Centro de Biotecnología y Genómica de Plantas (CBGP)

Position: Research Assistant Position in Plant Biotechnology

Reference: PEJ-2024-AI/BIO-31699

Orden 5886/2024 de la Comunidad de Madrid, de 18 de diciembre, de resolución de la convocatoria del año 2024 de ayudas para la contratación de ayudantes de investigación y técnicos de laboratorio (Orden 2277/2024 de la Comunidad de Madrid), de 27 de mayo. 

“Información adicional: contrato cofinanciado por la Comunidad de Madrid y el Fondo Social Europeo Plus (FSE+), 2021-2027”.

Fecha de comienzo: entre el 1 de marzo y el 2 de mayo de 2025

Duración: 2 años

Salary: 17.926,73 € annual

GROUP CBGP: “VIRUS-FUNGUS-PLANT INTERACTION” (https://www.cbgp.upm.es/index.php/es/el-cbgp/maria-angeles-ayllon)

PI: Maria A. Ayllón ([email protected])

Application Deadline: Interested candidates send applications before 10/02/2025

Job Description

The CBGP at UPM-CSIC/INA is seeking a highly motivated and talented individual to join our research group as a Research Assistant. The successful candidate will be involved in a project focused on the interaction between mycoviruses and plant pathogenic fungi, with the aim of developing sustainable biocontrol strategies.

Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory experiments on the isolation, characterization, and manipulation of mycoviruses.
• Analyze the effect of mycovirus infection on fungal virulence and plant health.
• Perform bioinformatics analyses of mycovirus genomes and transcriptomes.
• Contribute to the development and optimization of mycovirus-based biocontrol strategies.
• Participate in the preparation of scientific manuscripts and presentations.
• Collaborate effectively with other members of the research team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Plant Biotechnology, Microbiology, or a related field.
• Strong background in molecular biology, microbiology, and plant pathology.
• Experience in laboratory techniques such as DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, and molecular cloning.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Additional Skills (Beneficial)

• Experience in bioinformatics analysis.
• Knowledge of plant-pathogen interactions.
• Familiarity with plant tissue culture techniques.
• English language proficiency.
• Previous experience in molecular biology techniques (nucleic acid purification, PCR, etc.).

We Offer

• The opportunity to work on a cutting-edge research project with implications for sustainable agriculture.
• A stimulating and supportive research environment within a prestigious international research center.
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources.
• Collaboration with leading scientists in the field.
• Training and development opportunities to enhance your research skills and career prospects.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their CV, a cover letter outlining their research interests and experience, and contact information for two references to: [email protected]. Please include "Research Assistant Application" in the subject line of your email.

Specific Requirements

Mandatory Requirements for Candidates (according to Order 2277/2024, of May 27, published in BOCM No. 137, of June 10 https://www.bocm.es/boletin/CM_Orden_BOCM/2024/06/10/BOCM-20240610-24.PDF):

• Not having been previously employed by the UNIVERSIDAD POLITÉCNICA DE MADRID prior to June 11, 2024.
• Being unemployed until the day before hiring. Proof of unemployment status will be provided through an official certificate obtained from the employment offices of the Community of Madrid. This certificate must state the individual's unemployment status and the period during which they have been unemployed, with information up to the day before the start of the contract.

·        Possessing the following qualification: Research assistants: Graduate, Engineer, Architect, Diploma holder, Graduate, Technical Engineer or Technical Architect. Holders of foreign academic qualifications must have the corresponding credential of homologation to the equivalent qualification in Spain, issued by the competent body for the recognition of foreign qualifications in education.

• Being under 30 years of age at the date of hiring.

About CBGP

The Centro de Biotecnología y Genómica de Plantas (CBGP) is a leading research center dedicated to advancing knowledge in plant biology and genomics. We are committed to developing innovative solutions for sustainable agriculture and environmental protection. Our research programs focus on understanding plant-microbe interactions, improving crop productivity, and developing new biotechnologies. The CBGP is a joint center of the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM) and the Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), located in Madrid, Spain. 

Contact Information

Dr. Julio Rodriguez Romero

CBGP (UPM-CSIC/INA)

Campus de Montegancedo, Pozuelo de Alarcón

28223 Madrid, Spain

Email: [email protected]