About Crag

CRAG is an independent research institution engaged in leading-edge basic and applied plant and farm animal sciences. CRAG is established as a Consortium of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA), Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), and University of Barcelona (UB). The Center is located at the UAB Campus, and currently hosts 200 members from across the world.

Research Programs at CRAG (from basic science to applied research using plant experimental model systems, crops and farm animals) make extensive use of genomic technologies and large sets of genetic and genomic data (https://www.cragenomica.es/sites/default/files/2022-07/crag-summary-2020-2021_0.pdf).

Responsibilities

The Center for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG) is looking for a PhD Student to be part of the group Rosaceae genetics and genomics.

“This contract forms part of the grant PID2025-175078NB-I00, funded by MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and by the ESF+”

The work will bepart of a research project aiming at characterizing the role of transposable elements in the evolution and function of heterochromatin in plants using Physcomitrium as a model system. In particular the work will include, bioinformatics analysis of long-read sequences, including assembly and deducing methylation patterns, structural variant analysis among others, as well as molecular biology analyses such as Hi-C and ChIP-Seq analyses.

Requirements

Educational requirements:

MS in Biology, Biochemistry or similar, and Master in Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology or similar.

Skills

• Strong knowledge on plant genomes and bioinformatics analyses using long-read sequences.
• Previous knowledge on transposable elements and experience on Physcomitrium culture and handling.
• Advanced level of English.
• Proactive and continuous improvement-oriented mindset.
• Ability to work within a technical team.
  
  

Working Conditions

Contract Duration: 1 year

Hours/week: full time

Submitting Applications

Please submit all applications through CRAG mail: [email protected]

CRAG is committed to the principles of the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers of the European Commission. All candidates will be considered qualified for the job without restrictions of gender, race, nationality or disability.

Integration policy: reserve the place in a first turn for disabled staff.

Deadline: 13/10/2026

Start date: 20/10/2026