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 looking for a Predoctoral Researcher for the Endothelial pathobiology and microenvironment group led by Dr. Mariona Graupera.

RESEARCH DESCRIPTION

Our research is devoted to study the biology of the endothelium and its role in disease towards the development of preclinical models and therapeutic strategies to target this compartment.

Specifically, we aim to understand the fundamental insights of vessel growth and function in development as well as to identify the pathological contexts in which the vasculature plays a critical role.

This contract is linked to the proyect 21CVD01: Brown Fat and Cardiovascular Health: Genetic Determinants and Molecular Mechanisms, financiado por Leducq Foundation (CARDIOBAT Network).

MAIN RESPONSABILITIES

The candidate will be involved in studying endothelial cells in pathological settings induced by oncogenic signaling, in analyzing scRNAseq data, performing signaling experiments and applying state-of-the art microcopy techniques.

WHAT WE NEED

• A high level of motivation and interest in biomedical research.
• Good communication skills.
• Fluent in English
• Experience on vascular biology
• Experience with scRNAseq and confocal imaging
• Experience in working with mice
• Experience isolating and culturing endothelial cells
• Experience isolating and processing mouse tissues
• Experience using confocal microscopy

WHAT WE OFFER

• Temporary contract (“Indefinido por actividades científico técnicas”) linked to the proyect 21CVD01: Brown Fat and Cardiovascular Health: Genetic Determinants and Molecular Mechanisms, financiado por Leducq Foundation (CARDIOBAT Network).
• Full time contract of 39 hours per week
• Measures to reconcile work and family life (flexible work schedule, 23 working days of vacation and 9 days for personal matters).
• Flexible remuneration program (kindergarten and other measures).
• An exciting and innovative research project.
• Working in the mixed basic and clinical research environment of the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute.
• Incorporation in a multinational and highly collaborative team.
• The stimulating environment of the Barcelona metropolitan area.

DEADLINE

Please submit your application by October 07th, 2025

WHO WE ARE?

What makes us different?

The mission of the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute is to conduct research and drive innovation in the epidemiological, preventive, clinical, translational, and basic aspects of cancer, with a special emphasis on Leukaemia and other malignant blood diseases, with the aim of finding a cure for these diseases.
The IJC’s vision is to be a world-class reference and excellent research center that contributes to the improvement of results, and the cure of patients affected by leukaemia and other malignant haemopathies, 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.