Postdoctoral Fellow position in Oocyte Biology and Cellular Dormancy

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.

In April 2021, the Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG) received the renewal of the 'HR Excellence in Research' Award from the European Commission. This is a recognition of the Institute's commitment to developing an HR Strategy for Researchers, designed to bring the practices and procedures in line with the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers (Charter and Code).

Please, check out our Recruitment Policy

The role

The postdoctoral researcher will lead independent and collaborative projects focused on the molecular and cellular mechanisms underpinning oocyte biology and female reproductive health. The role includes designing and executing experiments, analysing complex datasets, contributing to publications and grant applications, and mentoring junior researchers. The successful candidate will work closely with the PI and team members to advance the lab's mission of understanding how oocytes maintain quality, survive for decades, and ultimately support fertility.

About the lab

The Böke lab is embedded within the Quantitative Cell Biology Program at the CRG. The main lab interest focuses on one of the biggest problems developed nations are facing in 21st century: late-stage motherhood, and associated fertility problems. The decrease in fertility rates is leading to a population decline in majority of the developed nations from Japan to Spain, which will have unprecedented consequences for our societies in near future. Poor oocyte quality accounts for the majority of female fertility problems, however, we know little about how oocytes can remain healthy for many years or why their health eventually declines with advanced age. World-wide data show that more than 25% of female fertility problems are unexplained, pointing to a huge gap in our understanding of female reproduction. Our lab strives to help fill this gap by studying immature oocytes, their embryological origin, and their quality maintenance.

We are an international team composed of 10 researchers from 7 different countries. The lab hosts both experimentalists and analysts working in close collaboration with other groups at the institute. The lab work has been extensively recognized nationally and worldwide with several outstanding international recognitions as well as national honors.

Please visit the lab webpage for more information.

Whom would we like to hire?

Professional experience

Must Have

• Hold a PhD degree in biology, biotechnology, or a related subject
• Have extensive lab and/or tissue culture experience
• Speak fluent English
• Be a team player, while also able to work independently and carry out tasks and experiments

Desirable but not required/ Nice to have

• Previous experience in oocyte, reproductive, and/or developmental biology
• Experience in organelle biology, microscopy and/or proteomics

Competences

• Years of experience in laboratory techniques
• Highly developed organizational skills
• Experience with data analysis
• Able to work in a team environment

The Offer – Working Conditions

• Contract duration: Technical and scientific activities contract estimated duration of 1 year. (the contract is linked to the tenure of the principal investigator).

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

• Target start date: April 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 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.