Applications are open for the CRG International PhD Programme 2027, offering researchers from around the world the opportunity to pursue a funded PhD at the Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG) in Barcelona, Spain.
The programme is open to candidates of any nationality and provides selected PhD students with an annual employment contract and competitive salary for four years, together with full health and occupational insurance coverage and inclusion in the Spanish Social Security System.
Applicants can choose up to two CRG research laboratories when submitting their applications, with projects available across genomics, computational biology, cancer research, RNA biology, epigenetics, single-cell biology, quantitative genetics, molecular biology and related fields.
The application deadline is 22 November 2026, and successful candidates are expected to begin their PhD no later than October 2027.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | CRG International PhD Programme 2027 |
| Institution | Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG) |
| Location | Barcelona, Spain |
| Level | PhD |
| Nationality | All nationalities |
| Funding | Funded PhD positions |
| Contract | Annual work contract |
| Funding Duration | 4 years |
| Salary | Competitive salary; exact amount not stated in supplied source |
| Health Coverage | Full health and occupational insurance |
| Social Security | Spanish Social Security System |
| Research Labs | Applicants can select up to 2 |
| Application Method | Online |
| Deadline | 22 November 2026 |
| Online Panel Interview | 13 January 2027 |
| Barcelona Interviews | 23–26 February 2027 |
| Latest PhD Start | October 2027 |
About the Centre for Genomic Regulation
The Centre for Genomic Regulation is a research institution based in Barcelona with international research teams working across a broad range of scientific disciplines.
CRG highlights access to first-class core technologies, seminars delivered by prominent invited researchers and training opportunities covering complementary and transferable skills.
The International PhD Programme is designed to attract talented early-career scientists interested in developing their research careers within this international environment.
What Does the CRG PhD Programme Offer?
Successful applicants receive a funded doctoral position rather than an unpaid research placement.
Selected students receive an annual work contract with a competitive salary for four years, subject to applicable national regulations.
CRG also confirms that all selected PhD students receive:
- Full health insurance coverage
- Occupational insurance coverage
- Inclusion in the Spanish Social Security System
- Access to CRG research infrastructure
- Scientific training
- Transferable-skills training
- Access to seminars and research activities
- Opportunities to work in international research teams
The source does not provide one universal salary figure, so applicants should not rely on unofficial salary estimates.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is explicitly open to candidates of any nationality.
Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements by the application deadline.
Academic Qualifications
Candidates must have obtained:
- A university bachelor’s degree; and
- A master’s degree in biomedical sciences within the European Higher Education System comprising at least 300 ECTS
or hold an equivalent university qualification that allows them to begin a PhD thesis in Spain.
Candidates who expect to obtain the required qualification by September 2027 are also eligible to apply.
Academic and Research Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate:
- An excellent academic record
- Previous research experience
- Strong commitment to scientific research
- High working knowledge of English
These requirements indicate that the programme is intended for candidates who already have substantial university-level scientific training and some previous exposure to research.
Who Is Not Eligible?
The 2027 call identifies several exclusions.
Candidates are not eligible if they:
- Were invited to interviews in previous CRG PhD calls
- Are completing their master’s degree at CRG
- Have worked at CRG for more than three months before the application deadline
Applicants should carefully assess these conditions before submitting an application.
CRG PhD Research Opportunities for 2027
The 2027 call includes multiple research laboratories covering different scientific areas.
Applicants can select a maximum of two CRG laboratories.
Sebé-Pedrós Lab
Research areas include:
- Genome regulation
- Single-cell biology
- Evolutionary genomics
- Chromatin biology
- Phylogenetics
- Transcription factors
The laboratory investigates the origin and evolution of cell-type programmes and their associated genome-regulation mechanisms.
Candidates broadly interested in evolutionary biology, genome regulation and comparative genomics are encouraged.
Velten Lab
The Velten Lab offers two PhD positions.
Research areas include:
- Computational biology
- Lineage tracing
- Population cohorts
- Ageing
- Blood
- Single-cell genomics
- Multi-omics
- Stem cells
- Technology development
PhD Position 1
The first project focuses on single-cell lineage tracing at the scale of human populations.
Candidates should have a strong background in computational biology, an interest in large population cohorts and a good understanding of molecular biology.
PhD Position 2
The second project investigates the causes of clonal expansions of blood stem cells.
Applicants should have training in biotechnology, molecular biology or a related field, a strong wet-lab track record and basic computational biology skills.
Gebauer Lab
The Gebauer Lab works across:
- RNA-binding proteins
- mRNA translation
- Proteome research
- Poly(A)
- Cancer
Its 2027 project aims to develop methods for identifying and characterising the poly(A)-tail-bound proteome and associated functional interactions in cancer cells.
The lab is seeking a highly motivated, creative and collaborative student with a background in:
- Molecular biology
- Biochemistry
- Biotechnology
- Related disciplines
Previous RNA-related research experience is desirable.
Baud Lab
Research areas include:
- Social genetic effects
- Host-microbiome interactions
- Microbiome transmission
- Quantitative genetics
- Computational biology
Applicants should have experience in quantitative genetics or another discipline with a strong emphasis on quantitative analysis of large datasets.
Useful technical skills include:
- R
- Python
- High-performance computing
- Workflow management systems such as Nextflow
Irimia Lab
The Irimia Lab offers two PhD opportunities involving areas such as:
- Single-cell genomics
- Cell-type evolution
- Evo-Devo
- Microexons
- Beta cells
- Type 2 diabetes
- RNA biology
One position targets a computational biologist interested in genomics and evolution.
The second, identified as an MSCA position, seeks a wet-lab biologist interested in alternative splicing of microexons in pancreatic beta cells in healthy and diabetes contexts.
Martí-Renom Lab
The Martí-Renom Lab investigates how DNA folds within the nucleus and how abnormal folding contributes to disease.
Its areas include:
- 3D genomics
- 4D nucleome
- Epigenetics
- Cancer
- Structural biology
- Computational biology
- Molecular biology
Candidates interested in combining experimental and computational biology may find this laboratory particularly relevant.
Höpfler Lab
The Höpfler Lab offers two PhD positions.
Its research investigates cellular protein and RNA homeostasis, including peptide-mediated RNA decay.
The project combines areas such as:
- Biochemical reconstitution
- Cell biology
- Genetics
- Sequencing
A strong molecular biology background and experience in one or more relevant areas are advantageous.
Di Croce Lab
The Di Croce Lab offers two PhD positions involving:
- Epigenetics
- Chromatin
- Polycomb
- Cancer
- Single-cell genomics
- Therapeutic vulnerabilities
Candidates with molecular biology, cell biology, genomics or computational backgrounds are sought for research into cancer mechanisms and multi-omic approaches.
Surrey Lab
The Surrey Lab works at the intersection of:
- Synthetic biology
- Biophysics
- Biochemistry
- Cell biology
- Mathematical modelling
Applicants should have master’s-level training in biochemistry, biophysics or bioengineering and an interest in understanding the physical and chemical principles underlying cellular organisation.
Valcárcel Lab
Research focuses on:
- RNA biology
- Alternative splicing
- Regulatory networks
- Deep mutagenesis
- RNA therapeutics
The project is a collaboration involving the groups of Ben Lehner and Juan Valcárcel.
The team seeks a molecular biologist interested in combining experimental and computational methods to investigate gene regulation and cancer.
Beekman Lab
The Beekman Lab studies:
- Immune cells
- Epigenetics
- Surface proteins
- Single-cell screens
- In-vitro engineering
It is seeking either an experimental or computational PhD researcher to investigate epigenetic diversity in the immune system.
The supplied call notes that the selected PhD student will begin the project at another research institute in Barcelona.
Ferrer Lab
The Ferrer Lab investigates how regulatory genomic variants affect pancreatic beta-cell networks and contribute to different forms of diabetes.
Research combines:
- Human genetics
- Regulatory genomics
- Genome editing
The ultimate objective is to understand disease mechanisms and explore approaches for restoring or regenerating insulin-producing cells.
Lin Lab
The Lin Lab works in:
- Single-cell omics
- Perturbation screening
- Human stem-cell models
- Gene regulation
- Cell engineering
- Predictive modelling
The laboratory is seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate with a quantitative background and strong interest in generative modelling of human biology for cell engineering.
Funding for the CRG International PhD Programme
Selected PhD students receive an annual work contract for four years with a competitive salary.
CRG does not provide a specific universal salary amount in the supplied 2027 call.
Funding sources include:
- Up to five fellowships funded by MICIU/AEI and FSE+
- ERC grants
- CRG core funding
- Individual laboratory funding
- Other project-based funding
Regardless of the specific funding source, the call states that selected PhD students receive full health and occupational insurance and participate in the Spanish Social Security System.
Is the CRG PhD Programme Fully Funded?
The call provides funded doctoral employment for selected candidates through a four-year work contract and competitive salary.
It is therefore appropriate to describe these as funded or paid PhD positions.
However, applicants should avoid assuming that every personal expense, tuition-related expense, relocation cost or visa expense is automatically covered unless CRG specifically confirms this for the relevant fellowship.
Documents and Information Required
The online application requests information covering:
- General personal information
- Education
- Academic transcripts
- Scholarships
- Prizes and awards
- Research experience
- Scientific interests
- Reference letters
Applicants whose academic transcripts are not in Catalan, Spanish or English must provide a translation into one of those languages.
Two Reference Letters Are Required
Applicants must nominate referees through the online application system.
The system automatically requests two reference letters from the nominated referees.
Candidates are responsible for ensuring that all required materials, including reference letters, are submitted before the deadline.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
How to Apply for the CRG International PhD Programme 2027
Applications must be submitted online.
Applications sent by email are not accepted.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Make sure your academic qualifications allow you to begin doctoral study in Spain.
Step 2: Research the Available Laboratories
Carefully study the participating CRG labs and determine which projects best match your:
- Academic background
- Research experience
- Technical skills
- Scientific interests
- Long-term career goals
Step 3: Choose Up to Two Labs
Applicants may select a maximum of two CRG laboratories.
Step 4: Register for the Application System
Candidates must register before completing the online application.
Step 5: Complete the Application
Provide all requested academic, research and personal information.
Step 6: Upload Academic Transcripts
If transcripts are not in Catalan, Spanish or English, provide an appropriate translation.
Step 7: Nominate Two Referees
Make sure your referees have enough time to submit their letters.
Step 8: Submit Everything Before the Deadline
The deadline is:
22 November 2026
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
CRG PhD Selection Process
Selection is based primarily on academic qualifications and research excellence.
Stage 1: Pre-Selection
CRG evaluates candidates based on:
- Application quality
- Reference letters
- Research interests
- Motivation
- Fit with selected laboratories
Stage 2: Online Panel Interview
Pre-selected candidates are invited to an online panel interview scheduled for:
13 January 2027
Stage 3: In-Person Interviews in Barcelona
Candidates who successfully pass the panel stage will be invited to Barcelona.
In-person interviews are scheduled for:
23–26 February 2027
CRG states that accommodation and flight tickets will be provided for candidates invited to these interviews.
Candidates should expect interviews and presentations throughout the scheduled period.
Stage 4: Offers
Successful applicants will receive offers shortly after the Barcelona interviews.
Selected candidates are expected to begin their PhD no later than October 2027.
Free Online Application Workshops
CRG is also offering online workshops to help prospective candidates prepare stronger applications.
The sessions address topics including:
- Choosing the right PhD laboratory
- Evaluating research fit
- Preparing a strong application
- Understanding the PhD application journey
The 2026 sessions listed in the call are:
1 October 2026 – 15:00 CET
21 October 2026 – 10:00 CET
12 November 2026 – 11:00 CET
Registration is required.
Application Tips
Choose Labs Strategically
Do not select laboratories simply because their research sounds interesting.
Your application should demonstrate a logical connection between your previous training and the lab’s research.
Explain Your Research Experience
CRG specifically requires previous research experience.
Describe:
- Research questions you investigated
- Methods you used
- Your individual contribution
- Technical skills developed
- Results or findings
- What you learned
Demonstrate Research Fit
Because pre-selection considers your fit with your chosen laboratories, tailor your scientific interests to the actual work being conducted by those groups.
Contact Your Referees Early
Two recommendation letters are required, and incomplete applications are rejected.
Do not wait until the final days before the deadline to contact potential referees.
Use the CRG Workshops
Candidates preparing an application before November can use the free online workshops to learn more about selecting laboratories and strengthening their applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CRG International PhD Programme 2027?
It is a competitive international doctoral recruitment programme at the Centre for Genomic Regulation in Barcelona, Spain.
Can international applicants apply?
Yes. The call is open to candidates of any nationality.
What is the deadline?
Applications close on 22 November 2026.
Is the CRG PhD Programme paid?
Yes. Selected candidates receive an annual employment contract with a competitive salary for four years.
How long does the funding last?
The funded work contract is provided for four years.
Is health insurance included?
Yes. Selected PhD students receive full health and occupational insurance coverage and are included in the Spanish Social Security System.
Is there an application fee?
The supplied call does not state an application fee. Applicants should rely on the official application portal for any final administrative requirements.
Do I need a master’s degree?
Candidates generally need a bachelor’s and master’s qualification meeting the specified requirements, or an equivalent university degree that permits entry into a PhD programme in Spain.
Applicants expecting to obtain the required qualification by September 2027 can apply.
Is previous research experience required?
Yes. Candidates must have previous research experience and demonstrate a strong commitment to scientific research.
Is English required?
Yes. Applicants need a high working knowledge of English.
How many labs can I select?
Applicants can choose a maximum of two CRG research laboratories.
When are the interviews?
Online panel interviews are scheduled for 13 January 2027.
Successful candidates then progress to in-person interviews in Barcelona from 23–26 February 2027.
Does CRG pay for the Barcelona interview trip?
The call states that flight tickets and accommodation will be provided for candidates invited to the in-person interviews.
When will successful candidates start?
Successful candidates are expected to start their PhD no later than October 2027.
Final Thoughts
The CRG International PhD Programme 2027 provides a substantial opportunity for aspiring researchers seeking a funded doctoral position in Europe.
Open to all nationalities, the programme offers selected candidates a four-year employment contract with a competitive salary, full health and occupational insurance coverage and participation in Spain’s Social Security System.
Research opportunities span fields including genomics, computational biology, single-cell biology, cancer, epigenetics, RNA biology, molecular biology, quantitative genetics, stem-cell research and multi-omics.
Candidates can apply to a maximum of two CRG laboratories, with applications closing on 22 November 2026.
The programme is particularly relevant to candidates with excellent academic records, previous research experience, strong English proficiency and the required academic qualifications for doctoral study in Spain.
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