Lab Manager in the Cell Fate Decoding and Engineering Lab

Overview

The Institute and Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG) is an international biomedical research institute based in Barcelona, Spain, with more than 400 scientists from 44 countries. The CRG is supported by a flexible administration and high-end technologies. In April 2021, CRG renewed the EU HR Excellence in Research Award. This reflects our commitment to the HR Strategy for Researchers in line with the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers.

Please check out our Recruitment Policy.

The role

The Lab Manager will play a central role in ensuring the smooth, safe, and efficient operation of the Cell Fate Decoding and Engineering Lab. This role combines laboratory operations, safety and compliance, resource and inventory management, and scientific support. Key responsibilities include purchasing and inventory management, tracking orders, receiving deliveries, storage and documentation; preparing in-house reagents, aliquots, and curating stocks of cell lines, plasmids, antibodies, and related items; implementing health and safety regulations including work with BSL2 materials and human pluripotent stem cells; onboarding new lab members in procedures and safety; acting as the primary administrative point of contact for the group; managing room and facility bookings; reporting and following up on technical or infrastructure issues; preparing documentation for imports, equipment purchases, and ethics approvals; coordinating routine equipment maintenance such as pipette calibration; organizing laboratory cleaning and related logistics; and providing hands-on scientific support in cell culture, molecular biology, biochemistry, and genomics workflows (including bulk and single-cell omics). Depending on experience, the role may contribute to or drive research projects or methods development. The lab manager is expected to work onsite during office hours.

About the lab

The Cell Fate Decoding and Engineering Lab is an emerging group (established 2025) dedicated to engineering human cell diversity for disease modelling, drug discovery, and cell replacement therapies. We aim to decode gene regulation in cell fate decision and leverage this knowledge to engineer human cell identities across biological contexts. Our research integrates single-cell omics, perturbation screening, stem cell-derived human 2D/3D models, and quantitative biology approaches. The group currently comprises three PhD students and is expanding in 2026 with the recruitment of a Lab Manager and a postdoctoral researcher. We are international and interdisciplinary, supported by funding from the European Research Council (ERC) and the La Caixa Foundation.

Whom would we like to hire?

Professional experience

Must Have

- You hold a PhD in a biological science–related field, or a master’s degree with at least five years of relevant professional experience
- You have experience in established biological laboratory environments, with hands-on expertise in mammalian cell culture and routine techniques in cell, molecular, and biochemical biology, including cloning, qPCR, western blotting, and immunocytochemistry
- You have experience supporting daily laboratory operations and tasks

Desirable but not required / Nice to have

- Background in stem cell biology, developmental biology, or cell fate/state transitions
- Experience working with human stem cell models is highly advantageous
- Expertise in genomics approaches, including bulk and/or single-cell sequencing
- Experience with lentiviral work and BSL2 laboratory environments
- Expertise in flow cytometry and microscopy
- Experience in implementing advanced methods or developing new laboratory technologies
- Ability to contribute to or independently pursue research projects

Languages

- You are fluent in English, both spoken and written
- Spanish are desirable and may be required for effective communication and administrative processes

Technical skills

- Excellent aseptic technique and extensive experience in mammalian cell culture
- Strong practical expertise in routine cell, molecular, and biochemical biology techniques, including cloning, qPCR, western blotting, and immunocytochemistry
- Ability to write, implement, and maintain SOPs and protocols, and to train others in correct laboratory techniques and troubleshooting
- Strong computer literacy, including proficiency with standard office software (e.g., MS Office) and basic data handling for reporting, tracking metrics, inventories, or budgets
- Proficiency with common laboratory and documentation software, including electronic lab notebooks; experience with SnapGene and Adobe Illustrator is an advantage

Competences

- Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail and a high level of accuracy
- Ability to multi-task while maintaining reliability and consistency
- High level of autonomy, flexibility, and proactive attitude to laboratory management
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in an international, collaborative team
- Analytical mindset, curiosity, and critical thinking, with a commitment to maintaining high scientific and operational standards

The Offer – Working Conditions

- Contract duration: An initial contract of one year will be offered, with the expectation of extension subject to the laboratory’s activity and funding (anticipated until October 2030)
- Estimated annual gross salary: Salary is commensurate with qualifications and consistent with our pay scales
- Target start date: March 2026

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 welcome applicants regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity.

The CRG is committed to reconciling a work and family life of its employees and offers extended vacation periods and the possibility to benefit from flexible working hours.

Application Procedure

All applications must include:

- A motivation letter addressed to Dr Hsiu-Chuan Lin.
- A complete CV including contact details.
- Contact details of two referees.

All applications must be addressed to Dr. Hsiu-Chuan Lin and be submitted online on the CRG Career site - http://www.crg.eu/en/content/careers/job-opportunities

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 and a selection panel if required.

Offer Letter: Once the successful candidate is identified the People department will send a Job Offer with start date, salary, and working conditions.

Deadline: Please submit your application by 08/02/2026.

Suggestions: The CRG promotes a culture of feedback. You can share suggestions or complaints concerning your candidate experience via the provided form.

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