Multiple Postdoctoral Research Opportunities at CRAG, Spain (2026)
The Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG) in Spain is currently offering multiple exciting postdoctoral research opportunities for international researchers in plant biology, synthetic biology, epigenetics, genomics, bioinformatics, and biotechnology.
These positions provide researchers with the opportunity to work on cutting-edge European research projects focused on climate-smart plants, plant regeneration, developmental biology, genomics, and advanced molecular technologies.
If you are looking for a high-impact research career in Europe, CRAG’s 2026 postdoctoral openings represent excellent opportunities to join internationally recognized research teams.
About CRAG
The Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG) is one of Europe’s leading research institutions in plant and agricultural genomics.
CRAG is a consortium formed by:
- Spanish National Research Council (CSIC)
- Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA)
- Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB)
- University of Barcelona (UB)
Located at the UAB Campus in Spain, CRAG hosts over 200 researchers from around the world and conducts advanced research in:
- Plant genomics
- Synthetic biology
- Biotechnology
- Systems biology
- Bioinformatics
- Crop improvement
- Epigenetics
- Molecular biology
The institute combines fundamental science with applied agricultural innovation using advanced genomic technologies and large-scale biological datasets.
Why Researchers Choose CRAG
CRAG provides an internationally competitive research environment with:
- Advanced genomic technologies
- State-of-the-art laboratories
- Strong European collaborations
- Interdisciplinary scientific teams
- International mobility opportunities
- Participation in high-impact European projects
Researchers also benefit from collaborations with:
- Universities
- Biotechnology companies
- European research infrastructures
- International plant science networks
Who Should Apply?
These positions are highly suitable for candidates with backgrounds in:
- Plant Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Biotechnology
- Synthetic Biology
- Bioinformatics
- Computational Biology
- Genomics
- Epigenetics
- Developmental Biology
Researchers with experience in sequencing technologies, gene regulation, plant transformation, or computational genomics will be particularly competitive.
Application Requirements
Although requirements vary slightly by position, applicants generally need:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- PhD certificate
- Motivation letter
- Research interests summary
- Reference contacts
1. Postdoc Researcher in Epigenetics and Plant Development (Ref. 29/2026)
One of the current openings is within the Epigenetics and Plant Development group.
Research Focus
The selected researcher will work on the ERC-funded project “tuneCHILL”
Regulatory mechanisms underlying chilling responses: towards the design of climate-smart plants
The project investigates how cold temperatures influence plant development and gene regulation in woodland strawberry (Fragaria vesca).
Main Responsibilities
The researcher will contribute to:
- Plant epigenetics research
- Chromatin biology studies
- Gene regulation analysis
- Cold stress response mechanisms
- Functional genomics
Key technical work includes:
- ATAC-seq library preparation
- RNA-seq analysis
- ChIP-seq analysis
- HiC analysis
- Bioinformatic interpretation of sequencing data
Candidate Profile
Applicants should have:
- PhD in Plant Biology or related field
- Strong expertise in chromatin biology
- Experience in sequencing data analysis
- Bioinformatics skills
- Excellent English communication skills
Experience with strawberry plants is considered advantageous.
Contract Details
- Duration: 18 months
- Full-time: 37.5 hours/week
- Application Deadline: 31 May 2026
- Start Date: 1 June 2026
Application Submission
2. Postdoc Researcher in Plant Synthetic Biology and Regeneration (Ref. 28/2026)
CRAG is also recruiting a postdoctoral researcher for the Synthetic Biology and Photosynthesis group led by Dr. Ivan Reyna-Llorens.
Project Overview
The position is part of the HYDRA Project
Harnessing Synthetic Biology for Developmental Regeneration and Adaptation
The research focuses on understanding and engineering plant regeneration using synthetic biology tools.
Research Responsibilities
The selected candidate will work on:
- Molecular cloning
- Synthetic biology workflows
- Plant transformation systems
- Gene expression analysis
- Transcriptomics
- Developmental biology studies
The work will involve Portulaca and other model plant systems.
Required Expertise
Candidates should possess:
- PhD in Molecular Biology, Plant Biology, Biotechnology, or related fields
- Strong synthetic biology background
- Experience with Golden Gate cloning, Gibson assembly, Type IIS cloning, Genetic engineering techniques
Knowledge of regeneration biology and developmental gene regulation is highly desirable.
Contract Details
- Duration: 24 months
- Full-time position
- Application Deadline: 13 June 2026
- Start Date: 1 July 2026
Why These CRAG Positions Stand Out
These CRAG postdoctoral opportunities offer a rare combination of:
- ERC-funded research
- Advanced synthetic biology
- Climate-smart plant research
- Epigenetics and regeneration biology
- International collaborations
- Strong career development opportunities
For early-career scientists aiming to build a research career in Europe, CRAG represents one of the strongest plant genomics and biotechnology research environments currently hiring internationally.
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