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 Can Ruti We are looking for a Laboratory Technician for the Chromatin biology laboratory led by Dr. Alejandro Vaquero.

RESEARCH DESCRIPTION

The Chromatin Biology Laboratory, led by Alex Vaquero, is internationally recognized for its expertise in studying cellular response mechanisms under stress conditions. The group's main objective is to define the role of the sirtuin family of enzymes in regulating genome stability and epigenetics in response to stress, and their impact on aging and cancer, with a specific focus on hematological malignancies. The selected candidate will participate in several projects focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms by which sirtuins regulate chromatin dynamics, transcriptional programs, and DNA repair pathways in normal and malignant hematopoietic cells. The work will involve a variety of molecular and cellular biology techniques, including cell culture, protein and nucleic acid analysis, and possibly animal experimentation. The candidate will work in close collaboration with other members of the lab and external collaborators, contributing to the generation, analysis, and interpretation of experimental data within ongoing research projects.

MAIN RESPONSABILITIES

• Provide technical support for several projects of the group related to the role of sirtuins in stress response, aging and cancer.
• Recombinant DNA techniques, cloning, qRT-PCR
• Western-blot, Immunoprecipitation, protein separation techniques, Chromatography
• Mass spectrometry sample preparation.
• Cell culture of primary and established cells
• FACS and cell cycle analysis
• ChIPseq and RNAseq preparation.
• Recombinant protein expression in bacteria and purification
• Immunofluorescence
• Oversee laboratory stock and order management.

WHAT WE NEED

• Degree in Biology, Genetics or a related field (e.g. Biomedicine, Biomedical Sciences).
• Expertise in molecular biology and protein biochemistry.
• Experience with chromatin epigenetic enzymes (such as Sirtuins) will be appreciated
• Accredited in laboratory animal experimentation
• Strong organizational, time management, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Responsible, proactive, and self-motivated attitude.
• Client- and collaborator-oriented, with strong problem-solving skills.
• Good written and spoken English.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Temporary contract (contrato de interinidad hasta cobertura de plaza indefinida)
• Full time contract.
• Incorporation in a multinational and highly collaborative team.
• International network of the Institute.
• The stimulating environment of the Barcelona metropolitan area.
• Working in the mixed basic and clinical research environment of the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute.
• The stimulating environment of the IJC and its scientific network.

DEADLINE

Please submit your application by the 22th of October 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.