Postdoctoral Researcher: from active matter to intracellular self-organization

The Institute

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. 

The role  

A postdoc position is available in the framework of the ERC Synergy project BIOMECANET which aims at understanding the design principles of mitotic spindle assembly and function using biochemical in vitro reconstitutions, computer simulations and cell biological studies. We are looking for a talented biochemist or biophysicist interested in pushing forward our attempts to reconstitute dynamic spindle-like structures from purified proteins. Our goal is to understand how active matter can form bipolar microtubule assemblies able to segregate chromosomes. Key techniques to be used will be protein biochemistry, quantitative fluorescence microscopy and microfabrication.  

About the lab 

The Intracellular Self-Organization lab lead by Thomas Surrey is interested in the question of biological self-organization. In particular, we aim to understand how the cytoskeleton of living cells organizes itself. The lab uses a bottom-up synthetic biology approach and has pioneered a number of novel microscopy-based in vitro reconstitutions that provide insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying microtubule cytoskeleton organization, dynamics and function. The lab is particularly interested in the question of how mitotic spindles assemble and reorganize during cell division, having a physics-inspired “active matter” perspective of the cytoskeleton.  

Selected recent publications:

Brito, Serna, Guerra, Llorca, Surrey. Transition of human γ-tubulin ring complex into a closed conformation during microtubule nucleation. Science 383, 870-876 (2024).  

Henkin, Brito, Thomas, Surrey. The minus-end depolymerase KIF2A drives flux-like treadmilling of γTuRC-uncapped microtubules. J Cell Biol 222, e202304020 (2023).

Henkin, Chew, Nédélec, Surrey. Cross-linker design determines microtubule network organization by opposing motors. PNAS 119, e2206398119 (2022).

Hannabuss, Ramirez, Cade, Fourniol, Nédélec, Surrey. Self-organization of minimal anaphase spindle midzone bundles. Curr Biol29, 2120-2130 (2019).

Roostalu, Rickman, Thomas, Nédélec, Surrey. Determinants of Polar versus Nematic Organization in Networks of Dynamic Microtubules and Mitotic Motors. Cell 175, 796-808 (2018).

Whom would we like to hire?  

Professional experience  

Must Have

• You have extensive experience in protein biochemistry/biophysics  

• You have a strong interest in understanding molecular mechanisms  

• You have at least one first-author publication in a peer-reviewed journal

Desirable but not required 

• Experience in advanced optical microscopy 

• Experience in cytoskeleton/active matter research 

• Good programming skills

Education and training

• You hold a PhD in biochemistry, biophysics or equivalent 

Languages

• You are fluent in English 

Technical skills

• Talent for experimental work

• Excellent writing skills 

Competences  

• Ability to grasp quantitative concepts 

• Highly developed organizational skills 

The Offer – Working Conditions 

• Contract duration: 3 years 

• Estimated annual gross salary: Salary is commensurate with qualifications and consistent with our pay scales. 

• Target start date: summer/autumn 2024 

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 lifeof 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 Thomas Surrey. 

A complete CV including contact details. 

Contact details of two referees.

All applications must be addressed to Dr. Thomas surrey 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. 

• 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 1 April 2024 

This project has received funding from the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (grant agreement No 951430).”