Postdoc Researcher in Plant Genomics at CRAG, Spain (2026)
The Center for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG) in Barcelona, Spain, is inviting applications for a Postdoc Researcher (Ref. 37/2026) within its Plant and Animal Genomics Research Program. The position focuses on advanced genomics, population genetics, and bioinformatics research using pea genomic resources to understand crop domestication, adaptation, and stress responses.
Position Details
Position: Postdoc Researcher
Reference: 37/2026
Research Program: Plant and Animal Genomics
Research Groups: Genomics of Ancient Crops and Domestication; Rosaceae Genetics and Genomics
Location: CRAG, Spain
Publication Date: 6 August 2026
Application Deadline: 24 August 2026
Contract: 21 September 2026 – 20 June 2027
Duration: 9 months
Working Hours: 37.5 hours/week
Field: Plant Genomics, Population Genetics, Bioinformatics, Crop Science
About the Research
The successful candidate will join research groups led by Laura Botigué and Raúl Castanera, working with a recently developed pea super-pangenome generated in collaboration with the Pea Crop Wild Relative Consortium in Canada.
The genomic dataset contains extensive representation of domestic pea varieties, landraces, and crop wild relatives. The research will contribute to understanding adaptation to environmental stress, crop domestication, population history, genome evolution, and genetic diversity.
The project is part of the Horizon Europe COUSIN project — Crop Wild Relatives utilisation and conservation for sustainable agriculture, funded under Horizon Europe.
Key Responsibilities
The selected researcher will:
Analyse whole-genome sequencing data.
Investigate structural variants (SVs) and transposable element polymorphisms.
Study genetic mechanisms associated with stress adaptation, domestication, and population history.
Conduct quality-control and filtering of high- and low-coverage genome sequencing datasets.
Evaluate and implement genome phasing and imputation approaches.
Analyse transcriptomic datasets to investigate differential gene expression associated with stress.
Explore advanced population-genetic approaches, including Ancestral Recombination Graph inference.
Develop and execute the research work plan.
Select appropriate methodologies based on current scientific developments.
Participate in regular research meetings and communicate scientific progress with collaborators.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should have:
A degree in Biological Sciences, Genetics, Plant Biology, or a related discipline.
A PhD in Plant Biology or a related field.
Around 5 years of experience in whole-genome sequence analysis, particularly involving population diversity and positive selection.
Strong bioinformatics expertise.
Excellent programming skills in:
Python
Unix
R
Advanced English proficiency.
Knowledge of genome evolution and population genetics theory will be an advantage.
Skills and Competencies
CRAG is looking for a researcher with:
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent communication abilities.
Ability to provide technical guidance and training to users.
A proactive and continuous-improvement mindset.
Ability to coordinate and collaborate within multidisciplinary technical teams.
Strong independence in planning and executing research.
Contract and Salary
The position is a 9-month, full-time research contract, running from 21 September 2026 to 20 June 2027, with a working schedule of 37.5 hours per week.
Important: The vacancy information provided does not state a salary or salary range. Therefore, applicants should not assume a particular salary amount based on similar CRAG or Spanish postdoctoral positions.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted by email to CRAG:
The application deadline is 24 August 2026.
Applicants should submit:
Curriculum vitae
PhD certificate or official notification confirming the award
Motivation letter, maximum 2 pages, including:
Brief summary of work experience
Research interests
Career goals
References
Why This Position Is Interesting
This opportunity is particularly relevant for researchers working at the intersection of plant genomics, crop evolution, population genetics and computational biology.
The project also provides exposure to large-scale genomic datasets and modern analytical approaches, including structural-variant analysis, transcriptomics, phasing, imputation, and ancestral recombination graph inference.
The connection to Horizon Europe-funded research on crop wild relatives and sustainable agriculture further strengthens the position for researchers interested in crop improvement, genetic conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable agriculture.
Application Deadline
24 August 2026
Because applications are submitted directly by email, candidates should prepare the required documents in advance and ensure that the motivation letter clearly connects their previous genomic research experience with the objectives of the COUSIN project.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who can apply for this CRAG postdoctoral position?
Applicants should have a relevant degree in Biological Sciences, Genetics, Plant Biology, or a similar discipline and a PhD in Plant Biology or a related field.
2. Is a PhD required?
Yes. A PhD in Plant Biology or a similar field is listed among the requirements.
3. What research experience is required?
The vacancy asks for approximately 5 years of experience in whole-genome sequence analysis, particularly related to population diversity and positive selection.
4. Which programming languages are required?
Strong skills in Python, Unix and R are required.
5. Is bioinformatics experience required?
Yes. The advertisement explicitly states that experience in bioinformatics is a must.
6. What is the contract duration?
The contract runs from 21 September 2026 to 20 June 2027, for a total of 9 months.
7. Is this a full-time position?
Yes. The position is 37.5 hours per week.
8. What is the salary?
The supplied vacancy announcement does not provide a salary figure or salary range. Applicants should contact CRAG if they require clarification about remuneration.
9. What documents are required?
Applicants need to submit a CV, PhD certificate or official award notification, and a motivation letter of no more than two pages.
10. How should I apply?
Applications must be submitted by email to jobs@cragenomica.es.
11. What is the application deadline?
The deadline is 24 August 2026.
12. What are the main research areas?
The position covers plant genomics, population genetics, bioinformatics, crop domestication, stress adaptation, transcriptomics, genome evolution and crop wild-relative conservation.
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