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.

The Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute Can Ruti is looking for a Predoctoral Researcher in the Cancer Genetics group led by Dr. Montse Sanchez-Cespedes. "This contract is linked to the project RETOS245794PAZA titled SOSCLC – AECC: Small Cell Lung Cancer. From Biological Networks to Personalized Therapy, funded by the Fundación Asociación Española Contra el Cáncer (FAECC)."

RESEARCH DESCRIPTION

The group of Montse Sanchez-Cespedes is looking for a motivated graduate student to perform a PhD. Her laboratory studies the key processes that allow for tumor development, from a genetic point of view. Specifically, we use human primary tumors and cancer cell lines to perform genetic and genomic screenings to identify novel genes altered in cancer and perform functional analysis to understand their role in cancer.

The candidate will participate in a collaborative project focused on the genetic and molecular characterization of a highly aggressive form of lung cancer. Using the latest high throughput genomic and epigenomic sequencing techniques, the study aims to understand how various lineage-associated transcription factors and other epigenetic factors contribute to the development of this cancer and how this knowledge can be used to identify therapeutic vulnerabilities.

WHAT WE NEED

Eligibility criteria

• Master’s degree or equivalent in genomics, molecular biology, or epigenetics.
• An excellent academic record.
• Some expertise in molecular biology techniques and specific interest in cancer research.
• A basic knowledge of bioinformatics.
• Strong collaborative and communication skills.
• Proficiency in English (spoken and written).

Technical skills

• Experience with basic cellular and molecular biology techniques.
• Familiarity with statistical analysis is desirable.

WHAT WE OFFER

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

DEADLINE

Please submit your application by the 30th of April 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.