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Director at the Fundació Centre de Regulació Genòmica

Director at the Fundació Centre de Regulació GenòmicaDirector at the Fundació Centre de Regulació Genòmica

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. Our research focuses on understanding the complexity of life across scales, from the genome to the cell to the whole organism and its interactions with the environment, both in health and disease. The CRG’s mission is to discover and advance knowledge for the benefit of society, public health and economic prosperity.

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 CRG is seeking applicants with a proven track experience in scientific excellence and leadership, innovation, people management, organisational management, knowledge of international research systems. The Director must have full time dedication and a firm and deep belief in the CRG’s mission and institutional values.

The CRG is an equal opportunities employer and fosters a diverse, inclusive environment. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to send their applications.

Applicants’ profile

  • Distinguished record of international scientific excellence.
  • Exceptional leadership skills, and a proven capacity for effective team management.
  • Committed to knowledge transfer and innovation, motivated to work with industry and has the ability to think strategically to create and capitalise on opportunities benefitting the Institute
  • Should be an exceptional leader who possesses an outstanding scientific vision, integrity, communication skills, administrative abilities, energy and motivation, consensus building capacity, and a style that engenders and nurtures trust and respect.
  • Director should have excellent people management skills, with a commitment to developing staff to excel in their roles.
  • Proven experience in leading dynamic research organisations (strategic planning, resources allocation, and establishing priorities).
  • Should be adept at representing the institute across diverse settings, including academic, industrial, political, and social spheres. An in-depth knowledge of international research systems particularly European programs, is highly desirable.

Job Description

The Director should create a stimulating environment for top research in life sciences and define the overall scientific and technological vision for the institute. They should provide leadership for the research programmes of the CRG and ensure the excellence of all CRG activities. They should foster a scientific culture in which intellectual creativity thrives.

Essential duties and responsibilities

  • Defining the CRG Strategic Plan and the research activities program of the institute, submit them to the members of the Board of Trustees and coordinate their execution.
  • Guarantee financial sustainability and provide for sources of income (competitive funds, private sponsors, etc.)
  • Co-supervise the economic activities of the institute with the Administrative Director and supervise the scientific human resources management, with direct involvement in those issues related to selection or adscription of research positions.
  • Represent the Institute at official and social events, in coordination with the President and other members of the Board of Trustees.
  • Any other functions that might be approved by the Board of Trustees

Strategic development and leadership

  • Create a stimulating environment for top research in life sciences and define the overall scientific and technological vision for the institute; 
  • They should provide leadership for the research units of the CRG and ensure the excellence of all CRG activities.  
  • Directing, organizing, managing, executing the research, training and internal organization of the institute; 
  • Proposing programs of activities, new research lines and, when appropriate, potential sources of funding to the Board; 
  • Keep CERCA and Generalitat de Catalunya regularly informed of the Institute’s progress 
  • Ensure that the CRG, while being driven by scientific excellence, promotes and encourages the creation of value coming out of its research.
  • Establish an internationally competitive research laboratory and lead strategic actions aimed at securing the resources necessary for the institute's objectives;
  • Explore and foster new partnerships nationally and internationally that will increase the impact of CRG science.
  • Can be an effective spokesperson and communicator to key stakeholders including funders, politicians, journalists and others.

People management

  • Providing guidance to all members of the institute, specially to the strategic, technology transfer, academic and technical departments of the institute; 
  • Support effective training, career development and mentoring at all levels, consistent with the aims of the CRG’s Equality and Diversity programme.
  • Appointing an Administrative Director and, if appropriate, deputy-directors, unit, service, laboratory, department, academic and program managers, and scientific advisors, as appropriate; 
  • Approving the internal rules of operation of the institute jointly with the Administrative Director and in agreement with the Board of Trustees guidelines;
  • Leading the evaluations of the centre and participate in the periodic CERCA evaluation of the CRG, as well as engage with the community of research centres within the CERCA System

The Offer - Appointment Period and Working Conditions

The new Director will be appointed with an open-ended contract as senior scientist and their Director status will be renewed after five years and up to 10 years (two consecutive mandates) upon evaluation. The mandate could be extended in agreement with the Board of Trustees of the Foundation.

The position will come with an international competitive salary, attractive start-up package and structural long-term funding for the research group of the incoming Director.

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.

The CRG values innovative and interdisciplinary Research and is involved in attaining the sustainability principles of the United Nations.

Application Procedure

Interested applicants must send a presentation letter, a complete CV by e-mail and in confidence to the Head of the Search Committee and to the Director of CERCA. 

Preselected candidates will be asked to prepare and present a vision statement.

Informal inquiries are welcome. Details (e-mail and telephone) of three referees who may be consulted must be provided.

Selection Procedure

The full field of candidates will be reviewed by an international high level search panel. Candidates will be invited to interview with the panel and it is very much hoped that the final shortlist of candidates will be able to visit the Institute and meet with the Senior Faculty. The final list of preselected candidates will be sent to the Board of trustees that could interview them and they will appoint the new Director.

Suggestions: The CRG believes in ongoing improvement and promotes a culture of feedback. This is one of the reasons we have in place, at your disposal as a candidate, a mechanism to gather your suggestions/complaints concerning your candidate experience in our recruitment processes. Your feedback really matters to us. Please, help us improve by filling the following form.

For full information, please download the following brochure.