Postdoctoral Position for Evolutionary Neurobiologist at the EMBL/CRG Systems Biology Unit

Our laboratory, at the EMBL/CRG Systems Biology Unit in Barcelona, is looking for an excellent and highly motivated postdoc to study the functions and evolutionary impact of neural-specific alternative splicing in vertebrates.

The major goal of the project – funded by the European Research Council (ERC) – is to understand the in vivo functions and evolutionary impact of a program of neural-specific protein isoforms that are conserved across all vertebrates. These isoforms, sometimes diverging by only one or two aminoacids from the onneural isoforms due to microexons (see Cell 2014, 159:1511-23), are expected to be crucial for terminal neurogenesis and synaptic function, and unique to vertebrate species. The applicant will mainly use zebrafish as a model organism to investigate these questions. In addition to these, the candidate will be encouraged to develop his/her own scientific ideas.

The applicant is expected to be passionate about evolution, neuroscience and/or developmental biology.

Strong experience on zebrafish research, particularly on nervous system development and/or in vivo neuronal differentiation, is required. Previous experience with the CRISPR-Cas9 system, and interest on transcriptomic analyses are an advantage, but not necessary. The applicant should be able to work rigorously, independently and flexibly. The candidate will be responsible for his/her own project within the research group, including carrying out experiments, data analysis and interpretation. Fluency in English (spoken and written) is expected.

The position has a fully covered, competitive salary for up to five years, but the applicant will also be encouraged to apply for independent funding.

The Institute
The Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), is an international biomedical research institute of excellence, based in Barcelona, Spain, whose mission is to discover and advance knowledge for the benefit of society, public health and economic prosperity.

The breadth of topics, approaches and technologies at the CRG permits a broad range of fundamental issues in life sciences and biomedicine to be addressed. Research at the CRG falls into four main areas: gene regulation, stem cells and cancer; cell and developmental biology; bioinformatics and genomics; and systems biology.

With more than 350 scientists from 41 countries, the CRG excellence is based on an interdisciplinary, motivated and creative scientific team that is supported by high-end and innovative technologies.

The centre’s other main strategic goals are: to translate basic scientific findings into benefits for health and economic value for society; to provide advanced and excellent training to our scientists; and to communicate and establish a bilateral dialogue with society.

For further information: www.crg.eu

Requirements

Studies:

• PhD in Biology-related areas

Technical skills required:

• Experience on zebrafish research, particularly on nervous system development and/or in vivo neuronal differentiation.

Additional beneficial skills:

• Experience with CRISPR-Cas9 system.
• Interest and experience on transcriptomic analysis.

Languages:

• Fluent level of English

Soft skills:

• Passion for evolutionary biology.
• A highly motivated and organized candidate.
• Capable of working in group, and with a high degree of work autonomy.

The Offer

• Duration: 1 year renewable contract up to 5 years.
• Estimated annual gross salary: A competitive salary will be provided, which will be well matched relative to the cost of living in Barcelona, and adjusted according to experience.
• Starting date: as soon as possible from April 2015.

We offer work in a highly stimulating environment with state-of-the-art infrastructure, providing the successful applicant with unique opportunities to develop a strong technical portfolio.

Application Procedure
All applications must include:

1. A presentation letter addressed to Manuel Irimia
2. A full CV including contact details.
3. Two contacts for further references.

All applications must be addressed to Manuel Irimia and be submitted to the following email address: rrhh@crg.es. Please include as email subject the reference “Postdoc-NeuralAS”.

Deadline: Please submit your application by 13th February 2015

Centre de Regulació Genòmica (CRG)
Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona (Spain)

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