction have been identified. This role will require a mix of in vitro and in vivo analyses. Optogenetically controlled function of TANGO1 and inhibitors are being used to address the mechanism both in healthy and fibrotic tissues.
About the lab
The lab has a group dedicated to addressing the mechanism by which bulky cargoes are exported from metazoan cells (Raote and Malhotra. Ann. Rev. Biochem. 2021). Structural and functional analyses of the key components such as TANGO1, identified in our lab, are the focus of the studies. There are new gene products that likely function in the same pathway, but the mechanism of their action remains un addressed. We aim visualize and characterize the route taken by the bulky cargoes for their export from the ER. We are addressing the issue of how good collagens are selected while the misfolded collagens and mucins are degraded, and work is in progress to express the entire collagen production and secretion system in yeast. By addressing these issues, we ultimately aim to understand how cells control the secretion of these molecules in the right quantity and of the right quality. This is essential for the organization of cells in a tissue and a means to address collagen and mucin hypersecretion linked human pathologies of tissue fibrosis.
Whom would we like to hire?
Professional experience
Must Have
Must have a comprehensive understanding and proven ability to modern approached of molecular cell biology, imaging, genetic manipulation
All approaches of modern cell biology that included genetic manipulation of respective genes in metazoans, super resolution microscopy, and publications to demonstrate expertise in the procedures mentioned.
You are fluent in English: in written and spoken.
Desirable but not required/ Nice to have
You have expertise in imaging
· You have expertise in protein purification
· You have experience and/or interest in working with animal models
· You have experience with advanced bioinformatic tools (e.g. Python/R, omics data analysis)
Education and training
A PhD or no more than one year of postdoc from a reputable university with clear demonstration of expertise in the form of published paper(s) in reputable journals.
Languages
Excellent scientific communication skills (demonstrated abilities in manuscript and grant writing, conference presentations, etc.)
Technical skills
Modern approaches in molecular cell biology and superresolution microscopy
Competences
The ability to organize and think original ideas in science.
Highly developed organizational skills
The Offer – Working Conditions
Contract duration: 2 years with possibility of extension up to 5 years in total.
Estimated annual gross salary: Salary is commensurate with qualifications and consistent with our pay scales.
Target start date: October/November 2023.
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.
Application Procedure
All applications must include:
A motivation letter addressed to Dr Vivek Malhotra
A complete CV including contact details.
Contact details of two referees.
All applications must be addressed to Dr. Vivek Malhotra and be submitted online on the CRG Career site - http://www.crg.eu/en/content/careers/job-opportunities
Selection Process
Pre-selection: The pre-selection process will be based on qualifications and expertise reflected on 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 Human Resources department will send a Job Offer, specifying the start day, salary, working conditions, among other important details.
Deadline: Please submit your application by 29 February 2024
Suggestions: The CRG believes in ongoing improvement and promotes a culture of feedback. This is one of the reasons we have in place, at your disposal as a candidate, a mechanism to gather your suggestions/complaints concerning your candidate experience in our recruitment processes. Your feedback really matters to us in our aim at creating a positive candidate journey. You can make a difference and help us improve by letting us know your suggestions through the following form. https://recruitment.crg.eu/webforms/recruitment-contact-form-suggestionscomplaints