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 seeking a Predoctoral Researcher for our institute in the Cancer metabolism group led by Dr. Lucas Blas Pontel.

RESEARCH DESCRIPTION

The Cancer metabolism group is dedicated to understanding and exploiting the unique characteristics of cancer that could be targeted to halt the disease. We focus on the metabolic reprogramming of tumor cells, which has been recognized as a defining feature of cancer. Tumor cells often alter their metabolism to support their rapid growth and proliferation. Our research aims at identifying the mechanisms that leukemia cells use to protect themselves from genotoxic metabolites, and on exploiting these mechanisms to develop new cancer therapies and to design interventions aiming at preventing disease onset.

MAIN RESPONSABILITIES

We are seeking a highly motivated and talented PhD student to join our research team and contribute to an exciting project aimed at uncovering how leukemic cells counteract and limit the accumulation of genotoxic reactive metabolites produced by their own metabolism. The ultimate goal is to develop innovative therapeutic strategies to prevent leukemia onset, particularly in inherited disorders such as Fanconi anemia, which are characterized by early-onset myeloid malignancies.

As a PhD student in our team, you will have the unique opportunity to explore the complex interplay between cellular metabolism, genome instability, and leukemia progression. You will work closely with a multidisciplinary team of researchers, including experts in leukemia biology, cancer genetics and epigenetics, bioinformatics, and cutting-edge omics technologies.

WHAT WE NEED

• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Genuine motivation for biomedical research, with a proactive attitude, creativity, and a collaborative spirit.
• Hands-on experience with genetic manipulation techniques in leukemia cellular models.
• Familiarity with methods used to assess genome instability.
• Responsible, self-driven, and capable of working independently with a high degree of autonomy.
• Effective communication skills, particularly in English, as the role involves presenting research at international hematology conferences.
• Willingness to undertake training for in vivo (animal) experimentation.
• A Master's degree in biomedical sciences or hematological biology is strongly preferred.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Full time contract.

“The contract will be funded by MCIN/AEI /10.13039/501100011033 and European Union Next GenerationEU/ PRTR (RYC2021-032395-I project).”

• Temporary contract (1 year), extendable up to 3 years
• The opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge basic and 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 31 th, 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.