Lab Manager- Cell Division and Organelle Biology

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

We are seeking a highly skilled Lab Manager to support the newly established Bettencourt-Dias Lab at CRG. This role ensures a well-organized, high-functioning laboratory environment (all reagents, lab books, lab meetings, retreats, project reports, follow up project needs, linking with: pre and post awards, HR and Finances, facility manager, core technologies); provides hands-on training in imaging, image analysis, cell culture and core molecular techniques; contributes intellectually to scientific discussions; and plays a central part in maintaining a positive, collaborative, and inclusive lab culture.

The successful candidate will contribute to building the scientific, operational, and social foundations of the lab, supporting both day-to-day research and the broader development of a cohesive, motivated team.

About the lab

The Bettencourt-Dias Lab studies fundamental mechanisms of cell organisation, cell division, and the evolution of cellular structures, with a particular focus on centrioles, centrosomes, cilia, and cytoskeletal organisation. The lab combines cell biology, advanced microscopy, quantitative image analysis, proteomics, and comparative approaches to address how cellular structures are built, maintained, and adapted across evolution and disease contexts.

The group is currently being established at CRG and will grow over the coming years. It is an international, collaborative, and interdisciplinary lab, closely interacting with CRG Core Technologies and other research groups. Particular emphasis is placed on data quality, reproducibility, training, and open scientific discussion.

The lab values a supportive, respectful, and inclusive working environment, where members are encouraged to share ideas, help each other, and develop both scientifically and professionally. The Lab Manager will play a central role in shaping the lab’s organisation, training culture, and overall atmosphere.

Whom would we like to hire?

We are looking for a highly experienced, proactive, and people-oriented Lab Manager who combines strong technical expertise with organisational skills and scientific maturity.

The ideal candidate is someone who:

Enjoys organising and structuring laboratory work while remaining hands-on at the bench.
Has a solid background in cell biology techniques, microscopy, and quantitative approaches.
Takes pleasure in training, mentoring, and supporting others, particularly students and early-career researchers.
Feels comfortable participating in lab meetings, providing constructive feedback, and contributing ideas.
Actively helps to maintain a positive, collaborative, and well-functioning lab environment, including organising lab activities such as retreats, onboarding of new members, and team-building moments.
Is seeking a stable, long-term position within a dynamic and internationally visible research institute.

This role is central to the success of the lab and offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to both its scientific output and its culture.

Professional experience

Must Have

>5 years laboratory experience in a biomedical research environment
Expertise in cell culture
Hands-on experience with cloning, western blotting, immunofluorescence
Experience with advanced light microscopy and imaging workflows
Quantitative image analysis skills (Fiji, Imaris, CellProfiler, Napari)
Experience organising laboratory operations and SOPs
Training and mentoring experience
Ability to support a positive and collaborative lab atmosphere
Proactivity

Desirable but not required/ Nice to have

Experience with super-resolution or high-content imaging
Experience with onboarding lab people
Experience with CRISPR

Education and training

PhD or MSc in Biology, Cell Biology, Biomedicine, Bioengineering, Biophysics, or related fields. Highly experienced senior technicians without a PhD are also encouraged to apply

Languages

Proficiency in English is required

Technical skills

Microscopy operation and troubleshooting
Image analysis workflows
Cell culture
Cloning, immunostaining, western blotting
SOP development and documentation
Electronic lab book management
Data management

Competences

Strong organisational skills
Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities
Ability to foster an inclusive, respectful and motivating lab atmosphere
Critical thinking and attention to detail
Proactive problem-solving

The Offer – Working Conditions

Contract duration: Technical and scientific activities contract – linked to the laboratory activity
Estimated annual gross salary: Salary is commensurate with qualifications and consistent with our pay scales
Target start date: May 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.