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 Tapetri for individual cell analyses and for tissue analysis a Nanostring CosMx, 10x Visium and 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 successful candidate will lead a team dedicated to the generation of genomic spatial data and analysis. She/he will be responsible for the development, implementation and application of cutting-edge spatial sequencing and imaging technologies. Further responsibilities are the scouting of emerging methods related to key research areas of the team. She/he will coordinate large-scale spatial sequencing/imaging projects, including clinical trials. She/he is expected to support collaborative projects and work with partners involved in fundamental, applied and clinical research covering diverse areas of human health, disease and model organisms. She/he is expected to collaborate with the Single Cell Genomics Team and the Structural Genomics Group.

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 successful candidate is also expected to work on attracting external projects and looking for funding both collaborative and individually.

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?

- PhD in cell biology, molecular biology or biotechnology.

- Demonstrated research excellence through peer-reviewed publications.

- More than 10 year of work experience.

- Strong expertise in 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.

- Excellent communication and writing skills.

Specific tasks:

- Technical guidance of experimental designs for research and clinical projects.

- Technology scouting, development and implementation.

- Process optimization for spatial production processes.

- Project coordination from sample processing to sequencing to analysis.

- Overseeing large-scale data generation efforts.

- Coordination of collaborative projects.

- Lead and guidance of a laboratory and analysis team.

- Supervision of the technical laboratory staff.

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: as soon as possible



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 20/08/2023

Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview at CNAG on 1/09/2023

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