The Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC) is a comprehensive cancer research center dedicated to conduct research and drive innovation in the epidemiological, preventive, clinical, translational, and basic aspects of leukaemia and other hematologic malignancies, with the final aim of finding a cure for these diseases. It was created in 2010, and since then has experienced an exponential growth.

The IJC is also part of the network of Excellence Research Centers of Catalonia (CERCA) and was accredited as a Severo Ochoa Center of Excellence by the Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities in 2024. Since 2018, the Institute has also been accredited by the Scientific Foundation of the Spanish Association Against Cancer (FCAECC) Additionally, IJC is one of the centers integrated into the Institut de Recerca Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP) accreditation as Accredited Health Research Institute (IIS) by the Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII).

The IJC's main headquarters is located within the Can Ruti Biomedical Campus, alongside other leading biomedical institutions, providing direct access to cutting-edge scientific and technological facilities, as well as complementary community services. The IJC has six locations integrated into reference hospitals: Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Hospital Clínic, Hospital Sant Pau, Hospital Josep Trueta, Hospital del Mar and Hospital San Joan de Déu. This facilitates close collaboration between basic and clinical researchers, fostering translational research that integrates basic science with clinical practice in clinical settings.

We are looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher for T-ALL Team/ALL Group, under the supervision of Dra. Eulàlia Genescà.

RESEARCH DESCRIPTION

Although intensive chemotherapy has been crucial for improving survival to up to 93% of T- cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) in children, the survival rates in adults are still very poor, remaining below 50%. The main cause of treatment failure, in both scenarios, is relapse. Relapsed patients have a dismal prognosis, due to the rapid progression of the recurrent course of the disease and the lack of new therapeutic options. Application of multi-omics techniques in matched-diagnosis (DX)-relapse (RE) DNA samples have identified variants at DX and RE. However, the very low frequency of some of these genetic events at diagnosis limits the possibility to use as reliable genetic marker to predict relapse. Moreover, the high heterogeneity of the limited genomic data available for this leukemia impaired to identify them. Therefore, our hypothesis is that if we increase the number of the genomic data, together with the number of cases analyzed and combine with the analysis of other non-genetic data-sets we could discover genetic and nongenetic markers that serve to identify at diagnosis those patients who will relapse. For that a team of specialists in different areas will work together, with the aim of anticipating to treatment failure and providing information of possible new therapeutic alternatives, to finally increase the outcome of these patients.

Describe and demonstrate the importance of non-coding alteration in T-ALL. The candidate will also use genetic information and gene expression data to classify adult T-ALL leukemias according genetic/clinical relevant groups; to identify signaling pathways and biomarker with clinical relevance, and to stablish genetic-phenotypic correlation to treatment response (conventional and new targeted treatments).

General skills

• A high level of motivation and enthusiasm for biomedical research and cancer.
• PhD in the area of genomics. Leukemia background, will be extra-considered.
• High level of collaborative and communicative skills.
• Good level of English speaking and writing skills (required).

Technical skills

• Knowledge in genomic data analysis (i. e. NGS, SC).
• Previous experience in RNAseq analysis (enrichment analysis; detection of fusions; differential expression analysis).
• Good performance of management in R and Phyhton language.
• Statistical knowledge will be extra considered.
• Knowledge on machine learning algorithms will be also extra considered.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Be part of a young, collaborative and international work environment with cutting-edge technologies and interdisciplinary teams of scientists, including experts in medicine, genomics and bioinformatics.
• An exciting and innovative research project.
• The stimulating environment of the Barcelona metropolitan area.
• 3 years of full-time contract.
• Incorporation in a multinational and highly collaborative lab.
• Career Development Plan

DEADLINE

Please submit your application by February, 2025.

WHO WE ARE?

What makes us different?

The mission of the Josep Carreras Institute is to conduct research and drive innovation in the epidemiological, preventive, clinical, translational, and basic aspects of leukaemia and other hematologic malignancies, with the final aim of finding a cure for these diseases.
The IJC’s vision is to be a world-class reference and excellent research multicampus that contributes to the improvement of results, and the cure of patients affected by leukemia and other malignant hemopathies, through innovation, sustainability, social responsibility, talent, and professional experience.

HR Excellence

In 2019, IJC was honored with the “Human Resources Excellence in Research Award” by the European Commission, recognizing the alignment of our human resources policies with the European Charter for Researchers and Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers. The Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R) guides research centers of excellence in implementing and upholding these standards within their policies, emphasizing training, professional development, and mobility opportunities.
The IJC’s commitment to these values and principles strengthens our internal policies and ensures that our members have the optimal conditions and environment for their professional development.
The Board of Trustees is composed of representatives of the Generalitat de Catalunya (regional government), University of Barcelona, Autonomous University of Barcelona, the City of Badalona and the Jose Carreras International Leukaemia Foundation
The Catalan government provides hard money on an annual basis. The Jose Carreras International Leukaemia Foundation provides start-up funds, project funds as well as financial support for investments.
The JCI has an international scientific advisory board served by prominent researchers from US and Europe.
The IJC has been awarded ERC and other EU grants.

The IJC is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or other legally protected characteristics.