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 IJC is looking for 1 Postdoctoral Researcher for the CarrerasLeaders programme, co-funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie (MSCA) Actions of the European Commission. This is the Call 4 of the program following the successful recruitment of 15 fellows from the previous three calls. CarrerasLeaders is a world-wide unique postdoctoral programme that covers the entire spectrum of research and innovation in blood cancers and goes from understanding disease biology to the implementation of products and processes in the market and into the clinical practice through the development of global translational approach. The fellows will develop their proposals in supervision by one of the available 39 IJC Research group leaders or 8 Scientific Platforms managers.

WHAT WE NEED

• A high level of motivation and interest.
• Competitive CV with a track record of publications. At least one peer-reviewed publication (published or in press) as first author in a journal.
• PhD degree completed by the call deadline.
• Up to 7 years of postdoctoral experience (applicants must have obtained their doctoral degree less than 7 years prior to the call deadline) [1].
• Meeting the MSCA mobility criteria of not having resided or carried out their main activity in Spain for more than 12 months during the 3 years immediately before the call deadline.
• English language proficiency in speaking and writing.

[1] Exceptions to the 7-year eligibility rule will be made for documented periods of career breaks. Find all details in the Guide for Applicants.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Healthy, inspiring, and creative working environment.
• An innovative and interdisciplinary research and training programme.
• Network-wide training including annual retreats, courses, and seminars.
• Three-year contract with a competitive salary.[2] (39700 € - 41500 € gross annual)
• 3-11 months international and/or intersectoral secondments (optional but highly encouraged).
• The stimulating environment of the Barcelona metropolitan area.
• Preferential start date: By December 2025.

[2] 39700 € (gross annual) - fellows without family, 41500 € (gross annual)- fellows with family. For more information, please check the Guide for Applicants.

DEADLINE

To apply for this opportunity, please submit your application by 01/06/2025, at 23:59 Central European Time (CET).

HOW TO APPLY

Make sure you complete all the steps necessary before you submit your application.

STEP 1 - Learn about CarrerasLeaders

• Navigate through the websites and understand the aims of IJC and CarrerasLeaders.
• Carefully read the following documents that can be downloaded from the CarrerasLeaders website.
  1. Guide for Applicants.
  2. Project Proposal template.
  3. FAQs.
  4. Guide for Evaluators for more detail on how your application will be evaluated.

STEP 2 – Make sure you are eligible.

• Carefully check the Eligibility Criteria in the Guide for Applicants and make sure you comply before applying.

STEP 3 – Prepare your initial idea for a postdoctoral project and find an appropriate supervisor.

• Prepare a short summary of your proposal including any potential secondment that might be relevant to your project.
• Contact your chosen Principal Investigator of the IJC research group/s or head of the scientific platform/s of your preference. Check the Guide for Applicants to make sure they are available.
• Explain and discuss your idea. Your potential supervisor will need to support your application in order for you to submit it.
• Obtain your Supervisor Support Letter.

STEP 4 – Develop your project proposal and prepare your CV.

• Develop your Project Proposal and complete the provisional Ethics-self assessment.
• Prepare your Curriculum Vitae (CV): Make sure to include the following:
• Postdoctoral experience.
• Research experience in the field of the proposed research project.
• Scientific publications.
• Awards, grants, and other honours received.
• Contact details of 2 references.

STEP 5 - Submit your application.

• Get familiar with the Application Portal.
• Decide which are the scientific domains of your proposal (choose two domains from Annex III – List of Scientific Domains in the Guide for Applicants).
• Submit your application by clicking “Apply for this job”. You will need to complete the online form and upload the following supporting documentation:
• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• PhD certificate.
• Supervisor Support Letter.
• Project Proposal.
• Any additional documentation, such as supporting documentation to justify the request to extend the 7-year eligibility rule.

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.