ABOUT CRAG:

CRAG is an independent research institution engaged in leading-edge basic and applied plant and farm animal sciences. CRAG is established as a Consortium of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA), Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), and University of Barcelona (UB). The Center is located at the UAB Campus, and currently hosts 200 members from across the world.

Research Programs at CRAG (from basic science to applied research using plant experimental model systems, crops and farm animals) make extensive use of genomic technologies and large sets of genetic and genomic data (https://www.cragenomica.es/sites/default/files/2022-07/crag-summary-2020-2021_0.pdf).

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Center for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG) is looking for a PhD Student to be part of the group Plants Viruses

The candidate will be in charge of:

- Experiments involving diagnostics and quantification of plant pathogenic viruses

- Inoculation procedures, including transmission mediated by insect vectors.

- Analysis of single and mixed infections on host plants, considering both susceptible and resistant genotypes

These tasks are related with ongoing activities in the project VIRTIGATION: Emerging Viral Diseases in Tomatoes and Cucumbers: Implementation of mitigation strategies for durable disease management

REQUIREMENTS:

Educational requirements:

- Degree on Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Agricultural Sciences or similar.

Skills:

- Capacities for experimental design, data analysis and scientific writing

- Team work

- Fluency in English.

Experience:

Previous experience in research laboratories, in particular:

- Knowledge of molecular biology procedures

- Phytopathology and virology protocols, including virus diagnostics and quantification of viral load.

- Management of insect vectors like aphids and whiteflies

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Contract Duration: 4 months

Hours/week: full time

SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS:

Please submit all the application through CRAG website: https://recruitment.cragenomica.es/

CRAG is committed to the principles of the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers of the European Commission. All candidates will be considered qualified for the job without restrictions of gender, race, nationality or disability.

Integration policy: reserve the place in a first turn for disabled staff.

Interested candidates must submit the following documents:

-       Curriculum vitae

-       A motivation letter, including a brief summary of work experience and a statement of research interests and career goals (2 pages maximum).

-       Student’s certified Academic Record, including a detailed record of study / transcript (a list of attended courses and corresponding grades)

-       Any additional files considered relevant to the application, but please only provide documents that are important to support it two reference letters from university lecturers or scientists with whom the applicant has studied or worked

Deadline: 01/07/2025

Start date: 01/08/2025