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 is looking for a Predoctoral Researcher.

RESEARCH DESCRIPTION

The Cancer Epigenetics Group is focused on the epigenomic, transcriptomic and epitranscriptomic characterization of diseases, as well as testing and validation of new epigenetic drugs. The team has a well-recognized experience translating the knowledge generated in the laboratory to the clinical settings. Their efforts are focused in bench-to-bedside initiatives to improve clinical management of patients.

The Predoctoral Researcher will join the team to support a project led by Dr. Gerardo Ferrer, Associate Researcher and Principal Investigator (PI) of the project, which focuses on understanding how epigenetic changes during CAR T cell culture and post-infusion affect therapy outcomes. By analyzing DNA methylation and integrating transcriptomic data, the project aims to identify molecular targets that could improve CAR T cell efficacy and reduce exhaustion.

The contract will be funded by the Deutsche José Carreras Leukämie Stiftung (DJCLS 03 R/2024 project).

MAIN RESPONSABILITIES

The work will focus on genomic and functional aspects of CART-cells and other hematologic malignancies, using techniques such as EPIC methylation arrays, RNA-seq, single-cell techniques and others. Some main tasks of the position are:

• Data preprocessing and analysis
• Data management
• Data interpretation (statistically and biologically)

WHAT WE NEED

• Master’s degree or equivalent in biomedical sciences or related.
• An excellent academic record.
• A strong interest and vocation for biomedical research and a great learning ability.
• Some expertise in molecular biology techniques and specific interest in cancer research.
• An advanced experience in bioinformatics and computational biology.
• Programming skills on R or bash and basic knowledge on Python is desired.
• Experience with HPC environments (SLURM).
• Strong collaborative and communication skills.
• Proficiency in English (spoken and written).
• Familiarity with statistical analysis.
• Strong organizational skills in data management.
• A proactive attitude, with initiative and the ability to find solutions.

WHAT WE OFFER

• One-year full-time contract, renewable up to 3 years.
• The opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research projects in molecular biology and translational research.
• Work in a mixed basic and clinical research environment at the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute.
• The stimulating environment in the Barcelona metropolitan area.
• The stimulating environment of the IJC and its scientific network.

DEADLINE

Please submit your application by May 09, 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.