RESEARCH TECHNICIAN (REF. 2025-13-P08003)

The CRM (www.crm.cat) is an independent research centre in the CERCA network since 2008, with the purpose of promoting both advanced training and research in all areas of mathematics, in collaboration with universities and other research institutions in Catalonia. CRM’s mission includes transferring knowledge based on the centre's research to society and aiming at having societal impact.

Research at CRM covers a wide spectrum of fields, from the most fundamental areas (algebra/number theory/geometry/topology, analysis and PDEs, combinatorics and dynamical systems) to applied mathematics (in the fields of biomedicine, climate change mitigation and adaptation and natural hazards).

The center is distinguished as a Maria de Maeztu Unit of Excellence by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (2020 Call) and holds the HRS4R award (Human Resources Strategy for Research; awarded by the European Commission) since 2016. The Unit hosts approximately 80 senior researchers and affiliated researchers from UPC's, UB's and UAB's Mathematics departments. Five of them are ERC Grantees.

Regarding training and exchange of knowledge, the CRM organizes 3-4 intensive research programs every year, welcoming 400 visiting researchers per year on average. Its aim is to connect the Catalan mathematics community with world-class practitioners (about 70% of the participants are international).

The Mathematical and Computational Biology group at the CRM is looking for a Research Technician to join the project AITIGsA, an interdisciplinary initiative combining biological modeling, AI, and computational virology to accelerate antiviral discovery by identifying Therapeutic Interfering Genomes (TIGs). The successful candidate will work at CRM under the supervision of Dr. Josep Sardanyés and Dr. David Romero.

This contract is envisaged to start in October 2025 and will last until END OF PROJECT.

Applications will be accepted until September 10th, 2025.

 
TASKS

❖     Development of core algorithms for simulating viral evolution, mutation tracking, and genome fragmentation.

❖     Implementation of tissue-level diffusion models on structured spatial lattices to model viral spread.

❖     Design and optimization of high-performance simulations capable of managing large-scale datasets.

❖     Integration of AI techniques with low-level C-based infrastructure.

❖     Development of a user-friendly software interface for TIGs discovery accessible to biologists and industrial partners.

❖     Support in simulations, including sensitivity analysis, robustness testing, and experiments on TIG dosage and MOI effects.

❖     Collaborate with Josep Sardanyés and David Romero to ensure smooth pipeline development, model validation, optimization, and other subtasks of the project.

REQUIREMENTS

❖     Master's degree in Mathematics, Computer Science, Bioinformatics, Physics, or a related field.

❖     Demonstrable knowledge of C language programming.

❖     Demonstrable experience with numerical simulation, algorithm development, or scientific computing.

❖     Familiarity with Unix/Linux environments and version control tools (e.g., Git).

❖     Capacity to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.

❖     Good written and verbal communication in English.

 
ASSESSABLE CONDITIONS

❖                 Analytical and problem-solving skills as well as critical thinking.

❖                 Good oral and written communication skills, as well as the ability to give presentations.

 
CONTRACT DETAILS

❖                Full-time (37,5h/week).

❖                Qualification: the candidate must have one of the MSc’s degrees required for the job.

❖                Estimated start date: October 2025

❖                Duration of contract: 18 Months

❖                Location: CRM facilities.

❖                Flexible working hours and teleworking option.

❖                Training and development opportunities.

❖                Salary set by collective agreement depending on qualifications and experience.

 
EVALUATION PROCESS AND CRITERIA

The selection process will be evaluated by Dr. Josep Sardanyés, as principal investigator of the Mathematical and Computational Biology group,  Dr. David Romero as a member of the Knowledge Transfer Unit group and another member from the research group. This process consists in:

1)     Admission of candidates: applicants must submit

●       A curriculum vitae

●       A cover letter​ 

●        Copy of the qualifications.

Send the documentation by email to rrhh@crm.cat  until September 10th, 2025, indicating the reference code of the offer. Requests coming from portals other than the CRM job offers section (and the instructions contained therein) will not be accepted. For more information, please contact rrhh@crm.cat 

2) Shortlist: assessment of the fulfilment of the minimum requirements of the offer.

3) Selection: evaluation of the shortlisted candidates by a total score according to objective criteria.

4) Final decision: If we find the right person, the resolution will be formally communicated and will be published in the CRM careers section.

The CRM has subscribed to the requirements and principles of the European Research Charter and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers. Recruitment will be carried out in accordance with the regulations of the “Llei de l'Estatut dels Treballadors”. The CRM considers the principles of equality on grounds of sex, marital status, nationality, political or religious convictions, sexual orientation, or others, as well as the universal accessibility of people with disabilities provided that they pass the selection processes and can prove their compatibility with the development of the tasks of the job. If any candidate has suggestions or complaints about the selection process, please contact us at rrhh@crm.cat.