Phd Student (Ref. 34-2026)

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 around 200 members from all over the world.

The Center for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG) is looking for a PhD Student to join the Genetics and Genomics of Vegetable Crops Group.

Key Responsibilities

• The PhD candidate will perform a wide range of duties including laboratory and field work.
• Study the ripening behaviour of melon mutants obtained by CRISPR/Cas9.
• Fruit quality evaluation of melon mutants during ripening and at harvest.
• Evaluation of respiration and ethylene production through GC-MS.
• Writing of scientific articles.

Education, Training and Professional Experience

Candidates must hold one of the following degrees:

• A Master's in Plant Biotechnology, Agronomic Sciences, Food Technology, Plant Breeding or similar.
• To be in a position to access a doctoral programme according to the requirements of Catalan universities, i.e. accrediting between 60 and 120 ECTS credits at the official university Master's degree level or equivalent.
• Not to have a previous PhD degree.
• To have a driver's license.

Additional Qualifications

• Any prior experience in matters of plant science, genotyping, biochemistry, food technology, and chromatography will be viewed positively.
• Good statistical data analysis skills will be valued.
• Good communication skills, verbal and written, would be valued as well.

Skills and Competencies

• Advanced level of English.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Communication skills and user training abilities.
• Proactive and continuous improvement-oriented mindset.
• Ability to coordinate and work within a technical team.

Working Conditions

• Contract: temporary, 4 months.
• Hours/week: full time (37.5 hours/week).
• Opportunity for professional growth in a high-level CERCA research center.
• Flexible working hours and a good working environment within a dynamic team.

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.