The Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG) in Barcelona, Spain, and BGI , China, are recruiting students to join the CRG-BGI Joint International PhD Programme. This collaborative initiative aims to leverage the strengths of both institutions to advance research at the cutting edge of genomics, integrating novel technologies like spatial transcriptomics, single-cell genomics, and advanced omics to tackle major scientific challenges.

Programme Objectives

We aim to culture future leaders in life sciences who are ready to fully engage with the challenges and rewards of this cross-cultural, cross-disciplinary experience.

The CRG-BGI Joint PhD Programme is designed with the following key goals:

• Develop next-generation researchers: Establish a collaborative PhD programme that fosters talent to address complex issues at the intersection of bioinformatics, omics technologies and AI.
• Innovative dual supervision: Facilitate joint project supervision led by experts from both CRG and BGI, ensuring diverse perspectives and rigorous guidance for PhD candidates.
• Strengthen CRG-BGI collaboration: Reinforce and expand the collaboration between CRG and BGI to drive forward research and innovation in advanced genomics and biomedical technologies.

Why to apply the CRG-BGI Joint International PhD Programme?

• Access to advanced genomics facilities: Engage directly with cutting-edge technologies, such as spatial transcriptomics and single-cell genomics, placing you at the forefront of genomics research.
• Dual Supervision and mentorship: Benefit from expert mentorship and diverse perspectives through joint supervision by group leaders from both CRG and BGI.
• Focus on innovation and collaboration: Participate in interdisciplinary, collaborative research that addresses complex bioinformatics and omics challenges, strengthening your network and career opportunities.
• Integrated training across institutes: Spend equal time at CRG and BGI, gaining a well-rounded experience with comprehensive training in scientific expertise and essential transferable skills.
• International Exposure and Cultural Immersion: Work at both CRG in Spain and BGI in China, gaining valuable global research experience in diverse environments.

Deadline 4th February 2025

P3 - Functional and regulatory dynamics of alternative promoters during human embryogenesis

PhD Project

In each cell type, genes can be expressed using alternative promoters, often generating different protein isoforms. How the use of alternative promoters during human embryogenesis is regulated and its functional impact remain largely unknown. Here, we will identify alternative promoters that are differentially regulated during development with cell type resolution. We will produce single-cell 5' RNA-seq data at different developmental stages, and combine it with available matched single-nucleus ATAC-seq data to identify regulatory elements. Comparison with similar mouse datasets will provide insights into the conservation of transcriptional regulation during evolution.

What are we looking for?

Candidate needs to be familiar with high-throughput sequencing technologies, ideally focused on single-cell omics studies and proficient in at least one programming language such as Python, Perl or C/C++, R, with rich programming and plotting experience and good background on statistics. He/she should have strong sense of responsibility, be good at independent thinking and have good communication skills in English, as well as team organization skills.

Supervisors:

The Ya lab at the BGI focuses on multi-omics research on maternal and child health by conducting two aspects of studies. One aspect involves multi-omics studies in prospective birth cohorts for establishing biomarkers for gestational diseases and birth defects. Another aspect involves the transcriptome atlas of early human embryogenesis and disease using spatial transcriptome, single cell/nuclei RNA transcriptome, single cell/nuclei ATAC, etc.

The Irimia lab at the CRG/UPF investigates how transcriptomic diversification through various mechanisms contributes to embryogenesis and evolution. Their research blends computational and experimental biology, and uses different models, from early mammalian development to neurogenesis and pancreatic cell maturation.

Key Words: Alternative Promoters | Single Cell RNA-seq | Single-nucleus ATAC-seq | Embryo Development | Comparative Transcriptomics

Eligibility criteria

Candidates with backgrounds in biological or biomedical sciences, physics, chemistry, mathematics, computer science and/or related disciplines and who fulfil the following eligibility criteria at the time of the call deadline are welcome to apply*.

• The call is open to candidates of any nationality.
• Candidates must have obtained a University Bachelor's Degree and a Master's Degree in biomedical sciences within the European Higher Education System or an equivalent University Degree that allows them to start a PhD thesis in Spain (minimum 300 ECTS). Candidates who expect to be awarded with such a degree by September 2025 are eligible to apply.
• Candidates must have an excellent academic record, previous research experience, and a strong commitment to scientific research.
• Candidates must have a high working knowledge of English.

* If it becomes clear before, during or after the evaluation phase that one or more of the eligibility criteria have not been fulfilled, the application will be declared ineligible and will be withdrawn from any further examination.

How to apply

• Applications must be submitted online - applications by email will not be considered.
• The online application form requests all necessary information for the initial stages of the selection process (General information, education, academic transcripts, scholarships, prizes and awards, research experience, scientific interests and two reference letters).
• If the academic transcripts are not in English applicants should also attach a translation.
• Two reference letters will be automatically requested from the referees proposed by the candidate through the online system.
• Applicants should select a maximum of 2 projects in which they are interested.

Candidates must ensure that all information and documents are included before the deadline, including the reference letters. Incomplete proposals will not be considered.

Once the application is submitted, an acknowledgement of receipt will be automatically sent by e-mail to the applicant.

For any additional information, please check the FAQs

APPLY HERE

Contact

For any additional information, please contact:

• General info - BGI College: [email protected]
• General info or specific questions about eligibility - CRG Training & Academic Office (TAO): [email protected]