Research trainee in Mitochondrial Biology

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 versátil and efficient administration and by high‑end and innovative technologies.

The successful candidate will join the Mitochondrial Dynamics Group. They will gain research experience by investigating fundamental aspects of mitochondrial biology, with particular emphasis on the regulation of mitochondrial DNA and its integration with cellular physiology. This research is crucial not only for advancing our basic understanding of the molecular mechanisms of life but also for developing new treatments for mitochondrial diseases, which affect approximately 1 in 5,000 births and currently have no effective therapies. This position is ideal for candidates who have just finished their master’s degree, want to gain laboratory experience while working on groundbreaking projects, and learn cutting‑edge techniques that will be valuable for future applications both inside and outside academia.

About the lab

Mitochondria, as the primary providers of cellular energy through oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), are essential for metabolism and sustaining life. Throughout evolution, most genes from the ancestral mitochondrial genome have either been lost or relocated to the nuclear genome. As a result, only a compact mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) molecule remains. In mammals, mtDNA is a circular, double‑stranded molecule of 16.6 kb. This genome is inherited exclusively from the mother because paternal mtDNA is degraded and not transmitted to offspring. Despite its small size, mtDNA encodes 37 genes: 13 essential subunits of the OXPHOS system, 2 ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs), and 22 transfer RNAs (tRNAs) required for mitochondrial protein synthesis.



While these mtDNA‑encoded proteins represent only a fraction of the more than 90 proteins that make up the OXPHOS machinery, they are indispensable and mitochondrial energy production collapses in their absence.

Unlike diploid nuclear DNA, mtDNA exists as a multicopy genome. mtDNA replicates independently of the cell cycle, a process known as “relaxed replication,” resulting in a high mtDNA copy number (CN) ranging from hundreds to thousands of molecules. Factors such as ATP demand and nucleotide availability are proposed to influence mtDNA content. However, the mechanisms by which cells sense and regulate mtDNA levels remain poorly understood. Understanding this process is crucial as altered mtDNA levels are associated with various human diseases, including rare inherited primary mitochondrial disorders and common age‑related diseases such as neurodegeneration and cancer. Additionally, because mtDNA is continuously replicated, it is particularly prone to mutations. This results in heteroplasmy, a condition where both wild‑type and mutant mtDNA coexist within the same cell. Some mutations are pathogenic and can disrupt mitochondrial function, causing mitochondrial diseases. However, how cells detect the presence of mutant mtDNA and prevent its accumulation and detrimental effects remains largely unknown.

Based on this, our laboratory aims to address three fundamental questions in the coming years: (1) What mechanisms dictate the mtDNA CN of each individual cell? (2)



How do cells detect the presence of damaged or mutant mtDNA molecules? and (3) What cellular adaptations result from altered mtDNA homeostasis, and how do maladaptations contribute to disease pathophysiology?

To tackle these questions, we employ a multidisciplinary approach combining high‑resolution microscopy, genomics, and high‑throughput screening coupled with a wide range of biochemical techniques to measure mitochondrial function. We use both cellular and novel pre‑clinical models of mitochondrial diseases, with the ultimate goal of identifying new therapeutic strategies for patients suffering from mitochondrial dysfunction.

Professional experience

- Experience in any aspect of molecular or cellular biology
- Enthusiastic about science and discovery, with a keen willingness to learn

Desirable but not required

- Previous experience with microscopy or other cell‑biology techniques (tissue culture, qPCR, immunoblot, etc.)
- Experience in some aspect of mitochondrial research

Education and training

- Master’s degree in biological sciences or a related field

Languages

- Fluency in English

Technical skills

- Familiarity with cell and molecular biology techniques
- Advanced MS Office skills, R or GraphPad

Competences

- Strong analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills
- Curiosity, initiative and critical thinking

The Offer – Working Conditions

- Contract duration: 6 months (extendable for another 6 months)
- Estimated annual gross salary: Salary is commensurate with qualifications and consistent with our pay scales

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.

CRG is committed to reconciling work and family life for its employees, offering extended vacation periods and the possibility to benefit from flexible working hours.

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📌 Research trainee in Mitochondrial Biology (Barcelona)
🏢 Centre For Genomic Regulation
📍 Barcelona