CNAG – The Institute

The Centro Nacional de Análisis Genómico (CNAG) is one of the largest Genome Sequencing Centers in Europe.

The CNAG Consortium aims to carry out large-scale projects in DNA/RNA analysis for the improvement of quality of life in collaboration with the Spanish, European and International Research Community. CNAG researchers participate in major International Genome Initiatives such as the Human Cell Atlas (HCA), the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC), the International Human Epigenome Consortium (IHEC), the International Rare Diseases Research Consortium (IRDiRC), the European Reference Genome Atlas (ERGA) and the European Infrastructure for life-science information (ELIXIR), as well as in several EU-funded projects.

CNAG occupies approximately 1,400 square meters of laboratory and office space and operates 4 Illumina instruments (3 NovaSeq6000 and 1 MiSeq) and 2 large Oxford Nanopore Technologies sequencers (1 PromethION 24 and 1 GridION Mk1) that produce more than 7 Tbases of sequencing data per day. The sequencing operation is supported by an extensive informatics infrastructure: 15 petabyte of data storage, 10.000 computing cores and an internal 56 Gb/s network. The operation is certified ISO 9001 and accredited ISO 17025 and serves to deliver standardized, high-quality data for research and clinics. CNAG has highly developed single-cell operation equipped with a 10x Chromium X, 10x Chromium Connect, MissionBio Tapestri for individual cell analyses and for tissue analysis a Nanostring CosMx, 10x Xenium/Visium and BGI Stereo-seq.

The CNAG has more than 100 professionals, structured in different units such Bioinformatics, Sequencing, Single-cell, Research and Corporate Management.

The Role

The candidate will be integrated in the Single Cell Genomics Team, a highly collaborative, international work environment with well-experienced colleagues in single-cell and spatial data production and analysis. She/he will be involved in the development, implementation and execution of single-cell and spatial sequencing applications. The candidate will be responsible for coordinating large-scale single-cell and spatial project production, including sample biobanking, data generation and documentation. She/he will also be involved in collaborative efforts with our research and clinical partners and diverse production efforts of healthy and diseased human/mouse tissues. The position will involve the collaboration in the experimental and analytical part of several consortia funded by international and national agencies (e.g. ERC, H2020, Horizon Europe, Chan-Zuckerberg Initiative). Specific projects aim to understand the composition of healthy organs and tissues (Human Cell Atlas) and the molecular/cellular basis of immuno-therapy action by applying multi-omics single-cell and spatial characterization of healthy and tumor/tissue microenvironment cells. The latter are obtained from clinical trials of immuno-therapy or advanced mouse model systems.

The Single Cell Genomics Team at the CNAG-CRG is dedicated to advance genome research of single cells. The mission of the group is the implementation of the latest single-cell and spatial sequencing technologies and their application in research and translational contexts. We successfully established protocols to quantify gene expression and open chromatin of hundred-thousands of isolated single cells (10x Chromium X, 10x Chromium Connect, MissioBio Tapetri, etc) or in tissues (Nanostring CosMx, 10X Xenium/Visium, BGI Stereo-seq). Our international team joins computational, technical and biological knowledge in order to promote creative thinking while establishing best practices in single-cell and spatial research. The group combines collaborative research, development activities and follows research lines on the generation of human cell atlases and immuno-oncology.

We are looking for a highly motivated and creative thinking individual who is interested in working in an environment where the technical sophistication of single-cell and spatial technologies meets innovative approaches for interpreting data and generating new knowledge. We require the ability for working in a multi-disciplinary context on collaborative projects. We encourage application from senior career stages and prioritize applications from under-represented minority groups.

Whom would we like to hire?

• Master in cell biology, molecular biology or biotechnology.
• More than 5 year of work experience.
• Experience in single-cell or spatial genomics techniques.
• Knowledge in NGS- or imaging-based genomics.
• Practice in training and supervision of researchers and technical staff.
• Experience in planning and coordination of projects.
• Good problem-solving skills, time management and strategic thinking.
• Strong commitment to high-quality work and sound administrative abilities.

Specific tasks:

• Technical guidance of experimental designs for research and clinical projects.
• Technology scouting, development and implementation.
• Process optimization for production processes.
• Project execution from sample processing to sequencing to analysis.
• Overseeing large-scale data generation efforts.
• Coordination of collaborative projects.

 
The Offer

• Contract duration: initially 3 years
• Estimated annual gross salary: Salary is commensurate with qualifications and consistent with our pay scales.
• Target start date: 01/03/2024

We provide a highly stimulating environment with state-of-the-art infrastructures, and unique professional career development opportunities.

We offer and promote a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applicants regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, race, religion or sexual orientation.

We are committed to reconcile a work and family life for our employees and are offering the opportunity to benefit from annual leave and flexible working hours.

Application Procedure

All applications must include:

• A complete CV including contact details.
• Contact details of two referees.

All applications must be addressed to Dr. Holger Heyn – holger.heyn@cnag.eu / mireya.fernandez@cnag.eu

Deadline: Please submit your application by 31/01/2024

Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview at CNAG on 12/02/2024

Please, see all of our job opportunities in the Career site of CNAG website: https://www.cnag.eu/jobs