The Institute
The Cent re 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.
The Single Cell and Synthetic Genomics of Blood Formation lab (PI: Lars Velten) at CRG Barcelona is looking for a motivated computational or mixed computational – experimental postdoc to use synthetic enhancers, CRISPR screening and computational approaches to unravel the logic of gene regulation in blood stem cell differentiation.
Blood formation is an essential, biomedically highly relevant, and complex process of cellular differentiation. Our group studies adult hematopoiesis using computational biology, single cell genomics ( Velten et al., 2017, Beneyto -Calabuig et al., 2023, Scherer et al., biorxiv ), and genetic screens. In the past four years, we have established a research line using fully synthetic DNA constructs to understand how hematopoietic stem cells transform continuous transcription factor gradients into cell state specific gene expression patterns, and to engineer artificial, cell state specific hematopoietic enhancers from scratch using AI ( Frömel et al., Cell 2025, covered in El País and El Mundo ).
For this work, we screened the cell-state specific activity of 10,000s of synthetic enhancers in a primary cell model of hematopoietic differentiation. We can now use this system alone or in combination with CRISPR perturbations of transcriptional regulators, using bulk and single cell readouts. Our experimental approach thereby allows us to maintain strong control over the cis- and trans- gene regulatory environment. The successful candidate will be supported in developing and ideating an independent project to capitalize on the tools set up in the group.
One possible project is the engineering of genotype-specific enhancers in the context of clonal hematopoiesis models. Clonal hematopoiesis is an important first step in the development of blood cancers. The goal of the project would be to better understand the gene regulatory environment in these cells and develop capabilities to create clone-specific enhancers.
In your new role, you would
Develop a project on gene regulation in the blood forming system
Analyze data from synthetic enhancer MPRA screens and/or dual MPRA-CRISPR screens
If relevant and of interest, harness deep learning to interpret these data
Design experiments using these technologies, and collaborate with an experienced technician to implement these experiments
Interact closely with both wetlab and computational scientists from the group
Serve as senior member of the team and, down the road, co-supervisor of PhD students or technical staff
About the team
The Velten lab is an interdisciplinary group that investigates the biology of hematopoietic stem cells using a combination of single cell genomics, genetic screens, and computational biology. We strive to develop novel genomic and bioinformatic tools to answer longstanding questions in the field. We cover two main research lines, a) Gene regulation in healthy hematopoiesis) and b) Clonal function in ageing and disease. The lab has been established in January 2020 and currently consists of six members: Three PhD students, one postdoc and two senior technicians. We have received funding from the European Commission, the Spanish and German government, the Spanish Association Against Cancer and the European Hematology Association.
Whom would we like to hire?
Professional experience
Must Have
You hold a PhD in a relevant field ( computational biology, genomics, molecular biology, stem cell biology, bioinformatics, biotechnology etc.)
Strong interest in the biology of gene regulation and cellular differentiation
You have demonstrated your ability to lead a challenging research project
You have published at least one primary research paper during your PhD
You have strong experience in the analysis of non-standard genomics data ( e.g. MPRA, Perturb-Seq, CRISPR screens, Nanopore, custom RNA-seq protocols etc.)
Experience in both exploratory and formal data analysis
You have strong programming skills in R or python
Desirable but not required/ Nice to have
You have, in addition to your computational training, training in experimental work (e.g. cell culture, flow cytometry, cloning, library preparation etc.)
A strong foundation in machine learning and statistic
You have experience with deep learning environments such as tensorflow and pytorch
Education and training
A PhD in a relevant field ( computational biology, genomics, molecular biology, stem cell biology, bioinformatics, biotechnology etc.)
Languages
You are proficient in English
Technical skills
R and python
Competences
Success-driven
Strong academic writing skills
Ability to work as part of a team
The Offer – Working Conditions
Contract d uration : Technical and scientific activities contract linked to the project duration (estimated 2 years).
Estimated annual gross salary: Salary is commensurate with qualifications and consistent with our pay scales.
Target s tart date : 1 5 July 2025.
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 .
We 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 Procedure
All applications must include:
A motivation letter addressed to Dr Lars Velten.
Contact details of two referees.
All applications must be addressed to Dr. Lars Velten and be submitted online through the "Apply" button below.
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 by 15/06/2025
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