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 3D Chromatin organization led Group by Dr. Biola Javierre at the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC) is looking for a PHD STUDENT In Training with a wet (i.e., experimentalist) or dry profile (bioinfromatician).

RESEARCH DESCRIPTION

We are currently seeking an enthusiastic PHD STUDENT In Training to be part of the multidisciplinary research team of the research line focused on the role of distal regulatory elements in gene transcription regulation and malignant transformation, led by Biola M. Javierre (IJC-IGTP). The project "Addressing leukemia as a distal-regulopathy to improve patient survival is funded by the CRIS contral el Cancer Foundation

Relapse is a major challenge in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) since 50% of the adult patients relapse and 90% of those do not overcome the disease. While the causes of relapse are not completely understood noncoding alterations, including mutations and epimutations (epi-/mutations), might play important role by altering distal regulatory elements (DREs) (e.g., enhancers, super-enhancers, silencers, and super-silencers) to ultimately triggering gene transcriptional deregulation.

In this project, we will perform a multi-omics approach to understand how noncoding changes in DNA drive the development and relapse of B-ALL, with the goal of discovering new biomarkers and treatment targets to improve patient survival. To do so, we will develop new single cell and bulk methodologies to study the 3D epigenetic landscape in primary samples and preclinical models. Collectively, this interdisciplinary project will contribute to a better understanding cancer etiopathology by unravelling molecular mechanisms underlying B-ALL development and relapse and it could enable the implementation of novel therapeutic strategies to ultimately improve patient survival.

Our group combines cutting-edge experimental and bioinformatics approaches to understand the specific 3D chromatin organization of cell differentiation and malignant transformation. Our long-term goal is to keep taking steps forwards in the fight against cancer. We will be unstoppable until we cure it.

The main research goals of our lab are:

• Defining the cell type-specific 3D chromatin organization along cell differentia-tion.
• Identifying the altered DNA topology in cancer
• Study non-coding mutations to prioritize new candidate genes and pathways relat-ed to càncer

For more information, please contract 3D Chromatin Organization Research Group's webpage (https://www.javierrelab.com/) and the IJC web page.

MAIN RESPONSABILITIES

• Actively contribute to the development of a multi-omics approach to study B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL).
• Participate in the design and execution of experiments and analysis to study alterations in distal regulatory elements (DREs), such as enhancers, super-enhancers, silencers, and super-silencers.
• Develop and apply methodologies for 3D epigenetic analysis at both single-cell and bulk levels.
• Analyze genomic and epigenomic data from primary patient samples and preclinical models.
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to identify novel biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets.
• Contribute to data interpretation, scientific writing, and the preparation of presentations for conferences.

WHAT WE NEED

General skills

• Committed scientist with a competitive scientific record and experience in epigenetics, molecular biology, biomedicine or related discipline. Both, wet and dry profiles are welcome!
• Ability to handle varying workloads and aptitude for teamwork.
• High level of collaborative and communicative skills.
• Good level of English speaking and writing skills (required). Spanish (helpful).

Technical skills

• MSc degree in: i) immunology, epigenetics, biomedicine, molecular biology, cancer biology or similar; or ii) bioinformatics or similar.

WHAT WE OFFER

• One-year training contract (temporary), followed by a four-year fully funded PhD upon successful evaluation.
• Full time contract.
• Salary will be adjusted according to the experience of the candidate.
• 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
• The opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge translational research projects in the stimulating environment of the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute.
• The stimulating environment of the Barcelona metropolitan area.
• Opportunity for professional growth in an advanced research environment.

DEADLINE

Please submit your application by July 11th, 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.