The Institute 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 adaptable and efficient administration and by high-end innovative technologies.

The role The Höpfler lab is looking for a postdoctoral researcher to lead a project in the field of RNA biology and gene regulation with a strong interest in driving development of sequencing methods to identify mRNA decay substrates and decipher degradation mechanisms.

The successful candidate will join the Dynamics of Protein Synthesis and RNA Decay Group. Their work will address an exciting question in gene regulation: how cells dynamically control the stability of messenger RNAs by selective degradation during protein synthesis by the ribosome. The lab studies this problem in the context of both fundamental molecular mechanisms and disease‑related regulation.

The position will be a chance to join a young, ambitious and curiosity‑driven lab at the CRG, one of Europe’s prime institutes for molecular life sciences, surrounded by the dynamic Barcelona research environment. The project is embedded in the ERC‑funded DECODE‑PMD project to better understand peptide‑mediated mRNA decay (PMD).

Key responsibilities include

Development of sequencing approaches to identify PMD substrates

Bioinformatic data analysis and visualization

Identification and mechanistic characterization of PMD candidate substrates

Presentation of data at international conferences and manuscript preparation

Leading and managing international collaborations





Active participation in lab meetings and contribution to a culture of technical excellence and scientific curiosity

Whom would we like to hire? We are particularly interested in candidates with a hybrid wet lab + bioinformatics background with a track record in RNA biology or gene regulation, but we will consider applications with related expertise. Experience with sequencing approaches to study RNA turnover or with massively parallel reporter assays (MPRAs) will be beneficial.

Must Have

Bioinformatics experience in the analysis of (RNA) sequencing data

Experience with common lab techniques in cell & molecular biology The candidate must hold a PhD degree, preferably in cell/molecular biology or bioinformatics, or related fields (or expect to finish the degree before starting)

A strong publication record commensurate with career stage

Ability to pursue research projects independently

Desirable but not required / Nice to have

Experience with massively parallel reporter assays of any kind

Experience with studying mRNA turnover on a transcriptome‑wide scale

Languages

Fluency in written and spoken English

Computer skills

Skilled with data analyses software (R/Python)

Experience with using high performance computing clusters

Advanced MS Office experience

Competences

Curiosity and critical thinking

Rigor, organization and autonomy

Strong analytical, interpersonal,



and communication skills The Offer – Working Conditions

Contract duration: Technical and scientific activities contract (estimated duration 2 years)

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

Target start date From October 2026 (flexible). We provide a highly stimulating environment with state‑of‑the‑art infrastructures, and unique professional career development opportunities.

EEO Statement We offer and promote a diverse and inclusive environment and welcome applicants regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity.

Work‑Life Balance 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. Markus Höpfler.

A complete CV including contact details and publications.

Contact details of two to three referees.

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 before 31/05/2025.

Contact Markus Höpfler – [email protected]

📌 Postdoc in the Dynamics of Protein Synthesis and RNA Decay Lab (Madrid)
🏢 Centre For Genomic Regulation
📍 Madrid