PhD student – Genome-scale Mutagenesis

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 theCode of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers (Charter and Code). 

Please, check out our Recruitment Policy

About the role

We are looking to hire a PhD student to join our team working on scaling deep mutational scanning to understand, predict and engineer sequence-activity genome-wide.  The project will focus on using model systems and aim to produce complete maps of how mutations affect fitness and how these mutations interact within and between genes. Techniques used will include the construction and validation of large DNA variant libraries, high-throughput pooled selection experiments, bioinformatics and machine learning 

About the lab 

The focus of Lehner lab is using massively parallel selection experiments to tackle the fundamental encoding problems of molecular biology. Towards this goal we have developed, benchmarked, and applied at scale experimental methods that use DNA synthesis-selection-sequencing to perform biophysical measurements including quantifying how changes in sequence alter protein stability, binding affinity, aggregation, allostery and expression.   We have used these methods to produce the first comprehensive maps of long-range allsoteric communication in proteins, to quantify the effects of >500,000 variants in >500 human proteins, and to probe the genetic architecture of proteins, protein interactions, and RNAs.  A key component of this work has been the development of computational methods for analyzing deep mutational scanning data and for fast and flexible fitting of mechanistic and statistical models to the data.  Our current focus is on generating datasets of sufficient size and diversity to train machine learning models to accurately predict how changes in sequence alter molecular biology. 

Whom would we like to hire?  

Professional experience  

Must Have

• You have extensive experience with genomics and molecular biology / biochemistry 

• Experience in statistical data analysis and bioinformatics

Desirable but not required/ Nice to have

• Experience in deep mutational scanning or related approaches 

• Experience in high-throughput genomics

• Experience with machine learning

Education and training

• The candidate must hold (by the start date) a Master's degree (300 ECTS credits) in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, bioinformatics or a related discipline 

Languages

• You are proficient in English 

Technical skills

• You have advanced molecular biology skills 

• You can analyse large sequence datasets and foundational training in statistics 

• You keep meticulous records 

Competences  

• You can work in an interdisciplinary team

• You can plan, optimise and execute complex protocols  

• You can work independently and have experience of project management

• You have very good organizational skills 

• You have good presentation skills

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: June 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 environmentand 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:

All applications must be addressed to Dr. Ben Lehner and be submitted online through the "Apply" button below.

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 the CRG Graduate Committee. 

• Offer Letter: Once the successful candidate is identified the People department will send a Job Offer, specifying the start day, salary, working conditions, among other important details.  

Deadline: Please submit your application byFebruary 22nd, 2025. 

Ayuda CVE PREP2023-001380 financiada por MICIU/AEI /10.13039/501100011033 y por el FSE+