Lab Manager

Centre for Genomic Regulation; Sevilla; Presencial; EUR 30.000 - 50.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

A leading biomedical research institute in Spain is seeking a motivated individual to support lab operations and lead projects focused on mitochondrial biology. Candidates should have a PhD, strong lab skills including mammalian cell culture, and fluency in English. This role offers a contract lasting until October 2030, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development.

Servicios

Flexible working hours

Extended vacation period

Professional career development opportunities

Formación

• Experience in live cell imaging is desirable.
• Solid knowledge of organelle biology is a plus.

Responsabilidades

• Key support for smooth running of the laboratory.
• Implement health and safety regulations.
• Coordinate with collaborators within CRG and at other institutions.

Conocimientos

Lab experience with mammalian cell culture

Microscopy and image analysis

Project support and lab management

Fluency in English

Familiarity with SNAPGENE

Educación

PhD degree in cell/molecular biology

Herramientas

MS Office

GraphPad Prism

Descripción del empleo

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 successful candidate will join the Mitochondrial Dynamics Group (opening on October 1st, 2025). They will provide key support for smooth running of the laboratory via management tasks that include project support, cell culture, biochemistry and molecular biology experiments, reagent preparation, equipment and inventory maintenance / purchases, as well as training of PhDs and Post-Docs.. Additionally, they will be responsible for implementing health and safety regulations.The candidate may also lead research projects and should demonstrate the ability to coordinate with collaborators both within the CRG and at other institutions. Their work will focus on 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.

About the labMitochondria, 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 will 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 will 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.Whom would we like to hire?Professional experienceMust HaveLab experience with mammalian cell culture and common techniques in biochemistry, cell & molecular biologyProven experience in microscopy and image analysisExperience with project support and common laboratory task managementDesirable but not required / Nice to haveExperience in live cell imagingBackground in investigating mitochondrial physiology or solid knowledge of organelle biologyEducation and trainingThe candidate should holda PhD degree, preferably in cell / molecular biologyLanguagesFluency in English. Spanish is a plusTechnical skillsAdvanced MS Office experienceProficient with data analysis software such as GraphPad Prism (or equivalent)Familiarity with SNAPGENE (or similar DNA design and analysis software)Experience with electronic lab notebooks and other lab managing software is an advantageCompetencesHighly developed organization al skillsAbility to coordinate and communicate effectively with internal and external collaboratorsRigor, organization, and autonomyStrong analytical, interpersonal, and communication skillsCuriosity, initiative and critical thinkingThe Offer – Working ConditionsContract duration :

Technical and scientific activities contract - linked to the activity of the lab (estimated October 2030).Estimated annual gross salary :

Salary is commensurate with qualifications and consistent with our pay scalesTarget start date :

from 1 st October 2025We 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 ProcedureAll applications must include :

A motivation letter addressed to Dr Luis-Carlos Tabara.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 July 25, 2025.

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