CRAG Director

The Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG) is a Centre of Excellence focused on fundamental and applied research in plant and farm animal biology. CRAG conducts cutting-edge research in the molecular basis of genetic characters of interest in plants and farm animals, as well as on the application of molecular approaches for the breeding of species important for agriculture and food production.

CRAG is a CERCA Research Institution, supported by a consortium of the National Research Council (CSIC), the Catalan Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA), the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), and the University of Barcelona (UB). CERCA is the public Catalan network of research Institutes (http://cerca.cat).

CRAG is located at the UAB campus in Bellaterra (Barcelona), Catalonia, in purpose-built facilities designed for modern plant biology and genomics research. Under a unified management and operational structure, CRAG brings together:

1. Basic research groups in plant development, physiology,  metabolism and genetics
2. Bioinformatics and genomics groups working in plants and animals
3. Applied projects developed together with Agri-biotech, Biotechnology and Breeding companies.

Since 2016, CRAG has held the “Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence” distinction, awarded by the Spanish Government to research centres performing world-leading scientific research in their respective fields. CRAG is also a holder of the “Human Resources Excellence in Research” award from the European Commission.

Candidate profile and contact information

Candidates wishing to obtain further information about the position and the project are welcome to contact director.crag@cragenomica.es

CRAG is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from women and individuals from underrepresented groups. CRAG is seeking applicants with a distinguished record of scientific excellence, proven leadership and management experience, and the vision and innovative capacity required to lead a dynamic and internationally recognised research organisation. Applicants must have hold a PhD or an equivalent degree and have demonstrated experience coordinating international research projects or consortia, particularly within European Framework Programmes. Candidates must have in-depth knowledge about the European/Spanish Scientific environment. Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Required qualifications

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• PhD or equivalent degree in Biosciences.
• Outstanding record of scientific excellence in Biosciences.
• Proven experience and capacity in team and organisational management.
• Demonstrated research management experience and demonstrated innovative thinking to lead a dynamic organization.
• Knowledge of strategic planning, resource allocation and human resources management.
• Ability to represent the institute in academic, commercial and social environments.
• Experience managing international research projects.
• Knowledge of international research programs (e.g. EU Framework Programmes, ERC, NIH) will be considered an asset.
• Experience in inter-institutional or multi-partner environments will be considered an asset.
• Positive evaluations in programs of scientific or professional excellence in the field of research (e.g. ICREA) will be considered an asset.
• Track record as principal investigator internationally competitive funding calls will be considered an asset.
• Ability to develop and implement innovation and transfer projects in the biosciences in line with Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) principles.
• Advanced proficiency in English. Knowledge of Catalan or Spanish is desirable and will become mandatory within four years of appointment.

Application Procedure

Applicants should submit the following documents by e-mail to the Director of CERCA, at candidatures@cerca.cat.

1. Curriculum Vitae
2. Cover letter
3. Short vision statement (maximum 2 pages)

The appointment will be for four years, with the possibility of extension up to a maximum of eight years.

Documents must be named as follows: CRAG_LastName_CV, CRAG_LastName_cover, CRAG_LastName_Vision.

Informal inquiries are welcome and may be also addressed to the Director of CERCA.

Job description

Duties and Responsibilities of the CRAG Director

Strategic Leadership and Scientific Vision

• Define and lead CRAG’s scientific vision, strategic objectives and institutional development plan, and oversee their implementation.
• Coordinate periodic scientific assessments of research programmes and core facilities, and ensure implementation of recommendations from the Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) and other evaluation bodies.
• Lead CRAG’s innovation, technology development and knowledge-transfer strategy, defining an effective model for research translation.

Governance, Representation and Institutional Relations

• Represent CRAG in official, scientific and social forums, in coordination with the President and members of the Consortium.
• Maintain regular communication with the Consortium, CERCA and the Generalitat de Catalunya, reporting on CRAG’s progress and presenting the Director’s Report at Consortium meetings.
• Convene and chair meetings of the Executive Committee.
• Propose candidates for the Scientific Advisory Board, keep its members informed of major developments, and organise periodic SAB meetings.
• Participate in institutional evaluations, including the periodic CERCA assessment.
• Contribute to strategic decision-making, including alliances with other research centres or industry partners.

Management and Operations

• Submit the annual scientific programme and operational budget for approval by the Consortium.
• Oversee budget the implementation and ensure sound financial and economic management, including the pursuit of external funding sources (competitive grants, private sponsorship, etc.).
• Oversee human resources matters related to research staff, including participation in the selection and contract negotiation of new group leaders when appropriate.
• Manage, organise and lead CRAG’s research and innovation activities, fostering collaboration among researchers and ensuring smooth internal operations.
• Ensure transparent internal communication and promote staff engagement with institutional developments and activities.

General Responsibilities

• Perform any additional duties assigned by the Consortium.

Selection Process

• The Scientific Advisory Board will review all applications and produce a non-binding, ranked shortlist of 5 to 8 candidates, accompanied by a reasoned evaluation report.
• An ad hoc Selection Committee will interview shortlisted candidates, who will be asked to present their CV and a Future Proposal for CRAG.
• The Selection Committee will submit a ranked list of three candidates to the Board of Trustees, together with a reasoned recommendation.
• The Board of Trustees (including a representative of the DREU) will select and appoint the new Director of CRAG.

Approximate Calendar

• April 30 – Call for applications opens
• June 30 – Application deadline
• July 7 – List of eligible candidates published by CERCA
• July 28 – Prioritised shortlist (5-8 candidates) by the Scientific Advisory Board
• September 1 – Short list of three candidates proposed by the ad hoc Selection Committee
• September 10 – Final selection by the Board of Trustees
• September 14 – Appointment announced