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 flexible and efficient administration and by high-end and innovative technologies.In April 2021, the Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG) received the renewal of the 'HR Excellence in Research' ( Award from the European Commission. This is a recognition of the Institute's commitment to developing an HR Strategy for Researchers, designed to bring the practices and procedures in line with the principles of the European Charter for Researchers ( and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers (Charter and Code) ( check out our Recruitment Policy :
RoleWe are seeking a postdoctoral scientist deeply interested in dissecting the interplay between gut microbiome and host genetics, taking into account that socially interacting hosts can exchange gut microbes (horizontal transmission), and evaluating the effect of these factors on emergent phenotypes (gut metabolome and host behaviour, in particular). Our lab is generating large-scale, state-of-the-art gut metagenomics data for thousands of genetically heterogeneous laboratory rats whose gut metabolome and behaviour have previously been characterised by collaborators. We are looking for a postdoctoral scientist to exploit these data in creative and rigorous ways.The ideal candidate will have solid experience analysing microbiome deep shotgun sequencing data to profile the microbiome at the taxonomic and functional levels and applying statistical analyses to large datasets to identify (ideally, genetic) factors affecting the composition and function of the microbiome and how the microbiome affects the host. They will be keen to interact with other team members, including PhD students and bioinformaticians, to interchange expertise.About the teamThe Social and Host-Microbiome Systems lab aims to expand our understanding of the genetic basis of complex traits to encompass genes found in the environment :
genes of social partners and genes of the gut microbiota.Foundational studies for the lab include :
Novel insights into the genetic architecture and mechanisms of host / microbiome interactions from a multi-cohort analysis of outbred laboratory rats. Tonnele, Chen et al. bioRxiv (2025) (In Review). This study was based on 16S data but we now use only deep shotgun sequencing data to profile the microbiome.Dissecting indirect genetic effects from peers in laboratory mice. Baud et al.Genome Biol(2021)Our team is multidisciplinary, with expertise in quantitative / statistical (host) genetics (e.G. heritability, GWAS), with a particular focus on “indirect genetic effects” between socially interacting individuals (i.E. when the phenotype of one individual is affected by heritable traits of social partners), and metagenomics (creating and analysing deep shotgun metagenomic data in large cohorts, detecting horizontal transmission). We are mostly computational, but have a small lab component and work in close collaboration with the CRG core units for metagenome sequencing. We have a long-standing collaboration with the NIDA Center of Excellence for Genetics, Genomics, and Epigenetics of Substance Use Disorders in Outbred Rats ( would we like to hire?Professional experienceMust HaveYou have proven experience processing and analysing shotgun metagenomic dataYou have proven experience applying statistical methods to large datasetsYou have proven programming competence in Python and / or R, and expertise in Linux and high-performance computing environmentsYou have a genuine interest in, and prior exposure (through lab colleagues, seminars…) to, host quantitative / statistical genetics (heritability, GWAS…)You have first-hand experience writing paper(s)Desirable but not required / Nice to haveKnowledge on host / gut microbiome ecosystemsExperience with NextflowExperience with host quantitative / statistical genetics (heritability, GWAS…)Education and trainingYou hold a PhD in metagenomicsLanguagesYou are fluent in EnglishCompetencesStructured reasoning skills and attention to details, allowing you to carry out rigorous scienceAbility to progressively develop a strategy to extract novelty from the data and your resultsOrganizational skills to manage multitasking (reading the literature, analysing data, preparing meetings, meeting deadlines…)Ability to communicate effectively in meetingsDesire and ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary teamThe Offer – Working ConditionsContract duration :
3 yearsEstimated annual gross salary :
Salary is commensurate with qualifications and consistent with our pay scalesTarget start date :
Septembre 2025 (but it could be earlier or later);
applications will be reviewed and processed on a rolling basis.We provide a highly stimulating environment with state-of-the-art infrastructures, and unique professional career development opportunities. To check out our training and development portfolio, please visit our website in the training section.( offer and promote a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applicants regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity.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 ProcedureAll applications must include :
A motivation letter addressed to Dr Amelie Baud.Contact details of two referees.All applications must be addressed to Dr. Amelie Baud and be submitted online on the CRG Career site - ProcessPre-selection :
The pre-selection process will be based on qualifications and expertise reflected in the candidate’s motivation letter and CV. It will be merit-based.Interview :
Preselected candidates will be interviewed by Dr Amelie Baud and at least one other Group Leader. Meetings will be organised with team members as well.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 by June 6, 2025.Suggestions :
The CRG believes in ongoing improvement and promotes a culture of feedback. This is one of the reasons we have in place, at your disposal as a candidate, a mechanism to gather your suggestions / complaints concerning your candidate experience in our recruitment processes. Your feedback really matters to us in our aim at creating a positive candidate journey. You can make a difference and help us improve by letting us know your suggestions through the following form.J-18808-Ljbffr
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