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  

We are looking for a research technician at the Cellular and Systems Neurobiology lab to work on the project titled “Molecular regulators of GABAergic systems that underlie comorbidities in Down syndrome” funded by the National Institute Of Neurological Disorders And Stroke of the National Institutes of Health (ref R01NS137222) and led by Dr Mara Dierssen. 

The position requires a candidate with previous experience in an area involving Neuroscience. High experience using histological techniques, mouse behaviour assessment and electrophysiology is necessary. In addition, skills in molecular biology and mice colony and chemical reagent management are necessary. Additional knowledge in stereotaxic injections will be valued. We are looking for highly motivated and organized candidates with good communication skills, capable of working in a group but also with a high degree of work autonomy.   

About the lab 

The Dierssen lab is centred on understanding cognition and behaviour and their perturbation in intellectual disability. We are an interdisciplinary team of physicists, bioinformaticians and experimental biologists, and we focus on data collection (behaviour, 3D imaging, genomic data) of many variables of the system (longitudinal behavioural analysis, population-based analysis in neuronal networks, gene expression patterns). We take advantage of computer modelling and bioinformatics analysis (gene networks, neuronal network modelling, etc.) to tackling classical unresolved questions in the field. 

Whom would we like to hire?  

Professional experience  

Must Have

You have at least 3 years of experience in an area involving Neuroscience

You have proven experience in mouse behavior, immunostaining and confocal imaging 

You have proven experience in in vitro electrophysiology

Desirable but not required/ Nice to have

Experience in electrophysiology with alive mice will be an added value.

Previous experience in neurodevelopmental research 

Experience in stereotaxic injections 

Education and training

You hold a PhD in Neuroscience, Molecular biology or related fields 

Compulsory to have Certificate of animal experimentation

Languages

Good spoken and written English 

Technical skills

You have advanced knowledge in statistics 

Behavioural studies using mice

In vitro electrophysiology

You have advanced MS Office skill 

Competences  

Highly developed organizational skills  

A highly motivated and organized candidate, capable of working in a group, and with a high degree of work autonomy

Good communication skills 

The Offer – Working Conditions 

Contract duration: Technical and scientific activities contract (estimated duration 1 year with the possibility of renewal) 

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

Target start date: March 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 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 Mara Dierssen 

A complete CV including contact details. 

Contact details of two referees.

All applications must be addressed to Dr. Mara Dierssen 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 a selection panel if required. 

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 by March 5, 2025.

The contract will be financed by the National Institute Of Neurological Disorders and Stroke of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number R01NS137222