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 Chromatin, metabolism and cell fate group, led by Dr. Marcus buschbeck in our Can Ruti Campus.

RESEARCH DESCRIPTION

We, the team of Marcus Buschbeck at the headquarters of the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (Badalona, Barcelona, Spain), are looking for a motivated researcher to work on a main research line of the lab. The Buschbeck lab performs both basic and applied research. In our basic research, we aim to understand the molecular mechanism by which histone variants link epigenetic regulation to metabolism and nuclear organization. In our translational research, we mine the chromatin regulatory space for combinatorial drug targets that can improve the therapy of blood cancers.

The research assistant will complete a research project aiming at dissecting the impact of chromatin regulators on the crosstalk of bone marrow stroma with healthy and mutated hematopoietic cells which in turn frequently carry mutations in other chromatin regulators.

The contract is linked to the project ‘Epigenetic re-education of the bone marrow stroma niche as a therapeutic approach for preventing blood cancer (EPISTROMA)’ (PRYGN222668BUS). The specific tasks are related to objective 3 that are: To dissect the molecular mode of action of top validated chromatin regulators. This objective has been expanded to also include the impact of mutations in chromatin regulatory genes in hematopoietic disease cells.

For more info about the lab please check out our website: https://www.buschbecklab.org

MAIN RESPONSABILITIES

• Complete computational analyses including data integration.
• Participate in group, team and task meetings.
• Report results and methods.

WHAT WE NEED

• Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences or a related discipline.
• A high level of motivation and interest.
• High-level of collaborative and communicative skills.
• Relevant expertise in chromatin biology.
• Proven expertise in leukemia biology.
• Computational expertise in epigenomic and transcriptomic methods with bulk and single-cell resolution.
• Expertise in myeloid dysplastic syndrome research is a major plus.
• Four or more years of relevant work experience.
• Good level of English speaking and writing skills (required). Spanish (helpful).

WHAT WE OFFER

• Full time contract of 39 hours per week
• Temporary contract (“Indefinido por actividades científico técnicas”) This contract is part of the project Epigenetic re-education of the bone marrow stroma niche as a therapeutic approach for preventing blood cancer (EPISTROMA), reference PRYGN222668BUSC, funded by Fundación Científica Asociación Española Contra el Cáncer (FAECC).
• 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 November 04th, 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.